Instructions
Things to Consider When Erecting Your Coon Dog Kennel
When building your coon dog kennel, provide plenty of space for them to run and play. Being a larger and very athletic breed, they need room to run. A 6-by-12-foot outside area is a minimum size for a single dog. One that is 12 by 12 feet is best for more than one dog.
Decide if you prefer to construct your kennel completely from scratch or if you want to buy prefab kennel panels. Prefab panels are easy to put up. You can do it yourself or with the help of one person using only a socket wrench.
Buy a heavy-gauge wire if you are building from scratch rather than using premade dog kennel panels. At least 12-gauge wire to prevent sagging from climbing attempts will work. Heavier is better.
Use metal pipes for support if you are constructing your own coon dog kennel from scratch. Wood framing is easy to chew and is prone to wood rot.
Pour cement as a foundation to keep your coon dog from digging out. Some dog owners can get away with stone or dirt flooring in their kennels, but not coon dog owners. To ease the pressure on your dog's feet, legs and joints you should layer dirt over the cement or lay thick rubber padding over the cement.
Keep your coon dog inside its kennel by roofing the kennel area with a wire or solid top. Coon dogs are avid climbers and can easily scale a 6-to-10-foot fence, so a cover keeps it inside when it feels the desire to roam.
Pick a good location for your coon dog kennel. Place it under a shady tree for relief from heavy sun and heat. Make sure you construct your coon dog kennel on even ground to make it more stable.
Place a lot of toys inside your coon dog kennel to keep it occupied. It helps to reduce the howling, chewing and climbing of fences that coon dogs are prone to do if they are left without mental stimulation.
How to Build a Coon Dog Kennel
Building a coon dog kennel is not difficult. Keeping these big, active dogs contained does require a strong structure that is also large enough to allow them room to move and play. When building your coon dog kennel, take plenty of time to plan it out to give them an enclosure that is an enjoyable atmosphere and one from which they will be less likely to try to escape---which will be your main consideration. The Houdinis that they are make building a kennel for them a challenge as they are easily bored and are always looking for a way out. However, this task is not one that cannot be handled successfully.