When it comes to building accommodations for your animals, you can’t forget man’s best friend. Outdoor dog kennels provide a safe and secure outdoor area where your dog can expend energy, soak up the sun, and get some fresh air throughout the day without the need for constant supervision. How to build the perfect outdoor kennel for your dog will depend on the size and breed of the dog as well as the amount of space you have for the kennel.

Here is a step-by-step guide to building the perfect outdoor dog pen for your pup.

1. Plan the size of your outdoor dog kennel.

The first step in planning your kennel is to determine what size you want it to be. There is no ideal sizing or proper sizing formula for outdoor dog kennels. Instead, you need to consider how large your dog is, how much room they need to play, and how long they will be outside in the pen each day. Large outdoor dog kennels can accommodate bigger dogs or breeds that tend to need more exercise.

When determining the size of your outdoor dog pen, you’ll also want to think about what shape the kennel will be and whether or not it needs a roof. The shape of the kennel will be determined by the space you have available in your yard. Square pens may take up as little as 6’ x 6’, while longer, rectangular runs will have different dimensions. If your dog is large or tends to jump and climb, then adding a roof to the pen is ideal. Roofing can also be a good opportunity to provide shade for your pet.

2. Choose the fencing materials.

While planning your outdoor dog pen, you’ll need to decide early on what type of materials you plan to use to create the side fencing panels. Chain link fencing is an affordable option that’s easy to assemble. Some dog owners also opt to buy prefabricated dog kennel panels that snap together for easy and tool-free assembly. When choosing your fencing materials, consider that you may need to bury the sides of the fence to avoid issues with your dog digging and escaping underneath the fence.

3. Choose the type of flooring.

There are many different flooring options for your large outdoor dog kennel. While a nice grassy area may seem like the best idea, these tend to get worn down and muddy over time. For that reason, some dog owners opt to keep only part of the kennel area flooring as natural grass. For the rest of the floor, you may choose concrete, large flat stones, or large pea gravel. The concrete can be hard on a dog’s joints and paw pads, so if you choose this option, you may want to leave some of the kennel with a grassy area.

When considering flooring options, remember that you will need to be able to clean and drain the area. Concrete is easy to slope for drainage, while gravel will require a sand base for drainage. Concrete is also easy to clean, while gravel will require some replacement over time as you scoop poop and other materials from the floor. Whatever you ultimately choose for flooring, make sure that it is comfortable for your dog and not something they will be tempted to chew on.  

4. Make a plan for shade.

When building an outdoor dog kennel, it’s important to include some shaded areas for your dog to rest out of the sun. During the warmer months, your dog will need a place to escape the heat when they are left unattended outside. Including a roof on part of the pen or introducing a dog house inside the kennel is a great way to give your dog an area to rest that’s away from direct sunlight.

5. Get to work!

Once you’ve made a plan for what you want your outdoor dog kennel to look like, it’s time to gather the materials and tools and get to work! The materials that you will need depend on what type of fencing and flooring you have decided on. You may need a variety of materials, including chain link fencing, concrete, sand, privacy slats, and a dog house. If you do not have time to build the panels yourself, you can opt to purchase prefabricated kennel panels, which allow you to easily assemble a large outdoor dog kennel to your specifications.

As for tools, you may need a number of tools depending on what materials you have decided to use for your outdoor dog pen. Some necessary tools may include a circular saw or hacksaw, level, spade, tape measure, wheelbarrow, shovel, gloves, adjustable wrench, and posthole digger. If you choose to use an outdoor dog kennel kit instead of building the panels yourself, then you will be able to assemble the kennel without any tools.

Whether you’re looking for an outdoor dog kennel that’s already assembled or just the right parts to build your own custom kennel, Farm Ranch Store has got you covered. Browse our dog kennel products to find the right equipment to ensure your kennel’s safety and durability.