DIY Network

Padded Doghouse From "Barkitecture" episode DBAR-210

The Barkitecture team works to create a comfortable, safe structure for an epileptic dog.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Materials:

3/4" plywood
luon (lightweight flexible plywood)
hook and loop fastener
vinyl interior pads
1"x2" cedar posts
1/2" plywood (2) 4'x8' sheets
galvanized steel
water-resistant stain
paint brushes
screws
screwdriver
drill and bits
circular saw
4' straight edge
pencil
compass
wood glue
staple gun

Padded Doghouse Construction

1. Start by cutting the 3/4" plywood for the floor, using a circular saw (figure A). Use a straight edge to measure points for the curved corners, and then use a "magic string" (or compass) to draw the curve (figure B). After cutting with the jigsaw (figure C), the subfloor should have a 14" radius, and the upper floor should measure a 13" radius. Use the same method to measure and cut the top of the house, matching the 13" radius of the upper floor. The drop, or leftover piece of wood from the top piece, should be saved for use later. Affix the upper floor onto the subfloor using wood glue and screws (figure D).

2. Using a jigsaw, cut a door out of the luon (flexible plywood) on one end of the pieces (figure E). Cut both pieces at the same time to assure accuracy when you line them up. To attach the luon walls, glue and nail the first layer to the edge of the top floor and to the outside edge of the top of the house. Then, put a bead of glue on the outside of the first layer of luon and attach the second layer with nails (figure F).

Figure D

Figure E

Figure F

3. Now it is time to attach the 1"x2" wood posts to the outside of the walls...one on each of the flat sides, one on each side of the doorway, and one on each curved corner (figure G). Drill pilot holes in the posts before attaching to prevent splitting. Attach with wood glue and wood screws.

4. Next, add the padded lining to the inside of the house, first you'll use hook and loop fasteners to attach the padding. Use a staple gun to attach one side of the hook and loop fastener to the interior of the doghouse. Use the adhesive backing to attach the corresponding side of the fastener to the vinyl pads, and then attach the pads to the walls (figure H).

5. Install dog door according to manufacturer's instructions (figure I).

Figure G

Figure H

Figure I

6. Mark and cut plywood at 56"x46" to be the base of the roof. Attach the drop piece from the top (that you saved from step 1) in the center of the roof piece, to use as a guide...this will act as a locator for the roof. Attach three half-moon support pieces on end, using wood glue and wood screws from the bottom of the roof up into the bottoms of the half moons (figure J). Then use self-tapping screws to attach the galvanized steel roof to the tops of the half-moon pieces (figure K).

7. Install a floor pad and stain the outside of the house with weatherproof sealant to complete the project (figure L).

Figure J

Figure K

Figure L

RESOURCES :

Young-Williams Animal Center
Website: www.knoxpets.org

The American Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
Website: www.aspca.org

Petfinder.com
Website: www.petfinder.com