• Free shipping on all orders
  • Free two years warranty extension
  • Free and easy returns

Hepper is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

3 DIY Dog Sleds To Make Today (With Pictures)

Rachel Giordano

By Rachel Giordano

Sled dog wearing booties

If you live in a cold climate, having a dog sled for your dog can be a fun activity for both of you. The winter time often diminishes outdoor activities for some dogs, but if you have a Husky or some other dog breed who loves to be out in the snow, having a dog sled can be beneficial.

For the DIYer, why not make your own instead of buying a dog sled? In this post, we’ll list four DIY dog sleds you can make yourself so you can have a fun day out in the snow with your doggie. Some plans are suitable for beginners, but some are well-suited for those with some experience. No matter your skill set, we’ve got you covered. Let’s check them out.

Divider-Dog- New

The 3 DIY Dog Sleds

1. DIY Homemade Dog Sled by Autodesk Instructables

DIY Homemade Dog Sled
Image Credit: Autodesk Instructables
Materials:
2×4 wood beam, 2×10 board, Hex head lag screw bolts, drywall screws, rubber floor mat, flathead screws, old tire, nails, wire lock pins, U & O shaped pole socket sets, electrical conduits, eye bolts and screws, washers, locking nuts, double loop chain, quick links, snap hooks/strong rope, bungee cord, wax
Tools:
Cordless drill, bit set, hammer, table saw, wrench, conduit bending tool, metal file, sawzall, heat gun or iron
Difficulty Level: Moderate

This DIY homemade dog sled kit is a multipurpose sled that can be used for you and your dog or with a friend who can pull you for added fun. A sled of this type will be pricey to purchase, but if you’re willing to tackle the project yourself, you’ll have the coolest sled on the block. This sled performs well in deep snow and is stable. It maneuvers easily through various terrains and takes up little storage space.

You’ll need quite a bit of material and tools to build this sled, but the website lays out the instructions nicely so you can follow along. This project is more geared toward the experienced DIYer, but if it looks like something you want to build but are not confident about, enlist the help of a friend.


2. DIY Dog Sled with Wheels (Wood Version)

DIY Dog Sled with Wheels (Wood Version)
Image Credit: dogtemperament
Materials:
2×4 pressure-treated lumber, framing lumber, metal L brackets, wood screws
Tools:
Drill, wood glue, PVC joints, ski boot tracks, fine grit sandpaper, wood lacquer, wood vice
Difficulty Level: Beginner

This dog sled with wheels only takes a day to assemble, but keep in mind the lacquer used for this project will take 48 to 72 hours to completely dry. What’s cool about this sled is the wheels, allowing you to use it without snow and making it quite versatile. You can use this sled for yard work that will allow your dog to participate in exercise, and the finished product looks like something you’d buy from a store.

If you’re unsure about the wood version, the builder provides a cheaper version that does not require as many materials and tools, and the materials and tools needed are probably items you already have lying around. The cheaper version will not look as fancy, but it will be more durable than the wood version. The website gives useful safety tips and valuable information so that you can make this sled safely.


3. DIY Dog Sled by National Mine School, Michigan

DIY Dog Sled
Image Credit: National Mine School, Michigan
Materials:
Back brace, brake board, brush bow, cross pieces, driving handle, foot pads, front slat cross pieces, front stanchion, inside slats, rear stanchion, runners, side rails, side slats, slat braces, wedge
Tools:
Lock nuts, runner bolt flathead, eyebolts, hinge, wood glue, nylon cord, finishing oil, varnish, wood putty, bungee cord
Difficulty Level: Advanced

Interestingly, this DIY Dog Sled was the invention of drafting students at the National Mine School in Ishpeming, MI. The students were instructed to design and manufacture a dog sled using conventional drafting techniques and computers to draw the design. The project was under the supervision of musher and dog handler Charlie Yeager. Students were instructed to track their progress in journals and write out the instructions, which are easy to understand from the website.

This sled is suitable for the beginner musher and can be used for sprint races, short-distance racing, and recreational mushing.

Divider 5

Conclusion

Building your own dog sled may be a bit involved, but if you’re willing to tackle the project, you can save money and have a nice, functional dog sled. Dog sleds are fun to have, especially if you live in a cold climate and you have a Siberian Husky or similar breed. However, you can also build a dog sled with wheels that can be used in any climate.

We hope these plans help you make the best DIY snow sled on the block. Have fun and follow the instructions to ensure your DIY dog sled is safe for use.


Featured Image Credit: Geoffrey Kuchera, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Hepper for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Related Articles

Further Reading

Vet Articles

Latest Vet Answers

The latest veterinarians' answers to questions from our database

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Hepper for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Shopping cart0
There are no products in the cart!