DIY Network

Constructing the Dog Run From "Barkitecture" episode DBAR-111

Kenny gets down to business with building the dog run.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G
	Figure H
	Figure I

Constructing the Dog Run

1. To start, cut the following pieces of landscape timbers (figure A).

2 – 2 foot long landscape timbers
2 – 4 foot long landscape timbers
6 – 8 foot long landscape timbers
18 - 2x2 stakes to anchor frame

2. Use landscape fabric to create the 10'x20' footprint of the dog run on the ground. Using the pieces of landscape timbers, create the base frame of the dog run along the outer edges of the fabric (figure B). Use two of the eight foot pieces along with a four foot piece to make up one of the 20' walls. Using a sledgehammer, hammer in stakes along the outside of the frame to help secure it in place.

3. To make the 20' wall, use two 10' 2"x6"s lying end to end to make both the top and bottom runs of the wall. With the top and bottom run lying on the ground, unroll the plastic coated wire fencing along the 2x6s - flush at the top and 1-1/2" from the bottom (figure C). Use a staple gun about every 8" to attach the fence to the frame.

4. Join the two 10' boards with a 4x4 post, using 3" deck screws to do so (figure D).

5. Attach a 2x4 that is inset 3-1/2" from both ends of the 20' wall (figure E). This will be the point of connection where the side and back walls will meet.

6. Assemble the 10' walls using the same methods as the 20' wall, only this time use one 10' 2x6 for the top an bottom.

7. Attach 4x4 posts flush to ends of both 10' walls.

8. Set the back and two sidewalls into place. The back wall's inset 2x4s should meet up to the end walls' flush mounted 4x4s. Attach on the inside at the top and bottom using 3" deck screws. Also, using the same screws attach the bottom of the walls to the landscape timber frame on the ground (figure F).

9. Fill the entire area inside the fence with 2" of gravel making sure that it is raked level (figure G).

10. Frame the gate using 2x4 pressure treated wood. Use a 45-degree miter cut to make 2 – 4'pieces for the uprights, and 2 – 32" pieces for the top and the bottom. Once the frame is assembled, using the deck screws add a diagonal piece of wood from the bottom right to the top left inside the frame (figure H).

11. Attach the fencing material to the outside of the frame with the staple gun then add 2 – 35 3/4" pieces of 1x6 material at the top and bottom, of the outside of the gate, to match the rest of the fence (figure I). The extra 3-3/4" of over hang on the top and bottom 1x6 will act as a stop for the gate.

12. Attach hinges and latch using the hardware and instructions provided with them and attach the gate to the 17' section of fence.

13. The shade roof is made from a sheet of heavy-duty corrugated vinyl. This too can be purchased at your local home improvement store. Place the sheet vinyl over the top of one of the corners of the dog run (figure J). Use 1-1/2" screws to hold it in place. Be sure to drive the screws into the valleys of the corrugated material.

14. Use a circular saw to cut the excess roofing material that overhangs the outsides of the corner it is shading.

15. The final element is the anti-bacterial mat (figure K). Follow the manufacturer's instructions when putting this together.

16. The finished dog run looks great (figure L)!

Figure J

Figure K

Figure L

RESOURCES :

Young-Williams Animal Center
Website: www.knoxpets.org

The American Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
Website: www.aspca.org

Petfinder.com
Website: www.petfinder.com