About Dog Runs

Dog runs are like outdoor kennels for your pet. This is where they can eat, sleep and enjoy the fresh air when you are not home. They are simple to construct and can be beneficial for your peace of mind and fulfill your dog's natural desires to be outside. Dogs are active creatures, so keeping them inside can cause physical, mental and behavior problems.

Function

Dog runs enable you to leave your house without having to worry about your dog being confined to your house all day. A dog run provides them with shelter, protection, food, water and bathroom, so they have everything they need while you're away. They give your dog freedom, but they still provide a safe environment where your dog can't harm anyone or escape and get hurt or killed by a car. In addition, providing an outdoor space for your dog can help you preserve your lawn.

Features

Dog runs can either be attached to the house or garage, or they can be separate buildings. They usually have a chain link fence around them and either a dirt or concrete floor. It's best to have a concrete floor so the dog cannot dig its way out. Also included inside the fence is a shelter or dog house where the dog can rest and have relief from hot or cold temperatures.

Benefits

Inside a house all alone, dogs can become bored and are more likely to misbehave and destroy furniture and other items out of anxiety or boredom. A dog run provides them with a chance to interact with the outdoors. Also, since your pet's waste will be concentrated in one area, you can easily clean out the kennel by scooping up the waste and rinsing the concrete floor off with a hose. These structures are easy to maintain, and they provide for your pet while you're not home.

Misconceptions

Even though your pet might have everything it needs in its dog run, it's a misconception to think that you can leave it in there for days on end. Dogs are social creatures that need to have interaction with people. When they don't receive love and attention from their owners, they can become depressed or aggressive. It's important to remember that dogs have emotional as well as physical needs, and they will not get enough love and exercise while in a dog run for long periods of time.

Prevention/Solution

If you are building your own dog run, it can be difficult to create a secure fence. However, by using large staples or horseshoe-shaped nails, you can ensure that the fence is held up securely. Another issue is that your dog's food might be eaten by scavengers, so make sure to check that your dog's dish is full and keep it inside the enclosed portion of the dog run. Do the same thing with the water, because the water will probably evaporate quickly in the summer.

Resources

• How to Build a Dog Run