Dawson Bryant EDD student Kevin Bollinger solves doggie dilemma

In the temperate climate of southern Ohio, summer temperatures can reach into the high 90s on some days, while in the winter the mercury can drop as far as the single digits. In this diverse climate, pet owners have special needs if they keep their dogs outside fulltime. They need a shelter for their furry friends that is both warm in the winter and cool in the summer. In addition, the dog’s water supply needs protection from freezing in the winter. That is why I developed the Cozy Coop, a dog house that is fully insulated and heated for those cold winter nights, but offers a well ventilated shady retreat to beat the heat of summer. There are food and water bowls attached to the side for convenient access, and the water bowl has a heater that is tied in with the main heater in the house. The heat source consists of a thin strand of heater cable commonly used in snow melting applications. It is coiled underneath the floor of the house and is sandwiched between two pieces of plywood. The cable itself is self-regulating, eliminating the need for thermostatic controls. All electrical components have been sealed and weather proofed according to all applicable electrical codes and have been placed so that they are completely inaccessible to the dog.

Styrofoam insulation was used extensively in the walls and floor and around the water bowl, but not in the roof, so excess heat will not build up in the summer. All the insulation is covered over so the dog cannot chew it. Treated lumber and stainless steel hardware are used for their excellent resistance to corrosion. Even the food and water bowls are stainless steel. Where treated lumber was not practical, standard wood was sealed with a polyurethane coating for outdoor use. The vents under the eaves of the roof are protected from wind and rain, but still allow excess heat to escape.

This dog house is built to last a very long time, and testing confirms it will serve its purpose well. I really had a fun time with this project from conception to prototyping and testing. I especially enjoyed getting to build a prototype.

I am really glad I signed up for this course.
-- Kevin Bollinger, Dawson Bryant HS