This project was built and designed by Anthony from Wood Pack DIY, with help from his trusty assistant, Bob Barker. It’s a stylish and practical indoor dog house that blends into the home decor while giving your pup a private retreat to relax in.
Anthony set out to replace a basic wire crate with something more thoughtful—a structure that would match the room’s built-in furniture and provide comfort, personality, and durability. With careful planning and a few finishing details, the result is a custom dog condo that’s both beautiful and functional.
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Why This Project Matters
The inspiration for this build came from Bob Barker himself. He needed a comfy spot to nap in Anthony’s wife’s office, but the existing crate wasn’t cutting it anymore.
Anthony wanted to create something that didn’t just serve a purpose but also looked right at home beside desks, cabinets, and other furniture. The result had to be clean, modern, and comfortable—essentially, a dog house that felt like part of the room.
Planning the Design
The goal was to make the house spacious enough for Bob to stretch out while keeping the footprint small enough to fit under a desk or against a wall. Matching the trim and finish of the room’s furniture was a key consideration.
Anthony opted for a box-style layout made from plywood, trimmed in white oak to give it an upscale look. The design also included thoughtful features like a side window, a privacy screen, and personal touches to make it feel like Bob’s own space.
Constructing the Frame
The build began by assembling the plywood shell. Panels were cut for the base, sides, back, and top, with care taken to align and square everything before fastening.
Anthony glued and screwed the top in place, keeping the fasteners hidden and filling screw holes with epoxy putty later for a seamless finish. This gave the house a clean, furniture-grade look from all angles.
A small window was added to the side panel to let in light and provide ventilation. Using a track saw and jigsaw combo, Anthony carefully cut the opening, smoothing rough edges with a chisel for a tidy appearance.
Adding Trim and Detail
White oak was chosen for the trim to match nearby furniture. The trim was cut and assembled using pocket holes for secure attachment, and each piece was glued and clamped flush to the plywood frame.
Instead of mitered corners, Anthony used clean butt joints, which fit the modern look of the piece and simplified the assembly process. A round-over bit was used to soften the edges, making the dog house safer and more comfortable for Bob to move in and out of.
Designing the Privacy Screen
One of the most unique features of this project is the privacy screen. Anthony combined white oak and walnut to create a zigzag pattern that looks great and offers partial coverage.
Each piece was cut to size and spaced evenly using scrap wood spacers during glue-up. The result was a geometric accent that provided both visual interest and a cozy interior feel for Bob.
Painting and Final Finish
The main structure was primed and painted using a cabinet-grade white paint. This tied the piece into the existing decor and gave it a clean, finished appearance.
Once dry, trim was added around the window to give it definition and a more polished look. The edges were softened again before the final sanding and protective finish.
Rubio Monocoat was used for the oak trim and screen, providing durability and a subtle sheen that doesn’t overpower the natural grain. Small feet were added to lift the house slightly off the floor, helping it sit better on carpet and giving it a subtle furniture-like presence.
Personal Touches and Details
To give the house some personality, Anthony added printed photos inside. Using double-sided tape, he hung small images to make the space feel like Bob’s own corner of the world.
Bob Barker gave his stamp of approval almost immediately. As soon as the house was finished, he settled in for a nap—proof that the build was a success.
A Stylish Home for a Happy Dog
This dog house is a great example of how thoughtful design and a few simple tools can create something special. It’s not just a shelter—it’s part of the home, made with care and purpose.
Whether you’re looking to replace an old crate or want to build something custom for your pup, this project is a fun and rewarding way to upgrade your pet’s space. With clean lines, solid construction, and a cozy vibe, it’s a win for both pets and owners.
Please support Anthony (and Bob Barker) by visiting their website (he sells awesome plans): https://www.woodpackdiy.com/.