Easiest/cheapest Way To Build Dog Run?

[lukkylady]

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i would like to have a dog run type enclosure to be able to put the whippets in there to keep them safe when needs be

would like it to be wooden and not metal, and put a kennel in it as well

would only be for occasional use, a safe place to put dogs when needed out of the way.

any suggestions? and what size would be big enough?

 

[Macha]

wood is a problem as dogs may chew on it

I think the galvanised pens worthwhile in the long-run: last years, won't give way to dogs

jumping and pawing against them, can be moved and re-erected & extra modules can be added.

If making your own, I would imagine wood framework (with weather resistant finish) with

stong wire mesh stretched over it would suit. Wood should be on the outside of the mesh so

dogs don't chew the wood. You may have an existent solid wall you can use for one side of

the pen? Sighthounds, including small whippets, have been known to clear 6 ft, so you should

think about roofing the pen or putting some type of baffle at the top of the walls.

For medium-sized dogs, I think 10x4 feet minimum for 1 or 2 dogs. Having said that, my dogs

are sometimes boarded 2 dogs sharing a 6x4 pen and just getting out for 2-3 brief exercise

periods each day. And I fostered a crossbred (about the size of a small border collie) whom

I kept in an 8x4 pen during the day, though I took her out 4-5x/day for short walk or

chasing a ball in the larger yard. Her kennelhouse was inside the pen, but it was flat

enough for her to jump on and off of (the pen was roofed). I'd prefer the dogs to have more

space than that, however. Generally speaking, it's probably best to maximise length. For

instance, 6x8 ft and 12x4 ft are both 48 square feet, but the dogs probably get more

exercise trotting the 12 foot lengths.

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I have my own plans for two runs, 12x4 and 8x8 ft., each with access to a 4x3ft kennel. In

the area of the 8x8 pen, there is currently an old 4x6 shed. Original plan was to demolish

the shed, as the floor is quite rotten and the clinkerboard sides are a bit drafty. But I

wonder if it's feasible, should I just remove bottom and one of the 6" sides, bolstering the

lean-to as necessary? That would give the 2 dogs some protection from the elements, esp

rain, without them having to stay in the 3x4 kennel, without hugely limiting their space esp

if door on 4 ft side removed or kept open. One of my dogs doesn't like to snuggle with

other dogs. But it would give them a bit less space in dry weather than an open 8x8 pen.

What do you think, 'dear reader'?

 

[Macha]

I suppose you could have a solid wood or wood panelled fence, but that wouldn't be cheaper or easier than post and wire. Beware of gaps between vertical panels at the top; a dog trying to clear the fence could catch its leg in the space. I have seen that happen. You may be better off having the kennel on the outside of the run, with an opening to allow access. If the kennel is in the run be sure the dogs can't use it to escape by.

any comments re my old shed: demolish or convert to lean-to rain shelter?