How to Make Your Own Dog Kennel

Building a dog kennel is a good way to let your dog run outside but not run away. After all, dogs don't want to spend sunny days inside. This is an easy way to build your own kennel.

Things You'll Need

  • Wooden support posts (6-feet high and at least 4 inches at the base)
  • U-nails
  • Portable metal fencing'
  • Metal door with a latch
  • Hammer
  • Screwdriver
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Instructions

  1. How to Build a Dog Kennel

    • 1

      Check building regulations and codes. Depending on where you live, especially in residential areas, you might need to follow specific codes and regulations when you build your kennel. Check with neighbors or your local civic organization.

    • 2

      Measure for your kennel. You need to allow enough room for your dog to run, but you don't want the kennel to take up your entire yard.

    • 3

      Buy materials. Remember your kennel is outside and must stand up to the elements. Buy a heavy fence, preferably one with an anti-rust coating. Avoid sharp edges. Buy a latch that is strong enough so your dog can't nudge it open.

    • 4

      Pick your spot. Make sure there is a shaded area for your dog to go to when the sun gets hot. Also, make sure water is not going to build up and create a mud pit in the dog kennel.

    • 5

      Make your fence. Put your support posts into the ground first by digging a 2-foot hole and slipping in your posts, which should be 4 feet apart. This will give you a 4-foot-high kennel. If you have a larger dog, you might need to enlarge the dimensions. The deeper the support goes, the stabler the fence will be, but 2 feet is considered to be a standard depth for fencing. After you put in the posts, pack dirt back in around the posts to secure them and attach the sections of metal fencing to the posts with u-nails. A general rule is to use three nails per post. Then screw the hinge of the metal gate to one of the posts. Check that the gate swings easily and that the latch of the gate catches.