How to Build Housing For Your Dog

Understanding the Need

Amidst the self-reliance journey, homesteading allows us to become increasingly dependent on our own skills. However, this journey isn’t just about you; it also includes your loyal, four-legged companions. Building a suitable and protective housing for your dog is both a sign of your affection and a reinforcement of your durability.

In harsh weather conditions, survival can become a harsh reality. Your dog depends on you, and you may not always have control of the circumstances. Whether it’s an unexpected freeze, a fire, a pandemic or a critical disaster that hits your areas – failure to provide safe and adequate shelter for your pets can have devastating consequences. Welcome to reality – it’s better to be scared and prepared, than to regret.

Planning the Dog House

1. Examine your dog’s needs: The size, breed, and temperament of your dog play a huge role in determining the type and size of the house. For larger breeds, sufficient room is necessary; for dogs with anxiety, a snug space might be more comforting.
2. Choose the material carefully: Depending on your location, the materials used can greatly impact the longevity and effectiveness of the shelter. Wood is a common, easy-to-use material; however, if you are in an area prone to dampness, using a plastic house will be more suitable.

Building the Dog House

Once you’ve determined the right size and selected the material, it’s time to get your hands dirty. A basic dog house structure entails four walls, a slanted roof for rain runoff, and a raised floor for protection against wet ground.

• The walls should be tall enough for your dog to stand and turn comfortably.
• The roof shouldn’t just be flat but angled downward so that the rainwater can run off easily.
• The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground to prevent it from getting cold or wet during winters or rainy days.

Building your dog’s house might seem like hard work, but the safety and comfort of your furry friend is an aspect you can’t compromise on. We haven’t even gone into the scenarios where you and your dog might be bugging out from urban chaos or escaping a natural disaster. In these events, you want your dog as close and as safe as possible.

Final Thoughts

This is about survival, not just about loving your pet. In all seriousness, this is an incredibly important part of your readiness and self-reliance journey. Fear? Let it drive you toward taking action—building a safe sanctuary for your four-legged family member. Not just because they deserve it, but because when the times are hard, true preparedness and survival demand it.