Muddy dog runs make muddy dogs, which come into your house.
One of the more difficult problems that arise from keeping one or more dogs is the mud created in all the places where the dog runs back and forth and wears away the grass. Even if you contain the mess by putting the dog in a fenced dog run to play, the mud remains a problem. Not only is it unsightly, but the dog brings that mud into the house. There are three excellent solutions among several available: concrete runs, high-density plastic panels and a product called DirtGlue.
Instructions
Concrete Runs
1. Excavate the area.
Dig down about 6 inches for 4-inch-thick concrete. You may want it thicker if you have many dogs or extreme weather.
2. Make sure your frame is level.
Frame the area where you will pour the concrete, using 2-by-4 inch boards turned on their sides to build the frame. The board ends must be nailed securely, so the concrete does not escape. Backfill with dirt up close to the lumber to stabilize it.
3. Add pea gravel
Pour the pea gravel into the run area and spread it so that the area is reasonably level. Build up one side so that the entire run is level but slopes down in one direction--away from the house and walking paths. The layer of gravel only has to be deep enough to provide a level, sloping area. If your soil has poor drainage, an extra 2 to 3 inches should help.
4. Rent a concrete mixer to ease your workload.
Mix the concrete with water thoroughly and pour into the frame. Use a splash board to keep concrete inside the frame.
5. Float the concrete using a wood or metal float.
Use a float to smooth the surface and allow the concrete to dry. Don’t trowel, so that the surface will remain a little rougher for better footing.
6. Concrete slab with the lumber forms removed.
Remove the 2-by-4 inch frame by prying the boards away when all is dry.
7. Apply concrete sealer to the concrete in several layers to help prevent odor buildup from urine.
High-Density Plastic Flooring
8. Measure your plastic planks and your dog run, and plan your layout on paper. If the planks are long enough, you may need to lay them horizontally across the width of the run and add planks to the length. Or you may need to lay planks side by side and then end to end. You may find you will need to lengthen the run as needed to fit the plastic flooring sections without having to cut them. There are a number of companies from which to purchase this type of kennel flooring. The panels come in different sizes, usually rectangular or square.
9. Dig the ground and level it as in Steps 1 and 2 in the concrete section. Dig just deep enough to provide a level surface and about 2 inches of gravel for drainage; you don't have to dig down to 6 inches as with a concrete pad. Depending on your soil and drainage, you may not need gravel at all.
10. Lay the first plastic plank section directly onto your prepared dirt or gravel surface and insert the second one under the side edge of the first one to lock into place. Put a layer of weed cloth down first if there is any concern about weeds and grass growing up. Trim the weed cloth so that the dog cannot get to the edges and pull it out.
11. Repeat Step 2 until all the planks are locked into place.
12. Add the finishing strips to the outer edges of your run.
DirtGlue
13. Dig down 6 inches.
14. Pour pea gravel to a depth of 4 inches into the run area and spread it so that the area is reasonably level.
15. Compact the gravel and apply geotextile fabric on top. Your County Extension or a Co-op should be able to help you locate this product. You need a stronger type than the weed cloth from the hardware store.
16. Add 2 more inches of gravel and mix in DirtGlue, diluted according to package directions. Compact firmly. DirtGlue is a unique, environmentally friendly, nontoxic polymer emulsion that is used for soil stabilization. Follow package directions for curing and drying times, depending on the size of your run as well as any sloping.
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