Do you need a dog house for your new dog but can’t afford one? Do you have an outdoor storage shed? If you do, then your problem is solved. You don’t have to look for a dog house. Instead, why not convert your storage into a dog house?
Does that sound good? Then continue reading to find out how you can perform the magic. If your shed is a big one, you can partition it and use only half of it as a dog house. But if the shed is small, you can use the whole shed as a dog house.
This won’t cost you much. After discussing the steps involved in the conversion, we’ll also inform you on the precautions to take.
Why Your Shed Will Be A Good Dog House?
Storage sheds have some special features that make them good for animal house. These features have been discussed below.
1. It is Waterproof
Storage sheds are usually waterproof, so even if it rains cat and dogs, your dog will be safe inside the shed. He won’t be drenched by the rain.
2. It Is Double-walled
Most storage units are constructed with double walls. This will be a kind of insulation that will keep your dog warm in winter. You can make it even warmer by placing heat-radiating bulbs in the shed.
3. It Is Resistant To Harsh Weather Conditions
Virtually all sheds are resistant to harsh weather conditions. Whether it’s windy, stormy, or raining profusely, the shed will protect your dog and you’ll have peace of mind.
4. It Is Made Of Resin Or Plastic
Modern sheds are usually made of resin, plastic, or a combination of both of them. The advantage of these materials is that water cannot penetrate into them, so you don’t have to worry about mold growth. This is unlike wood that breeds mold once it gets wet.
This also means that modern sheds don’t rot, rust, or warp. You may never need to paint it. Isn’t this fantastic?
5. It Comes With Doors
Virtually all sheds come with either a single door or double doors. The doors will keep your dog safe from predators. And it will also confine the dog to his house. In fact, the doors can be locked.
6. It Requires Zero Maintenance
Another reason why your storage shed will make a good dog house is that it requires zero maintenance. The only money you’ll spend will be for converting the shed into a dog house.
Now, let’s get to the heart of the issue.
How To Turn Your Storage Shed Into A Dog House?
To do the conversion, you need to follow the steps below.
Step 1 – You need to empty your storage shed. You can’t put your dog inside with all the items you kept inside. It is important to evaluate every item. Some of them may no longer be useful. Discard the ones you no longer need. Also, you can sell the ones that are still sellable. After all, you need money to convert the shed into a dog house.
Step 2 – If the shed has a window, check if the window is big enough. If not, you may have to widen it or make an additional one. There must be adequate airflow. You don’t want your dog to die of suffocation.
Step 3 – To create another window, you need to determine the size of the window (length and breadth). Also, determine the spot where you want to create the window. Don’t create a window on the side that is close to the wall of another structure. If you create a window on the said side, there’ll be obstruction of air.
Step 4 – After choosing a good spot for the window, draw it with a marker. It will guide you while cutting out the window.
Step 5 – Install the window pane and make sure that the window can be opened and closed.
Step 6 – Connect a heat-radiating bulb in the house. This bulb will help to keep the kennel warm during the days of winter. If the shed is a big one, a single bulb might not be enough. So, what do you do? You can install multiple bulbs. Place them where they’ll be out of the reach of your dog.
Step 7 – Purchase a dog bed or make one and place it inside the house. You may have to fasten it in place to prevent your dog from shifting it around.
Step 8 – Get a litter box too. It should be placed in another corner.
Finally, to test it, you should go inside, close the door and stay put for some minutes. You want to find out how your dog will feel in there. If it feels cool, that’s it. And if there’s any problem, fix it before you bring your dog into it.
Precautions To Take:
This project isn’t as easy as it sounds, but it is not something you can’t handle. Ensure you take the necessary precautions.
1. Always switch off powerful tools after use. A good example is the power drill. Once you finish using it, switch it off and unplug it.
2. Don’t use any electrical tool in the rain to avoid electric shock.
3. Make sure your children and pet are locked away. You don’t want them to run into you while working.
4. Finally, if you don’t have any do-it-yourself skills, you may need to hire an expert to do the conversion. If you mess things up before hiring someone to fix the mess, it may cost you more.
Can I use a storage shed as a doghouse?
Yes, you can convert a part of your shed or the entire shed to a dog house. We have briefly summarized the steps below.
Before you start the project, you have to remove every item inside the shed first. And if there are items you might not need again, there’s no point keeping them. Discard them. If the shed already has a window, fine. But if it doesn’t have a window, you have to create one.
If your shed is close to another structure, don’t create the window in the side of the shed that faces the other structure, there may be airflow issues. Mark the window frame with a marker. This will guide you while cutting out the window.
Create the window frame and install the window. Don’t forget to install a bulb in the shed for your dog. Check if the shed is well-insulated. If not, you may want to insulate it as well. Purchase or create a dog bed and place it in one corner of the shed-turned-doghouse.
How do you insulate a metal shed for dogs?
There’re several types of materials to insulate your shed, but we prefer bubble wrap because it is inexpensive. Insulate the floor by placing some underfloor insulation on the floor of the shed. This prevents the floor from feeling cold to your dog’s feet. Insulating the floor will reduce heat loss through the floor by up to 40%.
In the alternative, you could line the floor with a breathable membrane or spread a rug on the floor. The rug helps to retain heat. Apply foam filler along the edges of the window to plug all the leaks through which warm air can escape. Do the same thing to the door frame because heat can escape through the door frame too.
That’s it. Your doghouse is ready now. If your shed is too big for a doghouse, you can partition it into two. Your outdoor gear will be in one partition, while the other will be your doghouse.
Final Word
To conclude, this idea only works if you don’t have much load in your storage shed. If your belongings are many, where will you put them? You can’t leave your valuables outside because of your dog. In this situation, you may need to get a dog house.
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