How to Make a Large Dog Pen

Dog owners often prefer to let their dog run around the yard freely, but sometimes a dog must be penned. Young dogs especially can chew or bark incessantly, so confining them in a pen at night makes good sense. Many owners also prefer their dog to stay in a confined area while the owner is not at home. Making a large dog pen can give the owner peace of mind while allowing the dog to stay in a comfortable and secure area.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • Six wooden fence posts (four inches in diameter; height dependent on the planned height of the dog pen)
  • Chain link fencing, minus the gate area
  • Wire fence ties
  • Gate
  • Wire cutters
  • Wood screws
  • Screw gun
  • Hinge assembly
  • Gate hinges
  • Gate latch
  • Pliers
  • Spade or post-hole digger
  • Concrete mix
  • Water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the area for the large dog pen. Mark the designated spots for the pen's corners with stakes. In addition, mark the spots for the pen gate's posts. The size of the pen should be based on the amount of time the dog will spend in the pen, as well as on the dog's size--a smaller dog will need a smaller, shorter pen than a large dog.

    • 2

      Dig four post holes for the pen's corners as well as two holes for the gateposts. Each hole should measure at least five inches across and two feet deep.

    • 3

      Add water to the concrete mix according to the directions on the bag. Pour the mixed concrete into the holes you dug.

    • 4

      Place the fence posts into the holes while the concrete is wet. Be sure to add the two-foot depth of the holes to the overall length of the posts you buy; pre-cut ones of various sizes are available at home and garden centers, lumber yards or and even hardware stores.

    • 5

      Detach excess fencing by unhooking the wires of the chain link fence after measuring the needed fence length for each of the dog pen's sides. Alternately, cut the excess length with wire cutters.

    • 6

      Run each side's length of chain-link fencing from one post to the second of the large dog pen. Tie the fencing to the posts with wire fence ties, twisting the ends of the wire ties together with pliers to secure the fencing. Follow that procedure for the three solid sides of the dog pen. On the gate side, run the chain link fencing to each of the gate posts, leaving the gate opening. Make sure that the wire ties do not interfere with the planned hinge assembly placements.

    • 7

      Mark the spots on the post where the hinges will hang; match them to the gate's hinge locations. Screw the hinge assemblies onto the gatepost with a screw gun, using wood screws to hold them in place.

    • 8

      Slide the gate onto the hinge assemblies. Be sure it's a full-length gate, to prevent the dog from crawling under it.

    • 9

      Attach a latch to the second gatepost with the matching latch attachment on the gate.