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Build A Dog Run
Many people choose to build a dog run on their property to keep their dog(s) confined to a certain area when they are not able to supervise. Some people build a dog run because they want to keep their dog outdoors most of the time and away from landscaping.
Whatever the reason to build a dog pen, some planning is required:
- Dog house - will you be attaching one or placing it inside the run area? For further information on dog houses, see Building A Dog House
- Local building codes - are there restrictions? (Get info in writing if you can)
- Noise –Will your dog spend a lot of time barking, thus annoying the neighbors? Note that dogs tend to react to things that move or make sounds
- Odor/Cleaning – How often will you be able to clean the run or take the dog out to do it’s duty?
- Exercise – Despite the name, a dog run is not meant to give a dog its full amount of daily exercise. Most dogs need to be taken out for exercise at least a couple of times a day
- Boredom and Isolation – Dogs are pack animals and need contact with their human "pack." They also get bored. Give your dog at least a few minutes of your full attention several times a day, preferably in a place other than the dog run. Provide dog toys or consider getting another dog if you cannot be there.
- We do not recommend leaving dogs overnight in a dog run. Often outside dogs bark all night.
To build a dog run, there are specific things you need to determine:For a single dog run, the choice of materials appears to be concrete for the floor and chain link fence for the sides and roof. In places where shade is needed in summer and shelter from snow in winter, the roof should be a solid affair, made out of exterior plywood, fence board or some kind of metal. Plywood roofs can be covered with tarpaper and shingled.
For multiple dog runs, see Build A Dog Kennel: Specific Information regarding materials.
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