Continuing our Central Summer series, The Central App speaks with a builder of bespoke dog kennels which don’t look out of place inside the home. 

Competition: One lucky person will win a 15 percent discount voucher on a custom House of Dog kennel for their pooch. Read on to find out more. 

Cromwell’s Edward Bragg has been a full-time carpenter by trade for much of his adult life, but since becoming a full-time parent to two border collies, he began building smaller houses. 

He wasn’t fussed about wire crates for his pooches, so he got an idea: What if you could have a dog crate which looked at home inside your home?

Just like that, House of Dog was born - a solution to those who don’t want wire crates.

“This was a massive thing for us when we bought our first house and we were adamant that we wouldn’t have a crate that effectively ruined the look of our home,” Edward explained.

“When we first got our border collie, Bali, we wanted to give her her own space that she felt safe in and couldn’t destroy our furniture if we nipped out. 

“We’d seen the idea used in other parts of the world, but no one here was doing it. 

“After making ours and a couple for our friends, word started to spread and here we are.” 

House of Dog kennels look more like custom furniture than anything else. 

House of Dog’s kennels look more like custom-made TV units, or living room cabinets, rather than your usual dog kennels.

Edward now works with his customers to come up with something which suits them, as well as their dog, so it fits in well in the home. 

“At the minute, I receive 70 percent custom orders and after sending through an initial design, the customer gets to effectively design their dream dog home.

“It’s not us that has the final say - we’re ultimately letting you design what you want so it makes us so happy to see the great reactions we're getting.”

Originally from the UK, Edward moved to New Zealand seven years ago, where he met his partner and settled in Cromwell. 

He said it has been a little difficult working on his business while the couple both maintain their regular full-time jobs.

“In saying that, it’s so rewarding having photos sent through by customers and definitely a heap of fun.”

Edward’s hand-made kennels have been getting great feedback from customers, as well as their humans. 

Edward said there is just one bit of work to do once you get the dog house home - waterproof mats for the kennel are a must. 

“The smell of dog wee and wood does not bode well and people have the tendency to spoil their puppy before it’s house trained,” Edward explained. 

A simple waterproof mat down to cover the kennel area and the job is done. Throw in a little bed, maybe a toy or two, and your dog has a home. 

Of course, it is always best to house train your puppy first before introducing it into its kennel for any period of time. 

Edward said the hobby has been gaining quite a bit of traction, but ultimately, he said he just wants two things from the business for now. 

“To keep making people happy and receiving photos of random dogs,” Edward joked. 

Follow House of Dog Instagram @houseofdognz and Facebook. 

COMPETITION: Edward has offered one lucky reader a 15 percent off their dog kennel order.

To go into the draw send us an email at [email protected], or message us on The Central App Facebook page, and tell us about your dog to be in with a chance to win. 

Absolute appreciation will go to anyone who sends photos of their pooch along with their entry. 

Entries close midnight Sunday December 20. 

Images contributed.