Instructions for Building a Dog Run

A dog run is the perfect place for your pet to run around and get plenty of exercise. It's an area within your property that is fenced off separating it from the rest of the yard. He can have a place to play and enjoy himself without disturbing the rest of the family. If your pet likes to dig, he can do it in this area and you won't have big holes throughout your yard that must be repaired. Building a dog run is fairly simple and it gives your pet a safe area he can call his own.

Things You'll Need

  • Fencing
  • Fence post
  • Rake
  • Wire cutters
  • Shovel
  • Post hole diggers
  • Mallet
  • Pliers
  • Saw
  • Twine
  • Cement
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Instructions

    • 1

      The first decision is to choose the spot where you want the dog run to go. Normally, they are placed along one side of an existing fence. It's important to make sure you don't hit any water pipes or gas lines when digging the holes for the posts so choose your location wisely, and check with your local utilities before digging. The size of the area should be based on how large your pet is and how many dogs will be using the dog run. The average dog can use a run of about 6 foot by 20 feet. A smaller dog (20 pounds or under) may not need this much space.

    • 2

      After choosing your area, mark it off and determine measurements so you'll know how much fencing you'll need to close it in. If you're attaching it to an existing fence, this will make the project easier and will require fewer materials. Determine the length of the fence, the height and whether or not you want to include a shelter so your pet can still go out when it's hot or raining. Mark off the distance between each pole and this will give you the number of poles needed for the job. The fence posts should be around 2-4 inches apart. If you have a smaller dog, you don't want him to be able to squeeze through.

    • 3

      Buy the supplies you need based on your measurements. These can be purchased from your local hardware store or retail store. Now is when you'll need to decide for sure what type of fence you want to put up. You have several choices with the most popular being chain link fence, wood or chicken wire. Choose the one that best fits your price range and that you feel the most comfortable working with.

    • 4

      Prepare the area by cleaning out all of the debris and running a string or twine from one corner to the next until the whole area is enclosed. This will serve as a guide to help ensure the fence is put up straight.

    • 5

      Dig the holes for the posts about 2-3 feet deep and put them in the ground. (Taller posts may need a deeper hole to ensure it stays in the ground). Dig all of the holes the same depth and the same distance apart. Place all of your posts in the ground and secure. Most people will use cement to secure the post especially when putting up a chain link fence. However, if you don't plan to use cement, you'll need to dig the holes deeper than normally required (4 feet or more) to give the post more support. Don't forget to allow for this extra distance when buying the fence post.

    • 6

      Determine where the gate to the area will be located and put it up first. Check to make sure it opens and closes without any difficulty. Begin at the gate on one end and start putting up the fence following a straight line until finished. Secure the fencing to the posts with nails or wire (if using chain link or chicken wire fencing). Make sure everything is secure and you're ready to turn your dog loose to run and play.