Sorry it took so long but here is a website with kennel plans and house plans. http://www.gundoghousedoor.com/artic...nel_design.htm This is very similar to mine. Mine slopes towards the front.

As far as the barrels I am sure they work great down south, but I would hate to have my dog in one with no door when the windchill is -30. like it gets here in N IL sometimes.

Versdog