Dear Pat: Our dog spends much of his time in the backyard, even when it is very hot or cold. I think I should build a doghouse for him. What is the best basic construction method for a doghouse? — Natalie M.

Dear Natalie: Some pets do enjoy being outdoors, but they do not have the good sense to know when they are getting too cold, too hot or to wet from the rain. Building a doghouse seems like a good idea for him, and it can be a fun family project.

First, visit some pet stores to scout their doghouses. They should have guidelines as to the size of the doghouse and the door relative to the size of your dog. Building one extra-large is not a problem during the summer, but during winter, it might not keep your dog warm enough because his body heat will have to warm up a larger volume of air.

Unless your dog is extremely large, you should be able to build much of the doghouse indoors and complete the final detail work outdoors. Make sure to measure your doorway dimensions so you can fit the doghouse through the door. With a roof overhang and some trim, it can end up being larger than you expect.

Use standard lumber for the majority of the doghouse and pressure-treated lumber for the feet. Residential pressure-treated lumber is supposed to be the same, but I would not want my dog to be on it for an extended period of time. If your dog is a chewer, make galvanized-steel feet instead.

The basic structure of a doghouse is similar to your own house. It will have lumber framing covered by siding or plywood and a pitched roof. If you pitch the roof high enough, it will prevent your dog from sleeping on it. A highly pitched roof also looks better and minimizes the possibility of leaks when it rains.

If you think your dog would like to sleep on the roof, as some dogs do, make a flat roof with just a slight slope. A shingled roof can get quite hot during the summer, so use exterior-grade plywood for the sloped roof and leave a generous overhang for the sides. Paint the roof white to keep it cooler in the sun. White will absorb the least amount of the sun's heat.

Make the framing for the floor using 2-by-4 or 2-by-2 lumber, depending upon the size of your dog. Use exterior-grade plywood for the floor and size it to fit flush with the floor framing. Drill some quarter-inch vent and drain holes in the plywood floor.

Use 2-by-2 lumber and thin plywood to make the vertical side panels. The plywood should extend downward past the side framing so it covers the sides of the floor framing. This makes a nicer appearance and increases the strength of the entire structure.

Use screws to attach the roof sheathing to the side framing so you can remove the roof if needed in the future. Drill vent holes near the top of the vertical sides.

Take a clear plastic shower curtain and staple two layers of it only at the top above the door. Using scissors, cut the curtain into narrow, vertical strips. This will help block winter breezes from blowing into the door.

Send your questions to Here's How, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com. To find out more about Pat Logan and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.