How to Build a 3 Dog Kennel

A properly constructed dog kennel can make owning canine companions a much more manageable task. A kennel allows you to keep your dogs safe and contained, and separates them to give each dog enough space to feel comfortable. Constructing a kennel can take a bit of time and effort, but a well-built one will be an asset for years to come.

Things You'll Need

• 12 7-foot-long tubular fence posts 72 feet of 6-foot-tall chain link fence 3 6-foot by 6-foot gate panels Fence clamps Fence puller Wire cutters Post hole digger Concrete Measuring tape Pea gravel Marker flags

Instructions

1. Look into local building codes to be sure that it is legal to construct a kennel on your property. Some communities require a building permit for any new structure, so call your regional building office for details.

2. Select a section of ground for your kennel. It is important that your area be flat to prevent puddling and free of debris, so choose accordingly.

3. 

   Measure your kennel design. A 3-stall kennel that has three six-foot wide stalls that are twelve feet in length is large enough to comfortably accommodate most dogs. Place a marker flag where you will be digging for each of your posts, as shown in the diagram below.

4. Dig your post holes. Make the holes at least 18 inches deep to properly sink and secure your post and to keep your kennel from moving or shifting.

5. Mix your concrete and fill your holes. Sink a post into the middle of each hole and hold vertical until the post no longer shifts. it is essential that you let your concrete cure for a minimum of seven days before attaching your fence to keep your posts from being pulled off-center.

6. Unroll your fence and clamp the open end to your first corner post. Pull the fence along to your second post, stretching it taut with the fence puller. Apply a clamp at the top of the post, one in the middle, and one towards to bottom to keep your fence from bulging or coming loose.

7. String your fence along the outside of your kennel frame, pulling it tight and clamping at every post. Once you have completed the outside, trim two twelve foot sections of fencing for your two divider panels. Attach them to the center posts of your frame and secure them to complete your stalls.

8. Set your first gate panel against the leftmost opening and secure it with fence clamps. Add your two remaining gate panels in this fashion, making sure that the doors open out to make transporting your dogs easier.

9. Spread a layer of pea gravel on the floor of the stalls. The gravel will allow moisture to drain away and make waste removal easier.

Tips & Warnings

• Take your climate into consideration when building your kennel. If you live in an area that is warm and humid, a kennel built in a shady area will keep your dogs comfortable. If you live in a cooler climate, your dogs will enjoy more sunlight.

• Never leave any sharp ends sticking out from your clamps or fencing. Your dogs will spend a good deal of time in their kennel and can be injured by protruding objects.

Resources

• Outdoor Dogs
• Keeping Multiple Dogs