How to Build a Multi-Dog Kennel

Dogs have been constant companions of mankind for well over 2000 years. They have held roles as hunters, as guardians, and as protectors. How to house these furry companions has always been a challenge, and the idea of a kenneling was born from this quandary. Many modern-day dog owners rely on kennels to safely contain multiple dogs, and constructing a kennel can make owning a number of dogs a much easier and orderly endeavor.

Things You'll Need

  • 15 Steel posts
  • 84 feet of Chain link (6' tall)
  • 4 6 x6 Foot gate panels
  • Concrete
  • Large gravel
  • Posthole digger
  • Fence puller
  • Chain link tie wires
  • Bolt cutters
  • Tape measure
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Instructions

    • 1

      Review local building codes before constructing your kennel. Many areas require permits before kennel construction, so check ahead of time to make sure you stay legal.

    • 2

      Select a flat surface for your kennel space. It is important that your ground be as level as possible to produce even construction.

    • 3

      Measure out your kennel space. In building a 4-stall kennel, stalls that are 12 feet long and 6 feet wide offer plenty of space for each dog and are compact enough to easily fit in most areas. A 4-stall kennel would be 12 feet long and 24 feet wide, so measure your space accordingly.

    • 4

      Dig the holes for your posts. You will need to place one post at each corner, one in the middle of each section, and one at each gate section. Refer to the attached diagram for an idea of proper post placement.

    • 5

      Mix your concrete and fill the post holes two-thirds full. Insert your post and hold upright until the concrete hardens enough to hold the post vertical. Allow a full seventy-two hours of drying time before attaching any fencing to your posts to prevent shifting as you tighten your fence.

    • 6

      Unroll your chain link and hold it against one corner post. Attach it securely with your wire ties and pull your fencing tight along to your second post. You will be fencing along both short sides of your kennel frame and one long side, as you will place the gate panels along the other long sides for access to the kennel.

    • 7

      Use your fence puller to pull your fencing taut before wiring it to your second post. Secure with your ties and repeat this process at each post until you have fully mounted your fencing. Snip any excess fencing off using your bolt cutters.

    • 8

      Attach your gate panels to the open sections of your kennel. The gate panels are self-contained with a door and attached chain link, and simply require that you secure them with wire ties. Make sure you attach them so that your doors open out to allow for full access as you transfer dogs in and out.

    • 9

      Spread your gravel evenly over all the exposed surfaces. The gravel acts as a base, allowing wet material to drain and keeping your dogs from sitting in mud puddles in case of inclement weather.