How to Build an Outside Dog Pen

If you want an outside dog pen that is larger than what you can buy in an exercise pen, build something to suit your needs. An outside dog pen is generally used when you want to keep the dog out of part of a larger yard or if your yard is not fenced in. It gives the dog an area in which to run, and if the pen is built against the wall of the house, the dog can use a dog door to let himself in and out.

Things You'll Need

  • Marking paint
  • 2 posts 4 by 4 inches
  • Stones or broken cement pieces (optional)
  • Hammer
  • Star pickets
  • Woven fencing
  • Construction staple gun
  • Metal ties or heavy-duty staples
  • Post hole digger
  • Gate (wooden or metal)
  • Gate hardware
  • Screwdriver
  • Screws
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Instructions

    • 1

      Outline the fence line with marking paint.

    • 2

      Dig two post holes 3 feet deep and three feet apart at the point you want the gate. Center the posts in the holes.

    • 3

      Fill the bottom foot of the hole with stones or broken chunks of cement to provide a sturdier hold on the posts, although they will stand up without this optional material. Backfill the hole with soil, packing the dirt down as you fill.

    • 4

      Hammer star pickets into the ground every four feet. Put the star pickets six feet apart if the dogs using the pen aren't prone to "testing" the fence.

    • 5

      Unroll the woven fencing along the posts. Hold the end of the fencing against the 4-by-4 post, and staple the fencing to the post with metal ties or heavy-duty staples.

    • 6

      Work from star picket to star picket, ppulling the fencing as tight as possible and attaching the fencing to the hooks on the star pickets. When you get to the other 4-by-4 post, staple the end of the fence to the post.

    • 7

      Attach the gate hardware to the posts, following the instructions for that type of hardware. Screw the hinges on the gate if the gate did not come with hinges attached. Screw the hinges to the post.