Build a DIY Kennel or Dog House
Build a small DIY dog house using cardboard or lightweight wood with adult help, measure, assemble, and decorate to create a cozy pet shelter.
Step-by-step guide to build a DIY kennel or dog house
Step 1
Gather all the Materials Needed and bring them to a clear workspace.
Step 2
Measure your pet from nose to tail and measure shoulder height and width with the measuring tape and write the numbers down.
Step 3
Choose a simple box style design and draw a plan on paper showing the base walls and slanted or flat roof with the measurements you wrote.
Step 4
Use your pencil to mark the panel outlines on your chosen material for the base two side walls front and back and roof on the material you chose.
Step 5
Cut out the marked panels from the material using your cutting tool or saw with an adult helping you.
Step 6
Smooth any rough or sharp edges on each panel with sandpaper or cover them with tape.
Step 7
Cut a doorway in the front panel that is about two thirds of your pet’s shoulder height and wide enough for them to walk through.
Step 8
Glue or tape the base panel down and attach the two side panels to the base so they stand upright with the adult helping hold pieces as the glue sets.
Step 9
Attach the front panel to the sides and base so the house is enclosed on three sides.
Step 10
Secure the roof piece on top so it fits snugly and can be lifted off for cleaning if you want a removable roof.
Step 11
Decorate the outside of the dog house using colouring materials and let any paint or glue dry fully.
Step 12
Add scrap fabric or a small pillow inside to make a cozy bed for your pet.
Step 13
Take a photo of your finished dog house and share your creation on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have the 'chosen material' or a saw?
If you don't have plywood or a saw, use a large corrugated cardboard box as the 'chosen material', cut the panel outlines with a utility knife when you 'mark the panel outlines', and reinforce edges with duct tape after 'smoothing any rough or sharp edges'.
What should we do if the side panels won't stay upright when attaching them to the base?
If the two side panels won't stand upright when you 'attach the two side panels to the base', have an adult hold or clamp them, apply stronger glue or hot glue, and add small corner braces from scrap wood or extra cardboard to stabilize the joints while the glue sets.
How can we adapt this activity for different age groups?
For younger kids, have an adult pre-cut the panels after you 'measure your pet' and 'draw a plan' so they can focus on 'decorating the outside' and stuffing the 'small pillow', while older children can 'mark the panel outlines', safely use a saw to 'cut out the marked panels', and assemble the roof themselves.
How can we enhance or personalize the finished dog house?
To improve the outcome, paint the 'outside of the dog house' with pet-safe outdoor paint, add small hinges when you 'secure the roof piece' to make a hinged roof for cleaning, and sew a removable cover for the 'small pillow' bed.
Watch videos on how to build a DIY kennel or dog house
How to Build a Dog Kennel with Pallet Wood★DIY Wooden Pallet Dog House★Making a Warm Paling DogHouse
4 Videos
How to Build a Dog Kennel with Pallet Wood★DIY Wooden Pallet Dog House★Making a Warm Paling DogHouse
Dog house build from free pallets in 5 minutes!
A Simple DIY Dog House Build - Wood Plank Style Dog House🛠
How to Build a DIY Dog House | The Home Depot
Facts about woodworking for kids
♻️ Cardboard is an excellent upcycling material — layered and sealed it can be a light, insulated temporary shelter with adult help.
📏 A good rule of thumb: make the floor about 1.5× your dog's length so they can turn around comfortably.
🐶 Many dogs love small, den-like spaces — a cozy doghouse can make a pup feel safe and reduce stress.
🛠️ Raising the floor a few inches and adding a sloped roof helps keep the shelter dry and longer-lasting.
🏆 Snoopy's red doghouse is legendary — in Peanuts it magically contains everything from a library to a World War I flying ace!
How do I build a small DIY dog house with my child?
What materials do I need to make a child-friendly DIY kennel?
What ages is building a DIY dog house suitable for?
What safety tips should I follow when making a dog house with kids?
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