Chewy Box Craft: DIY Shark Dog House

Sharks are majestic, beautiful creatures—and powerful predators. While it’s best to admire them from a safe distance in the wild, there’s one friendly, finned friend you and your pup can snuggle up to: a handmade shark-shaped dog house!

A cheerful golden retriever peeking out of a playful, handcrafted shark-shaped dog house made from cardboard boxes

This clever project transforms two FurPetVo shipping boxes into a cozy, eye-catching hangout for your dog. It looks impressive—but with our clear, step-by-step instructions, it’s surprisingly simple to build. No special tools or crafting experience required!

What You’ll Need

  • 2 FurPetVo boxes (standard shipping size)
  • Packing tape
  • Box cutter (with safety guard recommended)
  • Hot glue gun and glue sticks
  • White craft marker (or waterproof paint pen)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the main box: Cut off the short flaps from both the top and bottom of your primary FurPetVo box. Set those flaps aside—you’ll use them later for fins and details.

2. Seal and shape: Tape the top of the box shut securely. Then, on one of the shorter sides, cut out a large rectangular opening to serve as the shark’s mouth. Leave about a 3-inch strip at the top edge and a 1-inch strip at the bottom—cut straight along the side edges to keep clean lines.

Close-up of hands cutting a rectangular mouth opening into a cardboard box, showing proper spacing and clean edges

3. Add side openings: On each long side of the box, cut a triangular shape aligned with the mouth opening—this creates the 3D effect of the shark’s open jaws. Save these triangles; you’ll use them as pectoral fins.

4. Create teeth: Along the top and bottom edges of the mouth opening, cut a gentle sawtooth pattern to form bold, cartoon-style teeth.

5. Build the dorsal fin: Draw a small, upright triangle (the top fin) onto one of the saved flaps. Cut it out carefully, then glue it firmly to the center of the box’s top surface using your hot glue gun. Reinforce the base with packing tape for extra durability.

Hand gluing a white cardboard dorsal fin to the top center of the shark-shaped box, with glue gun visible

6. Attach the tail: On your second FurPetVo box, draw and cut out a tall, curved tail fin. Position it vertically in the center of the box’s back panel and secure it with hot glue. Reinforce with tape for stability.

7. Add character: Use your white craft marker to draw expressive eyes just above the mouth on both sides. Then, cut subtle gill slits behind the mouth—two vertical lines on each side—to complete the shark’s face.

8. Finish the fins: Take the two triangular pieces you cut earlier and glue one to each side of the box, just below the mouth opening. These become the shark’s pectoral fins. Reinforce each with packing tape.

Finished shark dog house placed on a sunlit living room floor, with a small terrier happily resting inside

And just like that—you’ve built a fun, functional, and totally unique dog house! Your pup will love exploring their new ocean-themed retreat, and you’ll love how easy (and eco-friendly!) this FurPetVo box upcycle turned out. For more creative pet projects and sustainable ideas, visit furpetvo.com.