If you’ve been contemplating building your dog their own special space outdoors, then let me be the first to tell you that building an outdoor dog kennel is one of the best decisions you’ll ever make as a dog owner. Dogs love having their own special place outside that’s comfortable, safe, and just theirs. Somewhere they can play, sleep, and get the fresh air they crave without having to be trapped inside all day.
Building a good outdoor kennel takes more than just slapping together some fencing and throwing a roof on top. Your outdoor kennel needs to be comfortable, safe, and lovingly constructed with your dog’s needs in mind.
Why Dogs Need Their Own Special Space Outdoors
When building an outdoor dog kennel you really have to consider the needs of your dog. Dogs aren’t built to stay inside all day. They like to get up and move around, explore their surroundings, and play. Plus, fresh air is good for everyone, even furry members of the family. When you build your dog their own space outdoors, you’re actually helping them to live healthier and happier lives.
Build your dog a poorly constructed kennel with little to no shade on a hot day and you’ll dread letting them outside. Is it too hot? Too small? Just plain uncomfortable? Yep… Dogs feel the same way about cramped, ill-made spaces as you do. Which is why you should ensure your kennel is perfect and something they’ll actually love being outside in.
I’ve seen so many outdoor dog kennels that look great from the outside but are miserable on the inside. No shade, the ground is hard, nothing but concrete. There’s no relief from the wind or rain. Build your dog something like that and you’ll never hear the end of it.
Planning Out the Kennel
The biggest mistake when it comes to building a dog kennel is not planning for one. Take the time to plan out every detail of your kennel before buying materials or digging that first hole. Most people dive right in only to realize halfway through they made a mistake.
Size Matters
The space you build needs to be big enough for your dog to move around and not feel cramped. A small kennel may work for puppies and small dogs, but give them someplace to stretch out, turn around, and still have room to spare.
As a general rule, you should make your dog’s kennel 10×10 feet for medium dogs and 10×20 feet for larger breeds. If you have more than one dog, you will need to size up even larger.
Location, Location, Location
You also want to choose a good location for your kennel. Ideally, you want to choose a place that:
- Offers shade during the hottest part of the day
- Has decent drainage so puddles don’t form in rainstorms
- Is close enough to your house that they don’t feel abandoned
- Isn’t near a bunch of foot traffic that may scare your dog
Try to avoid building in low spots that puddle with water. Avoid spots that are in direct sunlight all day from noon till evening. Dogs can overheat quickly outdoors, so providing plenty of shade is very important.
Finally, consider how hidden your dog will feel out there. Dogs are social creatures and want to feel like they’re a part of what’s going on. If your dog can look through and see the house and you moving about inside, they will feel less alone. If you put their kennel all the way back against a shed at the back of your yard, they may feel imprisoned.
Choosing the Best Materials for Your Kennel
Different materials will last longer, be safer, and just feel better to your dog. Pressure-treated lumber works great for framing and walls because it’s resilient against water and insects. However, the chemicals used to treat the wood can be harmful to your dog if ingested. Make sure that any wood that will be chewed on or laid upon by your dog is sealed properly. Also, let the wood completely cure before allowing your dog in the kennel.
Chain-link fencing is durable and affordable. It’s also easy to work with and gives your dog airflow and something to look through. If you decide to use chain-link fencing, make sure it’s heavy duty. A smart dog can push their way out of a lightweight chain-link fence. Strong, large breeds will be able to tear apart cheap wire.
Flooring
This is one area I see a lot of people mess up. Concrete is durable and easy to clean but hard on your dog’s joints. If you use concrete, make sure your dog has somewhere soft to lay down. Rubber mats or a raised dog cot bed will give your dog a soft area to relax.
Gravel drains well but isn’t comfortable to lay on. It’s difficult to keep clean and can irritate your dog’s paws. Artificial grass or turf has become popular because it looks nice, is comfortable for your dog, and drains well. You will have to clean it occasionally to prevent odors from building up.
I prefer to use half concrete/paving with rubber mats or turf for my dogs to lay on.
Building Your Dog Kennel Step by Step
With your plans sketched out and your materials gathered, you’re ready to start building.
- Use stakes and string to mark out where your kennel will be built. This will help guide where you’ll dig and place your fencing.
- Next, dig out your holes for your posts. Make sure to space them every 6–8 feet and dig your holes at least 2 feet deep.
- Set your posts in concrete and allow them to fully cure. Do not skimp on this step or your whole kennel may be leaning to one side before you’re done.
- Attach your fencing to your posts and work your way around the entire perimeter.
- Install your gate with a secure latch. I like to use a double-latch or carabiner-style clip. You’d be amazed how smart some dogs are with their paws and how easily they can figure out how to open simple latches.
- Now it’s time for the roof or covering. You don’t necessarily need a full roof, but your dog will thank you when it rains if you have at least part of their kennel covered. Build a shaded canopy or full roof over part of their run.
- Add flooring to your kennel and wait several days to let things settle before letting your dog inside.
Remember the Keys to Making Your Dog LOVE Their Kennel
Now that you have the basics of your kennel built, it’s time to make it magical. Literally every dog kennel I build, I add things that make my dogs love spending time outside even more.
Dog House
If your dog kennel isn’t fully enclosed, add a dog house. The dog house should be insulated, slightly raised off the ground, and just big enough for your dog to stand up and turn around in. Too big and it won’t retain heat; too small and your dog won’t use it.
Water
It should go without saying that you need to provide your dog with water. A dog that can constantly refresh its water is less likely to drink dirty water. Use a dog waterer or make sure you’re cleaning your dog’s bowl daily.
Enrichment
Add a chew toy, rope toy, or make your dog a digging box. Anything you can think of that will keep your dog occupied when you can’t be outdoors with them. Bored dogs become anxious and destructive dogs.
Place to Lay Down
Raise your dog up off the ground. A dog cot will do wonders for keeping your dog off cold or damp ground and promote good joint support. Add a cushion or washable pad for extra comfort.
Temperature Control
Invest in a misting fan for hot days or a heated pad for cold days. If your dog has somewhere cool to beat the heat outdoors, they’ll love lounging outside even on bad weather days.
Keeping Up with Kennel Maintenance
Like with anything, you want your outdoor dog kennel to remain in great shape. Follow these easy tips to keep your dog’s outdoor kennel clean and safe.
- Hose down the kennel’s flooring at least twice a week — more if your dog spends all day outside while you’re at work.
- Deep clean your kennel with a pet-friendly disinfectant once a month. Don’t use bleach anywhere your dog lays or sleeps; it can cause irritation.
- Check your fencing and posts for rust, loose screws, and warped wood every few months.
- Replace bedding and pads as needed. Damp and dirty is never comfortable for your dog.
- Check water daily and clean the bowl or waterer every 2–3 days.
Conclusion
Building an outdoor dog kennel for your dog to call their own is one of the best ways to improve life for you and your dog. When you take the time to plan, pick the right materials, and add things that will keep your dog comfortable and entertained, you have yourself a recipe for success.
Your dog will enjoy spending time outdoors on their own time whether you keep it simple or go all out. Basic kennel? Add a full cover, high-quality flooring, and lots of doggy perks. There’s nothing you can’t do to make your outdoor kennel your dog’s dream place to be.
Just remember to build it with your dog’s needs in mind and they’ll reward you with countless happy days outdoors.
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