How to Build Dog Runs With Concrete Bricks

Providing a safe, secure area for your dog outside is an important part of pet ownership. Creating a dog run using concrete bricks offers pets a place to run and play in, and it is straightforward to build. Using concrete bricks is also a cleaner alternative to dirt runs and allows for easier dog waste removal. Building a concrete brick dog run will ensure years of happiness for your pet and provide him with safety and security.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • 4 stakes, 4-inch
  • Shovel
  • 85-100 hollow concrete blocks, 15-inch
  • 3-5 sand bags
  • 1 ready-mix concrete bag
  • 4 metal poles, 8-foot
  • 150-200 cement bricks, 8-inch
  • 9-gauge chain link fence
  • Metal fence rings
  • Needle-nose pliers
  • Chain link gate
  • Concrete gutter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select an area in your yard for your dog run. This area should be close to your house, elongated in shape, and in an area that has a slight slope to the ground. Most dogs only need about 50 feet of run area, but larger dogs can require a run size of 75 to 100 feet.

    • 2

      Measure the perimeter of your dog run with a tape measure, marking each corner with a stake.

    • 3

      Dig two-foot deep holes for your fence posts with a shovel where the marking stakes were placed.

    • 4

      Position large concrete blocks with hollow centers and sides along the perimeter of the dog run, the open sides facing upward. Make sure you place a block over each of the four corner post holes.

    • 5

      Fill all blocks, except for the four over the corner post holes, with sand.

    • 6

      Pour ready-mix concrete into the four corner post holes, filling up the concrete blocks lying across the holes.

    • 7

      Insert one metal pole that is eight-foot long and three inches in diameter into each hole. If your dog's breed is known for jumping heights of more than six feet, use slightly longer poles. Allow the poles to set in the concrete per the manufacturer's specifications.

    • 8

      Place cement bricks across the ground to create the floor of the run. These bricks should be flush with one another, creating a flat concrete surface for your dog. This floor will be easy to clean, and the slight slope in the ground will force all your dog's waste to the back of the run.

    • 9

      Surround the run with nine-gauge chain link fence, attaching the fencing to all four corner posts with metal rings and needle-nose pliers.

    • 10

      Install a chain link fence gate. Make sure this gate has a sturdy latch and a locking mechanism. This will prevent the dog from opening the run and escaping.

    • 11

      Install a concrete gutter along the entire back end of the run. As gravity pulls your dog's waste toward the end of the run, this gutter will collect the waste for easy cleanup.