How to Build a Canopy for a Dog Pen

You love your dog and always want him by your side but sometimes he has to be outside by himself. By using several inexpensive items purchased from your local hardware store, you can build a canopy over his dog pen to keep him cool and dry. This easy, sturdy tarp canopy, when properly installed, will keep both the sun and rain off of your dog, easily standing up to what Mother Nature can dish out and protecting your special pet.

Things You'll Need

  • Work gloves
  • Safety goggles
  • Three pieces of three-inch PVC pipe, 10 feet length
  • Drill
  • 1/2 inch drill bit
  • 14 gauge, steel galvanized wire, 50 foot roll
  • Wire cutters
  • Tarp
  • Knife
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Instructions

    • 1

      Drill two holes into each end of the PVC pipes at least one inch apart and one inch from the ends. This will provide a place to thread your wire through later.

    • 2

      Place the PVC pipes on top of the dog pen, making sure that the pieces are evenly spaced with one of the pieces placed across the middle of the dog pen.

    • 3

      Cut several lengths of wire approximately 12 inches long. These wires will be used to attach the PVC to the dog pen and the tarp.

    • 4

      Thread the wire through the drilled holes in the PVC and around the top of the dog pen and twist to secure. You may need several pieces of wire in order to properly secure the PVC and prevent it from moving later.

    • 5

      Lay the tarp over the top of the dog pen and the PVC. Make sure that your tarp is large enough to hang over the sides of the dog pen.

    • 6

      Thread wire through the tarp grommets and the dog pen fencing, then twist to secure. Repeat this step until you have fastened the tarp securely to the dog pen.

    • 7

      Pierce the tarp with the knife in several places making very small holes. Carefully choose where you place these holes as you don't want your dog to get wet but you do need water drainage so the tarp won't act as a rain catcher and collapse during wet weather.