How to Build a Running Pen for Beagles

The beagle is a small, active hound dog. Originally bred for hunting, beagles are prone to disappearing to chase wildlife unless restrained in a properly constructed running pen. The appropriate size of a running pen for beagles varies according to the needs of the owner and the number of dogs. Building a 400-square-foot pen should meet the basic needs of training, exercise and of allowing the beagles to run loose and unsupervised.

Things You'll Need

  • 37 8-foot-long fence posts
  • 400 feet. of 5-foot dog fencing
  • 400 feet of chicken fencing
  • Fencing nails
  • Bailing wire
  • 3- 2-inch by 4-inch wood studs, 8 feet long
  • Screws
  • 2 gate hinges
  • 2 gate latches
  • Electric drill
  • Post-hole digger
  • Shovel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure and mark a 100-square-foot perimeter for each side of the running pen.

    • 2

      Dig a trench 1 1/2 feet deep along the perimeter of the fence. The chicken wire goes in the trench to prevent the beagles from digging out to escape the running pen.

    • 3

      Dig post-holes at each of the four corners of the running pen and at 10-foot intervals along the perimeter. Dig the hole for the gate pole 4 feet 3 inches away from one of the corner posts.The post-holes should be 3 feet deep. Pound the posts into the holes.

    • 4

      Lay the chicken wire in the trench and back fill, leaving some of the top exposed to be attached to the bottom of the dog fencing. Back fill the post holes and pack the dirt tightly.

    • 5

      Run the fencing between the posts on the outside and tack it to the posts using the fencing nails. Space the nails 6 inches apart, as the mesh allows. Secure the bottom of the fence to the exposed chicken wire using bailing wire.

    • 6

      Build the gate for the running pen. Cut the 2-by-4 studs into 4-foot lengths. Use two as uprights, one at the top, one at the bottom and two in the middle as a crossbar. Screw the frame together and nail a piece of the fencing to the gate frame. Screw the hinges to the gate at 1 foot and 3 feet on one side and the latches on the opposite side. Screw the gate to the corner post and the latch receivers to the gate post.