Home Repair and Paint Guide

Building an outdoor dog kennel, also called a dog run, is a great way to allow your pets outdoors without having to constantly monitor them. If built large enough, they can get a good deal of exercise. Before you begin, there are several things you must research.

First, is the kennel allowed by local building codes. If yes, is there a size restriction, and how high can the enclosing fence be? Some building codes either won’t allow a dog run to be built or have strict size limits. Even if the building code permits it, your neighborhood homeowner’s association (if there is one) might restrict dog runs. Be sure to check with everyone first before drawing up plans.

Another consideration is the dog. Does he/she bark excessively? This will drive your neighbors nuts and you will soon get a visit from animal control. Can your dog jump over the fence? How about digging out of the pen? It won’t do much good to construct a nice kennel, only to have your pet get out and run all over the neighborhood.

Another idea is to erect a privacy fence at the same time as building the kennel. This will keep nosey neighbors from seeing (and possible complaining about) your run, and also prevent your dog from finding interesting things to bark at. The same thing goes for the fence as the run - check building codes and HOA restrictions.

You can build your own kennel or hire a contractor to do the job. Some fence companies will erect the kennel for you at a very reasonable fee. All you have to provide is a dog house. Speaking of dog houses, don’t put one too close to the fence. Your dog might be able to climb on top and use it to jump out.

Make sure the fence and dog house can withstand weather extremes. This is especially important if you experience high winds in your area. The fence could be blown down or the dog house could leak during heavy rains. Some of the dog houses that can be purchased from home improvement or feed and seed stores are too light for high wind areas. They could easily be blown into the fence and damage it. Not to mention the excitement your dog would experience!

Make the dog house large enough so your dog can comfortably lie or turn around. But don’t make it too large because that leads to heat loss. Your dog has to be able to retain his body heat on cold days and a large house will prevent that. If you plan to leave your pet in the kennel on hot days, you must be sure he/she can escape the heat. Dogs don’t sweat and the only way for them to cool off is through heavy breathing and drinking a lot of cold water. Short nose dogs (such as pugs and bulldogs) are highly susceptible to heat stroke and death. Take extra care on hot days. It’s best to construct the kennel in a well shaded area that gets little direct sunlight.

The dog house must be raised a couple of inches above the ground to prevent rain water from entering. This will also aid in keeping warm in cold weather. Make sure all materials used in construction are rated for exterior use in wet areas.