Insulated doghouse project photos

   / Insulated doghouse project photos #1  

sixdogs

Super Star Member
Joined
Dec 8, 2007
Messages
15,722
Location
Ohio
Tractor
Kubota M7040, Kubota MX5100, Deere 790 TLB, Farmall Super C
Here's the completed doghouse built in the cold of my barn. I brought it in the garage to paint the trim. It's for a neighbor's three beagles that I felt sorry for. I learned some things too.
I built a superinsulated sleeping compartment inside of a bigger doghouse to keep them warm in our severe winds of the flat plains I live on. It's 36" wide and 60" long with a 30" x 36" X 20" high sleeping area. I used 1 1/2 inch foam between the 1 1/2 x 2 1/2 actual dimension studs , a two by four sandwiched PT and foam base and an un-insulated area for the entry. I drilled vent holes above the sleeping compartment (attic) and a couple in the sleeping area top since the vet told me to. The dogs like it and have gone in it so, if no condensation forms inside, I'm good to go. Might have to drrill a few more holes.
I used rolled roofing and tacked and tarred the edges. This is the only way to go for a two pitch roof in the summer but shingles might have worked better in the cold. I used 3/8 T-111 type stuff on the sides. OSB inside walls. PT skids under it.
The photos show the open entry door from the tall side front. This is opposite the wind. The side door with the handles is an insulated trap door (press fit) to check on the dogs and change their bedding. The roof unit is lag bolted on but is removable to remove the superinsulated sleeping compartment top for the summer. Note here, I spent 25 years in northern Maine and understand the condensation risks of insulated buildings for animals. I hauled it over in the bucket of my JD 5520 with a strap around it.
This building is for a severe wind and cold area with no protection.
Another way to do this for lesser climates would be to build a gable type structure just big enough to hold the existing plastic doghouse you already have and just slide it in through a trap door in the gable end. Use plywood sheating for strength and I'll bet it would work and be cheaper. I spent $150.
A better way is to bring the dogs in at night and tell the wife you and the dog came as a pair. Or septuplets as in my case.
There ye be; my doghouse for my neighbor's three beagles. We are no better than the least of us. I really do feel better knowing they can take a 35 MPH cold wind with no problem.

010-3.jpg

015-1.jpg

118.jpg

120.jpg
 
Last edited:
   / Insulated doghouse project photos #2  
Nice job. Maybe you answered this in your earlier post, but wouldn't it make sense to have a flap or hinged door to keep out the wind? I'm thinking like a pet door used on house doors to let dogs and cats in and out.
 
   / Insulated doghouse project photos #4  
Very nice doghouse. So, while the dogs like it what did the neighbor say? I would think if he cares so little for the dogs that this act of kindness on your part can only be interpreted as an insult on his.
 
   / Insulated doghouse project photos
  • Thread Starter
#5  
Very nice doghouse. So, while the dogs like it what did the neighbor say? I would think if he cares so little for the dogs that this act of kindness on your part can only be interpreted as an insult on his.


I was tactful enough to make it work. He is a nice guy but is not at home 24/7 with job and all and does the best he can. He means well and the dogs have a basic level of comfort but this will keep them out of the wind. Because he travels and is depending on others to take care of them, I don't think he knows all the details of their care. But it doesn't matter anyway. I care about the dogs and they are now taken care of. Some things you just have to do.

Regarding the open door, it may be open but it is merely to an open area and another door to their insulated room. No wind is getting in except for ventilation.
 
   / Insulated doghouse project photos #6  
Maybe the neighbor can sleep in there when he is in the dog house with his wife?
 
   / Insulated doghouse project photos #7  
A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel. Proverbs 12:10
 
   / Insulated doghouse project photos #8  
That is the nicest doghouse I've ever seen. Nice work all around!
 
   / Insulated doghouse project photos #9  
Fantastic job, pride of construction is obvious.

Those animals will be very very comfortable and happy in their house.

What comes around, goes around.

You can sleep well knowing you've done a really good thing for animals that can not do it for themselves.

People like you make a mark, not all of us can say the same.

Sincerely,
Joel
 
   / Insulated doghouse project photos #10  
Very nice work. If he was my neighbour SWMBO would be on my case (and his) to do the same thing -- I'm sure that knowing the Beagles are warm is very rewarding. You are a great neighbour:)
Regards
 
   / Insulated doghouse project photos #11  
When I lived in North Dakota I built an insulated dog house similar to yours with a pet door on it. Made the roof to come off for cleaning, etc.. I also put a light bulb in it for heat when it was relly cold. 30 below zero and it would still be in the 40's in the dog house. Worked really well for me and I felt better about leaving the dog outside. He seemed to like it.

Dan
 
   / Insulated doghouse project photos
  • Thread Starter
#13  
Update on doghouse and critter comfort: the three beagles really like it. I threw some dogbones in to temp them inside but it was truly not needed. Like a duck to water. I can see one of them peek out every now and then and I think I see a smile. I may build an awning over the open door, however.

On the downside I aggravated a bicep tendon problem doing this project and need to have outpatient surgery on Wednesday to reconnect the tendons. I'm OK with it and what's done is done. I should be back to new (or old-i'm 60) before planting and this will give me time to catch up on other stuff. Maybe a list of things to do for 2009 like Eddie. I admire that.

No condensation in the doghouse and this project has taught me how to keep dogs warm and out of the wind so if anyone wants any free doghouse advice maybe I can save some effort. Just ask or PM me.
 
