Forgive my ignorance in DIY jobs , but how could I....?

Question

build a "safe room" enclosure for a small dog? I've got the demensions and an idea, but aside from the wood boards I have no idea what else I'll need and don't enjoy going into things half-retarded, so I'm asking here, where even if someone calls me an idiot I don't have to care.

What would be required in building a three-sided *open-ended rectangle, not triangle* stand on it's own type structure? 4'x5' area, 2' high. A door would need to be cut into one end, 12" tall by 9" wide. I figure that a pair of small hinges as well as a locking device would be needed for that, but I really have no idea how to get the corners together. Do you think that a fourth side is absolutely necessary? Functionally I don't think I'd need it, but would it still be structurally sound enough to put up with a bouncing puppy?

Any useful info is greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Well, you need a saw, preferably power (have a lesson so you don't hurt yourself!) and wear protective gear.
Tape measure
Nails and hammer, or screws, screwdriver and drill (hammer and nails are quicker, screws will hold better but need to be pre-drilled.)

Draw out your design, then measure out your space and determine the final size.

Cut the wood for the three sides. Cut the door before assembly. Attach a 2x2 in the 2 corners, that will strengthen your joints.

If you're talking about connecting the 4th side of the freestanding three sided rectangle to a wall, that would probably be good enough for strength, but if you want it free-standing, it won't.
If you want it three-sided and free-standing, add a floor or ceiling. That will firm it up.

Once your three sides are together, cut the door a little bigger than the opening.
Hinge it on one side and place the hook on the other.
By making it bigger, the door will always stay on the outside of the box. I would get a hook and loop, that way you can get an extra loop to lock the door in the open position.

Answer 2

the "house" I built for our back yard dog ( Bob Barker) has 3 windows (double pane) a covered porch and fan for when if gets warm in the summer and the inside is paneled with a tile floor. let your imagination be your guide. if to were a dog what would make you happy? most of the time Bob sleeps in a hole in the ground that he`s dug and I will fill back in the next day

Answer 3

Will one of these work for you......
http://www.buildeazy.com/fp_doghouse.html
http://www.mikestrong.com/doghouse/
http://www.howtodothings.com/pets-and-animals/a3259-how-to-build-a-dog-house.html
http://www.seefido.com/html/how_to_build_a_dog_house.htm