Dog box dimensions

[Sagecreek]

I've got two running walker pups. I'm not sure exactly how big they're going to get so I'd been holding off on building a box. The weather is starting to change though and I need to get started. Just wondering about what the dimensions should be. I'm planning to have a divder down the middle and it's going on a full size flat bed. I've been looking at the boxes people have posted on here, and have some ideas (thanks) just need to know how big to make it, mostly the height. Thanks.

[rigit]

im biulding one now that is 23" in hight and i think thats pretty good if you dont want head holes my bear box is roughly 26" hope this helps

[Sagecreek]

What is a good size for head holes? I've seen some boxes with holes big enough dogs can put there heads through and others where maybe only a nose can poke out.

[rigit]

3" nose 6" head

[Sagecreek]

Thanks, I'm planning to start building this weekend. I appreciate the advice.

[Sagecreek]

Just started my box.... It'll be interesting since I don't know exactly what I want in a box yet. Hopefully it will turn out.

[Sagecreek]

My box is going to have two separate compartments. Is 24" x 48" big enough for each compartment?

[outlaw13]

what materials are you using to build your box?

[outlaw13]

My box is going to have two separate compartments. Is 24" x 48" big enough for each compartment?

That is easlly big enough to hold 2 dogs on each side.

[Sagecreek]

I'm building the box out of wood. I'm using 2x2s for the frame and 1/2'' plywood on the floors and side. I was thinking about using 3/4" plywood for the top, so that I can rig dogs. I'm also putting a 1' x 4' storage compartment. The biggest downside I can see so far is the weight. It's going to be pretty heavy. I should be able to leave it on the truck most of the time though.

[larry]

do yourself a favor and band the floor with 2x2's and put two hinges on the back with small binder latches on the sides and front, i put weather stripping where the floor meets the box walls, nut probably didn't need to. makes it real easy to open the bottom and dump the straw, be careful with the 6" head holes, you definately wouldn't wantto trace the outside of a piece of 6" pvc for the holes, start smaller, try it with dogs and work up if you have too. seen alot of guys cut em to big thinkin they would be too small. This box is 48"x48"x27"tall. fits snug between wheel wells of full size dodge. one door with divider in the middle that is on hinges to swing depending on which side i'm loading or unloading. floor and bottom are rhino lined, side vents are pretty cheap, FRP board over the 1/2 plywood, and aluminum angle to trim it. I spent alot of time on it but it still looks new after 3 years of service. Sorry, these arethe only pics I have of it, they don't help you much, but if you're interested in going all out, i can get you some more detailed pics in a day or two.

[Sagecreek]

Just about done with my box, I'll post pictures if I can figure out how, but I was wondering if I should paint the inside. I painted the floor and will put several coats on the outside but wasn't sure about the inside. Thanks.

[CatCrazed]

Every drop of paint you apply will help the wood last longer. It will get wet inside. I did a fold down door on each side but I hate that cause all the wood chips fly out. I herd that the metal coffee cans make for good holes. I've also seen a box that had sliders that go foward/back to close the holes off. Btw my 1st box was 48"x48 and thats huge like 6-8 dogs.

[mondomuttruner]

Sagecreek, Wood needs to breathe, I wouldn't recommend painting the inside, let it breathe.
I use 1/4 inch subfloor(4 ply) for the front and sides, really cuts down on the weight and holds up to moisture well. Spend the extra money and build it out of treated 1/2 inch plywood, you wouldn't be disappointed. I have a ten year old box that is in just as good as shape as the day it was built, always stored indoors though.