How to Build a Dog Kennel Cover
Kennels can gain a build up of mold and bacteria if not properly protected from outdoor elements like rain and snow. With a proper covering over a fenced kennel, dogs can lead a healthier life. A simple and cheap way to provide a covering over a kennel can be created in less than an hour of work.
Things You'll Need
- Waterproof tarp
- Ground stakes
- PVC pipe (two feet higher than kennel fencing)
- Rope
- Rubber mallet
Instructions
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1
Soften the ground in the very middle of the kennel with water or just drive the PVC pipe into the ground with a rubber mallet. Ensure the PVC pipe is still one foot higher than the kennel fencing.
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2
Throw the tarp over the entire kennel and leave slack over the edges of the fencing.
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3
Cut holes in the four corners of the tarp and double tie knots with the rope through the holes. The four fence posts will act as supports for the tarp and the elevated PVC pipe will prevent rain from pooling and damaging the cover.
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4
Hammer the stakes into the ground with the rubber mallet.
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5
Tie knots around the stakes with the already attached rope so there is no additional slack. Water should know fall off the covering rather than pooling in the middle.
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Tips & Warnings
One stake per corner of the covering should hold down the tarp, but using an additional stake per corner can steady it's placement.
Ensure there are no holes in the tarp anywhere except for the corners. If the PVC pipe is not elevated enough water can pool in the middle of the covering and eventually collapse in the kennel.
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Comments
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This doesn't work -- tried it and it ruined my pens the first time it rained. The rain pooled in the corners and pulled the whole tarp down and bent the top rail of the fencing. Better to put two 4x4 treated posts midway down the panel on two facing sides. Tie the 4x4's to the fence panel at the top & bottom. Then attach a 4 inch piece of PVC pipe that will go across the top of the pen reaching from one of the 4x4's to the other on the opposite side from it. Using extra long nails anchor the PVC pipe to the top of the 4x4 posts. Then throw the tarp over the PVC pipe and anchor the tarp to the pen. Make sure it is pulled extremely tight so water can't pool. Good luck. This works much better than the method posted here.
