How to Build a Prefab Kennel

Prefab dog kennels are a great way to provide your dog with ample protection and a long, healthy life. Dogs need a comfortable place of their own with shelter, either a roof or a dog house in the kennel, and ample food and water. Kennels are a great way to keep dogs out of dangerous situations, to use as a training tool and to keep unruly puppies in one place. When purchasing a new kennel, make sure that it is sturdy enough to withstand chewing, rubbing and regular dog play.

Things You'll Need

  • Kennel kit
  • Screwdriver
  • Water and food bowl
  • Dog toys
  • Dog house or equivalent shelter
  • Bag of quick-setting concrete
  • Material to make a roof (if area does not have one)
  • Toys
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Section off an area--if the kennel will be outside--that has plenty of shade and is free of dangers, such as poisonous plants or sharp objects.

    • 2

      Pour an adequate size slab of concrete for the floor of the kennel. A 10' wide and 13' long pad is a good size. Let set for about an hour, then roughen to improve the dog's grip. Let set for another 24 to 48 hours, depending on the concrete instructions. Many dog owners chose to place their kennel on a large grassy area, which is equally effective.

    • 3

      Use the screwdriver to bolt together panels of the pre-fabricated kennel kit. In most kits, there are four wire walls held together by bolts or screws, but each kit is different so check your specific instructions.

    • 4

      Check that each piece is screwed together tight so that the dog cannot break it down with normal play activities. Check that the fence pieces are tall enough so that the dog cannot jump over them. If the kennel is not sturdy, it could collapse onto the dog.

    • 5

      Attach the door to the kennel so that no sharp parts are exposed to scratch or cut the dog. The door usually comes on a hinge. Check that the hinge is attached so that the door opens out toward the person, not in toward the dog. Attach the latch securely.

    • 6

      If your kennel comes with a roof, attach the roof to the top of the kennel, but leave uncovered space as well so that the dog may be in the sun if it pleases. Make sure that it is bolted on properly so that weather does not move it or blow it off. The roof should protect the dog from the elements.

    • 7

      Place the finished kennel towards the back of the concrete space or on the grass, under a shelter if the kit did not come with a roof.

    • 8

      Anchor the kennel down to the cement slab or grass. You can set it in the semi-wet concrete or bolt it to the ground with brackets. If you have chosen to set up the kennel on grass, sink the anchors into the earth.

    • 9

      Place water and food bowls in the kennel, along with a dog bed, house or similar item for the dog to sleep on. If there is not a lot of shelter where the kennel is set up, a dog house is a great way to add more. Place plenty of toys in the kennel to keep the dog simulated and not bored. Bored dogs chew, destroy, may become depressed and even aggressive.