When building a multi-dog kennel you must consider two priorities: safety and containment. The animals must be afforded safe, clean housing without being able to escape. Many building supply stores and feed stores now offer panels for assembly into kennel pens. This will offer a method of building the kennel using building materials and your own labor. The concept is to provide maximum containment and safety for any dog, even large breed or aggressive dogs.
Instructions
1. Plans need not be elaborate.
Design the steps you will take. The material list will provide two 8' x 16' covered runs. Choose a site that is convenient to observe and to access especially in poor weather. Confined dogs must be cared for every day so your convenience to access the kennel must be given some priority, as well. Water supply and feed storage concerns are also priorities for ease of management. Easy access to cleaning tools, grooming kits, leashes and other items are important, as well. So, choosing a site near an existing storage building or garage may be more desirable for water supply access and storage.
2. Post Hole Digger
Dig nine holes for corner posts and support posts. Set posts at least 2' deep and put either front or back posts 1/2' lower to provide slope for the roof. Add concrete to each hole and set posts. Nail front and back 2" x 8" x 16' boards to support posts at final roof height, recalling the slope desired. Nail roof support boards at 2' intervals and attach to the front and rear roof frame boards. Complete the roof by nailing corrugated sheeting to the roof boards, overlapping six inches on each side of the kennel.
3. Welded wire is stronger and heavier.
Attach galvanized livestock panels to the rear, sides and divider by nailing staples into the wood support posts. Attach the side panels and back panel to the outside of the structure. Use sufficient staples to securely attach the panels especially where a dog can reasonably push against the panels.
4. A saw can be used to cut steel, as well.
Cut the remaining panel in two 8' sections using a bolt cutter. Screw four of the eye bolts into the front wood support post on one side of the first opening. Screw one eye bolt midway from top to bottom on the opposite front support post. With a hammer, open the four bolts enough to attach the 8' livestock panel. Check the swing of the panel to assure clearance of the gate opening prior to closing each eye bolt with the hammer. Using a clamp or leash clasp, close and secure the gate to the eye bolt on the opposite front support. Repeat for the second opening to complete the enclosure. You are welcome to add as many runs as desired by adding three 4 x 4 posts; two livestock panels; two 2" x 8" x 16' treated boards; and three sheets of roofing steel for each section. The material list provided here will build two units.
5. Safety and Containment
Dogs must have a place to hide from wind and blowing rain, and to get off the ground. This can be done simply by purchasing a simple plastic barrel. Cut one end out of the barrel and attach the other end to a support post to keep it from rolling. The dog will have a place to escape from wind. Another simple, but effective, house is using your existing transport container as a house for the dog. Instead of storing the container (crate) when not in use, use it as the house within the fenced run for housing your dog will need.
6. Add siding to make the entire kennel into a dog "house." Add treated 2" x 4" x 8' boards to support plywood, corrugated metal (less maintenance) or metal covered plywood. For each 8'-section you convert, you will need three support boards, three metal sheets and nails or screws. Once the initial frame is completed, options to enclose all or part of the fenced kennel are limitless. You can match siding to your existing home (even brick) or add windows and personnel doors. Different roof designs can make the kennel more consistent with surrounding structures. Landscaping can be added for shade, visual continuity or for personal reasons. The choices are yours since the initial priorities have been met. Everything you add beyond this point is a reflection of your own taste and budget. The dog is safe, secure and contained.
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