Dog Box Ideas...

petrey10 · Post by **petrey10** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 7:06 pm

I am looking to build me a two hole dog box. I just don't have 500-700 to spend on a nice diamond plated box right now (in college) so I thought I would go get some 5/8'' OBS and some polyurethane (coat the inside and outside about 4 or 5 times). I was hoping someone on here could give me some ideas on what dimensions to use ( how wide for each hole, how depth, and how tall to make each hole).THe max is 4ft wide combined because thats all my tundra will allow. I also want to put a storage area on top. What are some handy things to allow for up there. These are the ideas I have came up with so far but don't know what those 1000 dollar boxes have in them to make them that much of a demand. I run English Pointers so I want the box to be as warm as possible without having to use electricity. What do you guys use for the bedding? Straw? SHavings? Blankets?

SwitchGrassWPG · Post by **SwitchGrassWPG** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 6:09 am

Take a trip to your nearest Bass Pro or Cabela's and measure the boxes they have for sale for dimensions. Or look at boxes online; most manufacturers give the dimensions.

Another option is look at an Owens do it yourself box. All you add is the plywood.

You can look on http://www.gundogsonline.com/ for used boxes.

I personal wouldn't use OSB for something that will be exposed to the elements. Marine grade plywood would work best. Plywood would work best due to its rigidity as well.

Once you buy all the materials (wood, screws, hinges, latches, vents, etc.) you'll be surprised at the amount you spent. I know from experience...

Hope this helps

jkoehler · Post by **jkoehler** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 7:22 am

I second heading to Cabelas and checking out their boxes, however you will find that those are pretty tight fit for a dog, but you can always adjust your size. You can use plywood, my buddy has had his for 15 years and there is no sign of wear, the only thing he did was paint it. The box I made last year I coated with resign that you use with figer glass. Coat the outside of that baby with the resign and then put your paint on and it and that box will last forever.

petrey10 · Post by **petrey10** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 7:37 am

I will be painting it now instead. I found an implement paint that is a pretty close match to my truck color. The store was completely out of 5/8'' can you believe that? And then the cashier rang up the sheet as something that was 5.19 per 4' x 8' sheet. So I guess I kinda got a discount. Now does anyone have any ideas for the upper storage unit? WOuld a Lower storage unit be better?

Ruffshooter · Post by **Ruffshooter** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 9:03 am

When you build the box I think it is wise to have the boxes only a couple inches over the dogs height at the withers. If you are no higher than 20" inside that is pleanty. I actually make them a little lower. ( this forces the dog to lay down which is safer on trips.) The inside width of each bay can be around 20" to 22"and be comfortable and allow for some air flow.

You can use expanded metal for the vent openings in the doors, made of plywood, and as the seperation between the bays. I put it up to 8" to 10" to help hold in the bedding. You can use house hold round louvers for your stationary open vents. 2" to 3" On the doors you could make a secondary outer door that will open independently of the primary doors so you could give more venting or close up tight for cold nights. The side vents can have a hinged or sliding plywood panel of 1/4" for adjustable venting.

I like the top load storage. It is easier to make water proof and it will add a layer of insulation from heat.

I would use advantec sheathing as it holds up to weather and moisture far better than any other plywood including marine grade. It is price about the same as PTS . I would also paint it gloss white to minimize the external heat gain. The inside should be painted or sealed to minimize moisture absortion and reduce the chance of mildew in the bays and aid in ease of cleaning.

Have fun building.

petrey10 · Post by **petrey10** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 3:33 pm

thanks those are some great ideas...I will be building next week so please any more helpful tips KEEP THEM COMING... thanks

SwitchGrassWPG · Post by **SwitchGrassWPG** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 6:06 pm

The one I built has top storage; just a little deeper than a box of shotgun shells.

For interior insulation, you could use corrugated plastic glued to the walls. Unless your dog tears those kinds of things up...

Jay

Pleasant Ridge · Post by **Pleasant Ridge** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 6:11 pm

I have been the route you are talking about.. you will end up with more money in the box than you expect. You should be able to find a good used box for $200.00 to $400.00... Also I use shavings with news paper ribbons for bedding..

Birdhunter1 · Post by **Birdhunter1** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 7:34 pm

You could also go to a farm supply store and get 2 empty 55 gallon plastic barrels, attach them together and put a door on them and you've got a cheap, light two dog box.

Lab Man · Post by **Lab Man** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 1:40 am

I am an Owens Dealer. They have a Do It Yourself two stall dog box. You have to get some supplies but you can put it together. If you want any prices or more information e-mail me at mark@coonriverkennels.com Good luck

Pleasant Ridge · Post by **Pleasant Ridge** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 9:53 am

Birdhunter1 wrote:You could also go to a farm supply store and get 2 empty 55 gallon plastic barrels, attach them together and put a door on them and you've got a cheap, light two dog box.

You can find 30 gallon barrels as well.. I think if you look on the rolling red priaie kennel website they have instructions on how to build one.. The Drums generally cost about $5.00 to $10.00 a piece..

cancrkkennels · Post by **cancrkkennels** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 9:01 pm

2 sheets of ply wood makes 1 4x4 dog box 24 inches tall might need more for a divider I had the same ply wood box for 5 years then i gave it away when i got my diamond plate one i used 3/4 inch