Build A Dog Kennel:
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An outdoor area ("the run") where the dog can get fresh air, go to the bathroom, and socialize with the other dogs.
Additional rooms and areas to store supplies, sequester nursing bitches or dogs under quarantine, or for recuperating dogs.
You may also do well to plan for an adjacent exercise yard.
Important factors to keep in mind when you build a dog kennel are:
LOCATION QUESTIONS
- What effect will local building codes have?
- How many kennels (and additional rooms) are you planning to build
- Is there space for an exercise yard and where will you put it?
- What would offer maximum sun exposure in winter and minimum afternoon sun exposure in summer?
- Is the ground level or sloped?
- Will you need to provide drainage around the kennel area to prevent flooding?
- Do you have any trees that could offer shade or cause a problem with branches breaking in wind?
- Which direction does the wind mainly come from in winter? - you'll want to face the kennel away in cold climates
- Can you face the kennels away from areas where dogs can see people/animals moving to minimize barking?
- Is the location convenient for the people who will be maintaining the dogs and kennels?
- Will the kennels be far enough away or downwind from your residence to reduce odors?
- Can you access utility hookups such as water, power and sewer?
If you are looking to build a single dog run rather than multiple kennels, please see Build A Dog Run
THINGS TO PLAN FOR IN CONSTRUCTION:
- The size of each doghouse and run
- Materials to use for the doghouse door, floor, walls and roof
- Materials to use for the gate, floor, walls and roof of the run
- Insulating materials to be included
- Additional heating or cooling devices required
- Waste removal and drainage
- Gates to and fencing around exercise areas
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Additional rooms needed:
- To store food and medications
- To store cleanup materials
- For whelping
- For dogs recovering from an accident or illness
- For dogs that are contagious and need to be quarantined
For more specifics on items under PLANNING CONSTRUCTION, and for links to sources of our research, please see Build A Dog Kennel: Specific Information
