Building a Dog Pen
The Type of Pen
The type of dog pen you build will depend on the type of dog you have. The bigger and stronger the dog, they taller and stronger your pen must be. If your dog is a digger, you may want your pen to have a concrete slab underneath. A docile dog may need a thin grade of fencing, whereas a pit bull or a large dog will need a thick grade of chainlink fencing. The size of your dog will also determine the size of the pen. A teacup certainly does not need the same amount of running room as a German Sheppard. Decide the type and size of fence you will need. Measure for length, depth and height and then price out the different types of fencing.
Living Quarters vs. Exercise Yard
If your dog will stay in the pen all of the time, there must be a cover over top so the dog is not left in the rain and cold with nowhere to go. If you live in a very hot climate, the dog will need a place to get out of the sun. There are also misting systems available to keep your dog cool in the summer. There should be some sort of bedding under the covering so your dog is not constantly lying on dirt or concrete. If the pen is just used as an exercise yard, there still should be a covered area so the dog can go outside when it's raining without getting soaked.
Building a Chain Link Dog Pen
If you are not going to put the pen on a concrete pad, dig a trench and fill up to the last 3 inches with concrete. Install your fence posts into the footing while it is wet and check them for level and plumb. Install the gate posts at one end in the center. Purchase a gate that is more like a door that goes from the top all the way down to the ground so Rover doesn't escape under it. When the concrete dries, install the fencing and the gate. You can use plywood or even a tarp at one end to keep your dog dry or you can purchase a roof system. If you don't want the pen to be permanent, you don't need the footing, but you will still need to pour concrete into the post holes to keep the fence strong and stable.
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