4 DIY Dog Lookout Tower Plans You Can Make Today (With Pictures)
By Jessica Kim
Updated on
While dogs may not be able to climb as cats can, many enjoy sitting on higher vantage points. Dogs are very observant animals and may prefer elevated platforms because they’re better observation points, and they can feel safer on higher ground.
Buying dog houses or dog platforms can easily cost hundreds of dollars or even thousands of dollars. Fortunately, there are several DIY options that are much more budget-friendly. Here are some weekend projects that you can work on to build a fun lookout tower that your dog will love and enjoy.
The 4 DIY Dog Lookout Tower Plans
1. Dog House with Deck
| Materials: | 2×4 plywood, 1×4 slats, insulation, paint |
| Tools: | Miter saw, jig saw, table saw, drill, Kreg pocket hole jig, nail gun |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
This DIY dog house plan comes with a slanted roof that dogs can climb up on and use as a lookout point. The dimensions for this doghouse are best suited for medium to large-sized dogs. So, if you have a smaller dog, you’ll probably want to add steps or a ramp for easier access.
The plan also comes with a food and water station and a bin to store toys. It’s an overall safe haven for your dog, and it has a cute and modern design that can blend in with any backyard layout.
2. Solar Lighted Roof Deck Dog House
| Materials: | 1×12 lumber, 2×12 lumber, 2×4 plywood, 4×4 plywood paint |
| Tools: | Drill, chop saw, table saw, drill saw, jigsaw, Kreg jig, screwdriver |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
This fun DIY dog house with a roof deck has a basic blueprint that leaves room for a lot of creativity. The original design fits a Golden Retriever, but smaller dogs can still appreciate it, or you can make quick adjustments to create a smaller version.
Just keep in mind that the staircase leading to the lookout platform is a bit long, so it’s important to clear out a big enough space in your yard to accommodate it. You can also build guardrails along the stairs and upper deck for additional safety. Once you’re done with building to structure, you can get even more creative with painting it.
3. Doggy Deck & Ramp
| Materials: | Plywood, |
| Tools: | Drill, table saw, drill saw, jigsaw |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
This doggy deck and ramp is an excellent addition to your backyard or a dog run. This particular plan places the deck and ramp next to a doggy door, but it can certainly be built to stand alone.
Once you understand the basic structure, you can make adjustments to the height and size. If you plan to make the structure taller, make sure to add a few guard rails on the deck for safety. It may also be helpful to add guard rails to the ramp.
4. Dog Playground with Platform
| Materials: | Plywood, wood screws |
| Tools: | Drill, chop saw, table saw, drill saw, jigsaw, Kreg jig |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
Your dog will love this fun playground. Once you get the basic structure built, you can add other elements to it, like hanging dog toys, or attach an enrichment area to encourage your dog to snoop for snacks.
The main body has a simple design, so you can complete this fairly quickly once you’ve measured and sawed out your plywood to the correct sizes. This lookout tower comes with a wide ramp, and you can add grip tape if you find your dog having a hard time running up and down it.
Why Do Dogs Like Lookout Towers?
Dogs can enjoy lookout towers for several reasons. First, it’s a great form of exercise for them to run up and down the ramp or stairs leading to the upper deck. Ramps can be a great way for older dogs with joint and mobility issues to exercise and get to higher places.
Some dogs have a curious nature, and a lookout tower can help them get a bird’s eye view of their surroundings. They may enjoy people-watching or looking for small animals to chase. Dogs are more sensitive to moving objects and have a wider range of vision1 than humans. So, a lookout tower can become a tool that they use to enhance what their eyes can see.
Certain dog breeds have watchdog characteristics built into their temperaments. So, they may appreciate a lookout tower to help them alert their family of any oncoming strangers or other curious or suspicious activity.
Conclusion
Lookout towers can add much enrichment and enjoyment to a dog’s life. So, if you have a dog that enjoys running around or people-watching, it doesn’t hurt to try to make a simple elevated deck and ramp.
Although lookout towers may look intimidating, you can find several easy designs for beginners. As you gain experience, you can start to add features to spruce up and personalize the lookout tower to suit your dog’s unique needs and preferences.
Featured Image Credit: Ekaterina Kuzovkova, Shutterstock
