DIY Build a Run in Shed

If you already have a shed, building a dog run in it can be much easier than making a dog run from scratch. A dog run in a shed can provide your dog with a place to run regardless of the weather and the amount of space you might have outside. Following several strategies can make building a dog run in a shed much easier for you.

  1. Clear Out Space

    • The dog run should take up as much of the shed as possible. Move anything you must continue to store in the shed to one side of the shed. Stack furniture, boxes and extra storage items on top of each other to take up as little room as possible. Use 4- to 5-feet high wire, ready-made fence pieces to separate the area where the dog can run from the storage area. Attach the ready made fence pieces to the walls of the shed using screws or bent nails. Effectively box in your storage area with fencing, but keep a small amount of storage area clear in case you need to create more storage.

    Secure the Walls and Floor

    • The rest of your shed can now be a dog run. Walk along the walls and check them for poking out nails, exposed electrical wires, animal holes or debris. Remove anything that might be dangerous to your dog. Cover up any areas of the walls that might have holes with plywood or tough plastic. Use a nail gun or a staple gun to cover up these areas, depending on the material you are using.

      Walk around the area and examine the floor. Any type of flooring will work well for a dog run, but smooth flooring like concrete is easier to clean. If there is a drain in the floor, make sure it is accessible and clear. Remove anything from the floor that might be dangerous or hazardous. Sweep and wash the floor to remove any chemicals.

    Secure the Building and Create the Dog Run

    • The door should latch both from the outside and the inside. Bring in toys, chews, a dog pillow to lay on and food and water dishes for your dog. Set up chairs for yourself if you plan on hanging out with your dog while he is using the shed. Install or set up a light if you would like your dog to use the shed run when it is dark outside. Pay attention to the weather as well. Do not use your shed dog run in temperatures that are too hot or too cold unless you have a climate control option in your shed.