Build a new insulated doghouse.

I thought about doing the same...I thought about using one as whelping box when pups get about 4 or 5 weeks let them go out there with the mom...a wooden door might be strong enough so the pups couldn't get out and end up stranded in the cold. Just a thought

 

Also thinking about doing this. I ran out of plywood, but I think i'll grab another peice and double up on the partition wall. Great idea on the ceiling, I may look at doing that aswell.

 

Everything is in place. I have to pick up some bedding (can't deciede between straw, or cedar chips), and run lattice around the top of the framing to prevent him from escaping. I also followed some advice and took a scrap piece of plywood and made the entrance a little smaller as you can see in one of the pictures. I picked up a truck load of pea gravel today and got the dog house up on 4x4s. I was thinking I may frame the whole bottom in 4x4s to keep up elevated and put some insulation underneath, or I may just stuff hay between the 4x4s. I'll also fasten a tarp underneath the deck to keep the place dry from rain / snowmelt.

 

Great advice, thanks. Straw it is.

 

I would put him on a chain just in case. plus it will be a little exercise for him

 

Not likely but something to think about regarding a chain. If he is a climber and he somehow gets out on the top he could hang himself by the chain. Unless it's long enough to go up one side of the wall and all the way down the other.

 

I think I'll fill the top in with lattice.

 

I have used chain link, fasteners and zip ties. Had a cpl females that would still get out

 

Real nice setup you got going on bud. Looks like you made your door opening smaller.
I would wrap the door opening with 2x4's as a bumper and maybe shorten the door height a few inches. I'm not knocking your efforts just some constructive criticism, just sharing some trial and error.
If you add a chain I would definitely add bumpers as the chain will wear out that wood pretty fast and make your house look like shit.

 

Ditto on NatureBoys post! 2x4s would be better and more aesthetic same with the lattice .. AND a chain would be deal IME. Sorry Pugly there is no way in hell he would hang himself lol unless you put him on 12ft of chain. Pound the axle in the center on the pen next to the garage(under the pipes) and give him enough length to make it inside his house n' to the gate. Eventually he is going to wanna chill on top of the house also. Your set up is great but, remember he is not some mutt you got from the neighbor.
Let me break it down a bit...lets act like Walt Disney and tell a story. Ok?
Soooo say I wanna breed my 3 legged, 5 tittied bitch to "lil one nut" and sent her to you. There is no way I would let you keep her in that pen without a chain, even with lattice on the top while being UNATTENDED . If she would end up loose or disappeared the outcome would not be good same thing goes if one nut got out. Be EXTRA responsible with this breed. It is like throwing your loaded pistol in the glove compartment with your windows down all day while you are at work. "yea sure its safe and put away...right?"

 

I'd watch that type of fencing you used too. my geachison would rip that shit right down in minutes. or break it while chewing on it. I use the same stuff to cover my privacy fence and he's ripped it off like 4 times. had to move him to a spot that didn't reach the boarder fencing. looks good though just would have me worrying because of the kind of fencing used. Yours may not be that hard of a keeper though so you never know. better safe than sorry. the chain is a good idea. I use one in my 5x15 run. just for extra assurance and piece of mind.

 

Like I posted, not a likely scenario but I know a gentleman it has happened to. Keep the chain short will work just fine. Just something to keep in mind.

 

Thanks for the advice guys. You have me seriously considering a chain.

 

I looked for something with like that. I ended up with something similar though not as heavy gauge. I think my stuff is 10-12 gauge.