Can I show you my duplex doghouse?

Yukon Mike

Yukon Mike

Well-known member
I got all excited this fall and decided to build a good doghouse. Where I grew up a stack of broken bales counted as a doghouse, but I wanted to make something more sophisticated, and maybe even practical.

This is what I got. I built it with a recessed light on one side for a heat source, with a hinged divider inside that could be pushed aside. The overhang was keep the snow out (and I thought it would look cool) and the porch was for summer lounging.

The plan was for Jenny and Sara to share it, but it is too cold for the old dog to be outside these days so Jenny has it all to herslf. Too bad she didn't have any friends or she could have a sleepover. : )

It needs a set of small moose antlers on it for a finishing touch I think.

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Mike
 
Mike:
would it be safer and more affective if you put heating coils in the floor of that penthouse? Just a thought.
wis boz
 
I see one dog has already turned in for the night since his reading light is off :)


looks good and seems to keep that funny looking white stuff off you may try to find a clear rubber peice and attch it to the top of the door letting it hang to the ground the dog can push it to go i/out and would help hold some heat inside
 
If I can ever find a heating pad from a waterbed I'll snag it for infloor heating. The light doesn't throw much heat when it is really cold, that's for sure.

Mike
 
Most people make their dog's houses too big. The dog's own body heat is the best thing..too much extra heat and I've found that the dog will sleep out in the snow or try to rip out what is causing them to overheat. Just big enough where they can get in and do the circle thing and lay down is big enough..and a wind shield for the opening..if they don't keep ripping it down. I made one once that the dog would go in..like a little hallway, then turn the corner into the bedroom..the dog loved it but would always sleep in the "hallway". It was from a plan I found and was supposed to keep the wind off the dog and the warmth in...somewhat. A piece of carpet over the opening and a bale of dry straw will keep your pup warmer than you are in the house.
 
dril some holes in the can and the heat will radiate better.....I think its an air current thing...

Its amazing how much more heat the light will create inside a can.....its a trick though to get the right size can...too small and it will get too hot...too big and it won't create as much heat as the light bulb itself....get it right though and it works like a charm, plus protects the light from breakage, plus knocks out the glare of the light...

Steve
 
Very nice!!

I agree we build them too BIG. This was my first attempt at the two room style house. The first is the entrance to the second. The dog gets to go around the corner and get out of the wind. The second room also has a lower ceiling for extra warmth. I installed windows that get plugged in the winter and screen on the summer. I insulated it and sided it in cedar. Cruiser loves it but it is too big. I am buildign a similar version but smaller to house two dogs.

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doginhouse.jpg

 
Nice looking puppy condo! The light in a can that Steve speaks of works great if sized and positioned correct. and we build them here in the flatlands like Brad with a wind break wall. One thing I'll share, DO NOT use a heat lamp!!! I about fried my poor old puppy a couple of years ago thinking I was doing a good thing. Of course now he's like Gordy and lays with me on the sofa in front of the fireplace when the mercury is getting thick.

Take care.

Ed L.
 
I wish I had a photo of the doghouse my grandfather made for his dogs.

It had a 6'x12' main room and cedar stained shingles to match their home. It also had a scaled screened porch with hinged windows to seal out drafts in the winter. There was an attached run 20' x 30' with a tree for shade.

It was awesome, even five years ago when we finally had to tear it down because of termites.

Good job.

Regards,

Bob
 
Mike - get some moose antlers on that dog house! maybe even get a little festive and put a stringer of Christmas lights up 'eh? That would hit the spot.

though nice "shed" for the pup mike.

nick
 
Holy crap Bob, you could have rented that out! I would have loved to have seen a picture of that.

Nick, call me if you guys are passing through this way at Christmas Break - 867.633.2945

Mike
 
The 2 things I would add is an entry way to the front with a 90 degree turn to it . This would give more protection from the wind and a covering of some sort as has been mantioned over the entry way. I made mine so I can take it off in the summer when its hot and allow more air circulation. I insulated mine with styrofoam sheets and then fill it with marsh grass . I like the idea of the moose rack on front. When are the xmas lights and wreath going up ?

have a great season,

Dave B
 
Mike...instead of a set of moose antlers how one of your badass GBH's standing at the peak and ready to strike any small mammals like squirrel and chipmunk(ermine and lemming in your case)that may want to visit the "TAJ".

Also, how about taking strips of tanned caribou and muskox hide and piling it in there. It'd be like the cheesy 70's porn dog house in there. SWEET! Straw is so mundane.
 
You are right. I'll have to pimp it out at least for a picture. Maybe we could have a contest?

"Pimp My Doghouse While You Were Out."

Mike
 
That would probably sell very well in this day and age Mike . . . I'd say do it. ha ha!

I think for Christmas the guys and I are going to be flying back. mainly because the Alaska hwy is not a smooth driving in the Winter. Plus it takes longer. take care Mike,
-Nick
 
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