How Do You Build a Dog Kennel: A Step-by-Step Guide for DIY Dog Owners

Are you tired of your furry friend being cooped up inside or wanting to give them a safe outdoor space? Building a dog kennel might be exactly what you need! As a dog parent myself I know how important it is to create a secure, comfortable space for our four-legged family members. Whether you have a mischievous husky like Raven (my friend’s escape artist pup) or a small breed that needs protection from larger animals, a DIY dog kennel can be a perfect weekend project.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about building your own dog kennel – from planning and gathering materials to the final construction steps. Let’s get started!

Why Build Your Own Dog Kennel?

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about why building your own kennel makes sense:

• Cost-effective: Store-bought kennels can be expensive, but DIY versions can save you hundreds of dollars
• Customizable: Build according to your dog’s specific needs and your yard’s layout
• Quality control: You decide which materials to use for durability and safety
• Pride of ownership: There’s something satisfying about building something for your pet with your own hands

Planning Your Dog Kennel

Determining the Size

The size of your kennel should depend on

• Your dog’s size
• How much time they’ll spend in the kennel
• Available space in your yard

As a general rule:

• For small dogs (chihuahua, yorkies): Minimum 6′ x 6′
• For medium dogs (beagles, spaniels): Minimum 8′ x 8′
• For large dogs (retrievers, huskies): Minimum 10′ x 10′

Remember, bigger is always better when it comes to kennels. Your dog should have plenty of room to move around comfortably.

Choosing the Location

Where you place your kennel matters! Consider:

• Shade: Choose a spot that gets partial shade during the day (especially in hot climates)
• Drainage: Slightly elevated ground to prevent puddles
• Visibility: Within sight of your home so you can check on your dog
• Neighbors: Away from property lines to reduce barking at passersby
• Safety: Away from busy roads or other hazards

Gathering Materials

For an inexpensive chain-link kennel, you’ll need:

Basic Materials:

• Chain link fencing (height depends on your dog’s size and jumping ability)
• Metal fence posts
• Top rails
• Tension bands and bars
• Post caps and cups
• Gate with hinges and latch
• Concrete mix
• Gravel (optional for drainage)

Tools:

• Post-hole digger
• Shovel
• Wheelbarrow
• Level
• Tape measure
• Wire cutters
• Pliers
• Hammer
• Garden hoe (for mixing concrete)

How to Build an Inexpensive Chain Link Dog Kennel

Step 1: Prepare the Area

1. Mark the kennel perimeter using stakes and twine
2. Measure carefully to ensure your corners are square (measure diagonally to check)
3. If your dog is a digger, consider laying down landscaping fabric and pea gravel or flagstone

Note: Avoid concrete flooring as it can damage your dog’s paws and joints over time!

Step 2: Install the Fence Posts

1. Dig post holes at each corner about 2 feet deep and 6 inches in diameter
   • For larger kennels, you may need additional posts between corners
2. Add 2 inches of gravel at the bottom of each hole for drainage
3. Mix concrete in a wheelbarrow following package instructions
4. Place each post in its hole, ensuring it’s level and straight
5. Pour concrete around the post, filling the hole to ground level
6. Allow concrete to set according to manufacturer’s instructions (usually 24-48 hours)

Pro Tip: If building alone, tie a rope around the post and stake the ends into the ground to hold it steady while pouring concrete!

Step 3: Install Tension Bands and Caps

1. Slide tension bands onto each post:
   • Corner posts: 6 bands (2 top, 2 middle, 2 bottom)
   • Middle posts: 3 bands (1 top, 1 middle, 1 bottom)
2. Add cups to corner posts (the sockets should face neighboring posts)
3. Cap each post (corner posts get regular caps, middle posts get caps with rings)

Step 4: Add Top Rails

1. Slide top rails through the rings on middle posts
2. Insert rail ends into the cups on corner posts
3. Connect rails by sliding one end over the thinner end of another
4. Tighten all bolts on cups to secure rails