   / Insulated doghouse project photos #14  
Hey Dogs,

Great dog house! My two knuckle heads just plain refuse to use theirs, they would rather set at the backdoor and whine or run around in the rain. :confused:

I have a little experience in the torn bicep department. I tore both tendons 90% in my right arm at the elbow and had surgery on the 25th of September. I have full range of motion in my elbow but am still having pain, swelling and stiffness in my hand. I guess there is a bunch of nerves and stuff that go thru the incision area at the elbow and things get screwed up. Strength wise, I am at about 40% and am going the physical therapy once a week.
 
   / Insulated doghouse project photos
  • Thread Starter
#15  
Hey Dogs,


I have a little experience in the torn bicep department. I tore both tendons 90% in my right arm at the elbow and had surgery on the 25th of September. I have full range of motion in my elbow but am still having pain, swelling and stiffness in my hand. I guess there is a bunch of nerves and stuff that go thru the incision area at the elbow and things get screwed up. Strength wise, I am at about 40% and am going the physical therapy once a week.

How long do they think it will take for full recovery? How old are you? I'm 60 and more concerned because of age. I tore tendons same way as you.
 
   / Insulated doghouse project photos #16  
You must be parked on the couch like I was with my laptop right beside me. I was there for just over 3 weeks until the Doctor relented to my whining about my work backing up and let me go back to my office job with severe restrictions placed on my return. I am a planner at a power plant and was told I couldn't leave the office for a couple more weeks. That has since been lifted but still no climbing or lifting. My surgeon used the suture only method, no pins, screws or holes; less pain, but longer recovery period. I am 52. He currently has me restricted to 10 pounds of weight that I can work out with. I go back in Tuesday and expect him to increase my workout weight. From everything I have read, it will probably be 5 to 6 months before I am back to around 90%, but no guarantees. The Doctor just tells me it will take time and laughs at my inpatients.
 
   / Insulated doghouse project photos
  • Thread Starter
#17  
You must be parked on the couch like I was with my laptop right beside me. I was there for just over 3 weeks until the Doctor relented to my whining about my work backing up and let me go back to my office job with severe restrictions placed on my return. I am a planner at a power plant and was told I couldn't leave the office for a couple more weeks. That has since been lifted but still no climbing or lifting. My surgeon used the suture only method, no pins, screws or holes; less pain, but longer recovery period. I am 52. He currently has me restricted to 10 pounds of weight that I can work out with. I go back in Tuesday and expect him to increase my workout weight. From everything I have read, it will probably be 5 to 6 months before I am back to around 90%, but no guarantees. The Doctor just tells me it will take time and laughs at my inpatients.

My surgery is this coming Wednesday and I'm slightly apprehensive. I have a desk-type job so will be back in the saddle the next day, like it or not. I really can't take a day off and since I only have to talk on the phone I could do that in traction.
More important is being ready when things warm up and stuff needs doing again --around April 1st. My sweet corn needs me.
I'm going to get the drilled holes method so maybe I'll heal quicker?
Thanks for the comments--I couldn't find anyone that had this done.
 
   / Insulated doghouse project photos #18  
I am sure you will do fine. The new anesthesia and nerve block they use was great. I was giving my wife a kiss one minute and waking up in recovery the next. I didn't have any trouble with nausea. No discomfort until the block wore off (about 12 hours), but the Vicodin handled it. I was totally off pain meds in 4 days. You maybe a little more uncomfortable because of the bone work they are doing on you. Sleeping was a problem because of the cast I was in and those darn staples they use to stitch up the incision itched like crazy! Let us know how you make out. I wish you a speedy recovery!
 
   / Insulated doghouse project photos #19  
Sixdogs

I had a similar surgery (rotator cuff though) October 07. No way I could have gone back to work the next day. Maybe if it was really an emergency I could have made it back by day 3 or so. Took about 3 months to get to the point where I was happy I had the surgery and now I have about 90% strength and full movement. One reason it took so long is that I rushed the physical therapy too much. Good luck and let us know how things go.
 
   / Insulated doghouse project photos
  • Thread Starter
#20  
Sixdogs

I had a similar surgery (rotator cuff though) October 07. No way I could have gone back to work the next day. Maybe if it was really an emergency I could have made it back by day 3 or so. Took about 3 months to get to the point where I was happy I had the surgery and now I have about 90% strength and full movement. One reason it took so long is that I rushed the physical therapy too much. Good luck and let us know how things go.

Good avice here and prior post. I had planned to go to enough physical therapy to get the hang of it and then finish on my own. We live a ways away and I can save the co-pay. Good or bad idea?
Three months would work and take me up to the sweet corn window of preparation.
 

Tractor & Equipment Auctions

WINCH CABLE DRUM (A58214)
WINCH CABLE DRUM...
Poly Fuel Tank with Electric Pump (A55851)
Poly Fuel Tank...
2018 Ford Explorer AWD SUV (A59231)
2018 Ford Explorer...
2012 Freightliner M2 106 Altec TA37M 37ft Insulated Material Handling Bucket Truck (A60460)
2012 Freightliner...
2022 KOMATSU D71PXI-24 CRAWLER DOZER (A60429)
2022 KOMATSU...
UNUSED FUTURE FT-CL100C HYD CLAMP GRABBER (A52706)
UNUSED FUTURE...
 
Top