Build a DIY Kennel or Dog House
Build a small DIY dog house using cardboard or lightweight wood with adult help, measure, assemble, and decorate to create a cozy pet shelter.
About this activity
Build a small DIY dog house using cardboard or lightweight wood with adult help, measure, assemble, and decorate to create a cozy pet shelter.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather all the Materials Needed and bring them to a clear workspace.
- 2
Step 2
Measure your pet from nose to tail and measure shoulder height and width with the measuring tape and write the numbers down.
- 3
Step 3
Choose a simple box style design and draw a plan on paper showing the base walls and slanted or flat roof with the measurements you wrote.
- 4
Step 4
Use your pencil to mark the panel outlines on your chosen material for the base two side walls front and back and roof on the material you chose.
- 5
Step 5
Cut out the marked panels from the material using your cutting tool or saw with an adult helping you.
- 6
Step 6
Smooth any rough or sharp edges on each panel with sandpaper or cover them with tape.
- 7
Step 7
Cut a doorway in the front panel that is about two thirds of your pet’s shoulder height and wide enough for them to walk through.
- 8
Step 8
Glue or tape the base panel down and attach the two side panels to the base so they stand upright with the adult helping hold pieces as the glue sets.
- 9
Step 9
Attach the front panel to the sides and base so the house is enclosed on three sides.
- 10
Step 10
Secure the roof piece on top so it fits snugly and can be lifted off for cleaning if you want a removable roof.
- 11
Step 11
Decorate the outside of the dog house using colouring materials and let any paint or glue dry fully.
- 12
Step 12
Add scrap fabric or a small pillow inside to make a cozy bed for your pet.
- 13
Step 13
Take a photo of your finished dog house and share your creation on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I build a small DIY dog house with my child?
Start by sketching a simple plan and measuring your dog to size. Cut cardboard or lightweight wood panels for floor, walls and slanted roof—adult handles saws or sharp blades. Assemble pieces with glue, screws or tape, ensuring stable joints and a raised base. Add an entrance cutout, sand rough edges, then paint and decorate. Finish with washable bedding and a waterproof sealant. Always supervise and double-check dimensions for your pet’s comfort.
What materials do I need to make a child-friendly DIY kennel?
Gather cardboard or thin plywood, measuring tape, pencil and straightedge, and scissors or a handsaw (adult use only). Use hot glue, wood glue or screws, plus sandpaper for smoothing. Add paint, non-toxic sealant, paintbrushes, and fabric or a small cushion for bedding. Optional: hinges for a roof, waterproof tape, and decorative stickers. Keep small parts away from young children and choose pet-safe, non-toxic finishes.
What ages is building a DIY dog house suitable for?
This activity suits a broad range: toddlers (2–5) can help decorate and stuff bedding; children 6–9 can measure, hold pieces, and assist with assembly under close adult supervision; ages 10+ can take on cutting, measuring and fastening with adult guidance. Any tool use (saws, hot glue guns, drills) should be handled by an adult or closely supervised older child to keep everyone safe.
What safety tips should I follow when making a dog house with kids?
Prioritize non-toxic paints and sealants, smooth or sand all rough edges, and ensure stable construction with a sealed, slightly elevated floor to prevent dampness. Keep tools like box cutters, saws and hot glue guns for adults only. Avoid small detachable parts that pets could swallow. Make the entrance sized to your pet, provide ventilation, and test the finished house for stability and comfort before regular use.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have the 'chosen material' or a saw?
If you don't have plywood or a saw, use a large corrugated cardboard box as the 'chosen material', cut the panel outlines with a utility knife when you 'mark the panel outlines', and reinforce edges with duct tape after 'smoothing any rough or sharp edges'.
What should we do if the side panels won't stay upright when attaching them to the base?
If the two side panels won't stand upright when you 'attach the two side panels to the base', have an adult hold or clamp them, apply stronger glue or hot glue, and add small corner braces from scrap wood or extra cardboard to stabilize the joints while the glue sets.
How can we adapt this activity for different age groups?
For younger kids, have an adult pre-cut the panels after you 'measure your pet' and 'draw a plan' so they can focus on 'decorating the outside' and stuffing the 'small pillow', while older children can 'mark the panel outlines', safely use a saw to 'cut out the marked panels', and assemble the roof themselves.
How can we enhance or personalize the finished dog house?
To improve the outcome, paint the 'outside of the dog house' with pet-safe outdoor paint, add small hinges when you 'secure the roof piece' to make a hinged roof for cleaning, and sew a removable cover for the 'small pillow' bed.