Step 5: Attach the Fencing

1. Unroll chain link fencing starting at a corner post
2. Insert a tension bar through the end links of the fencing
3. Secure the tension bar to the post using the tension bands
4. Continue unrolling fencing around the perimeter, pulling tight
5. Secure fencing to top rails using wire ties
6. Repeat the tension bar process at each corner

Step 6: Install the Gate

1. Attach hinges to the gate post (one 8″ from top, one 8″ from bottom)
2. Position gate about 2″ above ground
3. Slide gate onto hinge pins and tighten bolts
4. Install gate latch at a comfortable height
5. Test gate to ensure it opens, closes, and latches properly

Adding Comfort Features to Your Dog Kennel

A basic kennel provides security, but to make it truly comfortable for your dog, consider these additions:

Shelter Options

Your dog needs protection from rain, snow, and harsh sun. Options include:

1. Dog house: Choose one appropriately sized for your dog
2. Partial roof: Cover half the kennel with:
   • Metal roofing (most durable)
   • Wooden slats
   • Heavy-duty tarp (most affordable option)

Flooring Considerations

While grass is ideal, consider these alternatives:

• Pea gravel (good drainage, easy to clean)
• Rubber mats (comfortable, easy to disinfect)
• Wood chips (inexpensive, needs replacement)

Amenities for Comfort

• Water bowl holder (to prevent tipping)
• Feeding station
• Chew-resistant toys
• Raised bed for comfort

Real-Life Example: Raven’s Kennel Transformation

I want to share a quick story about my friend who built an amazing kennel for her husky, Raven. The old kennel was functional but had an unattractive tarp held on by bungee cords for shade. Plus, clever Raven could bump the latch with her nose to escape!

Their upgraded 6′ x 18′ kennel featured:

• Pressure-treated 4×4 posts
• Beautiful chocolate-stained wood
• Galvanized metal roof panels
• Hog wire fencing (more attractive than chain link)
• A sliding door with husky-proof latch
• Diagonal cross-braces for stability

The project cost around $1,200 (a few years ago) and took about 20 hours of work. While more expensive than a basic chain link option, it shows how you can elevate your kennel if your budget allows.

Tips for Dog Kennel Success

• Check local regulations: Some areas require permits for structures over certain sizes
• Consider your dog’s personality: Escape artists need more secure features
• Provide enrichment: Don’t just leave your dog in a bare kennel
• Regular maintenance: Check for loose wires or protruding parts regularly
• Cleanliness: Establish a cleaning routine to keep the kennel sanitary

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Making it too small: Dogs need room to move around
2. Ignoring weather protection: Always provide shelter from elements
3. Poor location choice: Avoid areas that flood or get extreme sun
4. Insufficient security: Know your dog’s escape abilities
5. Forgetting permits: Check local building codes first

FAQs About Building a Dog Kennel

Q: How long does it take to build a basic dog kennel?
A: A simple chain link kennel can be completed in a weekend with 1-2 people working on it.

Q: What’s the most escape-proof fencing?
A: Chain link is generally good, but for determined diggers, extend the fence 1-2 feet underground or add a concrete perimeter.

Q: Can I build a kennel on a concrete patio?
A: Yes, but you’ll need special brackets to secure posts to concrete instead of burying them.

Q: How high should my fence be?
A: For small dogs, 4 feet may be sufficient. For large breeds or jumpers, 6 feet is safer.

Q: What’s the most important feature of a good kennel?
A: Security comes first, followed by weather protection and comfort.

Conclusion

Building your own dog kennel is a rewarding project that creates a safe outdoor space for your furry friend. By following these steps, you can create a secure, comfortable area that meets your dog’s specific needs while saving money compared to pre-made options.

Remember that a kennel should never be a permanent living space – it’s meant for temporary containment while you’re away or unable to supervise. Your dog deserves plenty of exercise, attention, and time with their favorite human (that’s you!).

Have you built a kennel for your dog? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below! Share your tips, photos, or questions, and let’s help each other create the best spaces for our four-legged family members.

Happy building!