Building an outdoor dog kennel

[absrio]

I would like to get some thoughts. I am wanting to build a bigger kennel outside for our St. Bernard. I am wanting to build one about 20x20 or so. I am thinking of using 5ft t-post and 6ft 2x4 welded wire mesh for the fence. I would put the t-post every 4ft. I havent come up with a way to do the gate though. I am not wanting to go with chain link fence for this one.

 

[tallyho8]

I don't understand how you want to put 6' tall wire on 5' posts that must be sunk at least 2' into the ground. Did you mean 8' t-posts?

Chain link gates and round tubing gate posts are the easiest things to use. If you want the gate to match the fence wire you could make a gate frame with tubing like a chainlink gate but cover it with welded wire instead. The only practical way I know to mount a gate is with chainlink hardware on round gate posts.

 

[woodlandfarms]

We looked around on craigslist and found a bunch of "panelized" dog runs. Got a 20X30 for $250... 6 feet high, 2 gates. Yes, it is chainlink but it keeps the boxers at bay...

 

[DavidVT]

I am trying to build the same thing.

I noticed at Tractor supply that someone makes a kennel where the weld the wire mesh fence to the frame.

I have been trying to figure out the best way for the DIYr to make the same kind of panel. I imagine the manufactured version uses some kind of spot weld process to do the entire post at one shot.

I planned to use a premade chainlink door panel for the door.

Good thread, lets see what other ideas are out there..... !

 

[2manyrocks]

My experience with the thin guage welded wire mesh is that the welds break apart. If this is the same material you plan on using, I'm not sure it will hold up well to a dog who is bored and wants out.

But if this is what you want, then I guess the usual way is to run top and bottom 2 x4 rails and nail the wire mesh to it. It's basically a fence, after all. The posts could be 4 x 4 or possibly 2x6, except that some are going to say not to use pressure treated material that your dog can chew.

You probably come out ahead just to buy it, especially if you can find it used or find two 10 x 10's you can tie together. Chain link fenced panels can be easily joined with bolt on connectors. By the time you buy parts and assemble them, I think you probably will come out better buying it premade or used unless you have a wholesale source for the parts. Chain link might not be the most pretty, but it is very practical for this application.

 

[ampsucker]

my experience is our dogs rarely try to go through the fence. they try to go under it or over it or around it where the fence meets another section or the gate. i would put my money there. like, bury the fence at least a foot into the ground if your dog is a digger.

also, for a st.bernard, depending on his temperment, he could easily push over a fence where the poles are only two feet in the ground unless you have some pretty tough ground or set them in concrete.

i've also found that proper construction of corner and gate posts using field fencing techniques (braces, guy wires, etc.) makes for a much better kennel and keeps the fence and gates from sagging and becomming less effective over time.

just some things to think about....

amp

 

[czechsonofagun]

I saw this kennel in Marshall. VA Coop. If I ever needed a kennel, this is what I would build - the K9 Kastle.

It gives shade, protection from rain, they don't lay in dirt and they can hide inside. Also the food and all the needs are stored rights there. The perfect home out of home.

But out dogs sleep in the house except the great pyrenese, she is the outdoor dog.

 

[777777]

Hi,

Have a number of dogs and over the years have tried a number of solutions.

I have some panelized using the welded wire and as a previous poster has stated, they do break of and then are very problematic to deal with as they leave a sharp, pointed end that can cause injury.

Mostly, I use panelized with chain link that I make myself.

Have found a bit cheaper option that works for making pens any size you want and works well for making gates.

TSC sells dog pens.
They will also sell the parts to fix the dog pens they sell.
I have bought a number of the corner pieces over the past couple of years.
Think I have about 20 kicking around right now for pens that need repairs.

Buy the corners, then buy pipe to fit then end and in the length that you want them. You can also buy the pieces to provide supports in the middle of long runs.
You can also make them as tall or short as you like.

And they can go together pretty quick.

Chain link lasts for years and just wire it on and you are all set. Not as cheap as using wooden posts and chain link but cheaper than buying ready made panels plus you can make the gates the size you need to fit.

Just the solution I use and works for me.

Later
Tom

 

[777777]

Hi,

Something else you can try providing you have a pipe bender.....

Buy top rail for chain link and then bend to size. Add more pieces until you get the length you need and you are set.

Attach fencing material and you are done.

Tried without a pipe bender and couldn't get consistant sizing.

Thanks
Tom

 

[wushaw]

I did the Homedepot 6X6 chainlink panels when they were 20.00 cheaper than what they are now, I have 18X18 run with a dogloo, two shade trees and a 4X8 deck with cover for my hounds for when I leave the house.