How to Build a Puppy Kennel

Building your own kennel enables you to create the right size for your yard and your puppy. This project does require focus and preparation. Remember to pick the kennel site thoughtfully: level ground, shade and sunlight, and functional in the yard. With the right tools, supplies and preparation you can create a kennel your puppy will use for its entire life.

Things You'll Need

  • Shovel
  • Rake
  • Hammer
  • Level
  • Rubber mallet
  • Pliers
  • Metal corner braces and screws
  • Two 16-foot 2x4 pieces of wood
  • Two 12-foot 2x4 pieces of wood
  • Ten 18-inch skinny rebar pieces
  • Concrete (optional for floor)
  • Nine welded kennel panels, 5 feet high by 6 feet wide
  • One kennel gate panel
  • 10x10 kennel canopy
  • Ten canopy bungee cords
  • Furnishings
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Instructions

  1. Building a Puppy Kennel

    • 1
      Level the site for your kennel.

      Remove rocks, weeds, bushes and debris. Level the site using your shovel and rake. Determine the kennel's layout. Place the 2x4s on the ground to make sure the kennel will fit. Ensure that the gate will have adequate space to open completely.

    • 2

      Attach a corner brace to one 16-foot and one 12-foot 2x4. The brace goes on the outside. Sink three equally distanced rebar pieces along the outside of the 16-foot 2x4 and two along the 12-foot 2x4 to support the shape of the kennel footing. Repeat this process with the second 16-foot 2x4 and the second 12-foot 2x4.

    • 3

      Lay the concrete blocks inside the kennel frame. The blocks should be above the level of the wood frame. If they are not, raise the blocks by putting sand or gravel under them. Use a rubber mallet to pound the blocks and create a tight fit. Check them frequently with a level.

    • 4

      The kennel panels should include the necessary brackets and bolts. Install according to the manufacturer's instructions. This is the easy part.

    • 5

      Place the canopy over the top of the kennel. Secure with canopy bungee cords. The canopy can cover two-thirds of the kennel to allow the puppy to have shade and sun, or it can cover the entire kennel.

    • 6

      Place a doghouse in the corner that has the most shade.