Instructions
Determine the space you have available for the kennel. The kennel should be as big as possible and still be within your space parameters.
Consider any special features you need or want. Sloping concrete floors allow for easy, quick clean-up with a garden hose. Having two nested doors prevents escape. This is most easily accomplished by extending the sides about two feet longer than the internal front gate and putting a second, external gate across the extensions. This way, you can be inside the kennel with a closed gate before you open the gate to access your dog. A smaller opening allows food to be slipped into the kennel without the dog escaping.
Design shade for your dog. This can be in the form of a dog house, an indoors run, or a large tree in the middle of the run. Your dog must be able to get out of the elements.
Designate separate feeding, sleeping and elimination areas. Your dog instinctively avoids eliminating where he sleeps. Giving him an area away from where he eats, drinks, and sleeps will make cleaning up after him easier.
Determine if you will be providing air conditioning or heating as part of an indoor run. Doing so could be necessary in exceptionally cold or hot climates.
Decide which materials you will use for your kennel. Steel is strong, flexible, and lightweight. Wood splinters easily but is easy to work with. Concrete provides a steady, strong base but is immovable.
How to Design Dog Kennels
Designing a personalized kennel for your dog may be a good choice if you have a large number of dogs, live in a very hot or very cold climate, or have a very large or very small dog. Designing a kennel also allows you to add features that work best for your situation, space or needs.