Building a kennel...

Smith

Smith

New member
I got some small pens that I put my dogs in now when they are not with me. The new owner of the ranch is gonna fund a big kennel for me. My dogs won't be shut up in them all the time, just when we have company or when I am off shooting or elk hunting. We plan to pour a pad. I am not sure how big to make each pen. I was thinking 4x8x6 foot high for each run. Roofing the top, and making some sort of wind break around it that can fold out of the way for the summer. My boxes will be built onto the back of the runs with maybe some type of electric heat for winter. I will have power and water to the pad. I am thinking at least 6 runs maybe 8. You guys have any suggestions or pics of your kennels?
 
http://www.gundoghousedoor.com/heavy-duty-dog-door.php
I have used this dog door for the last 12 years for my labs. Thousands of openingsand closings. I can't believe how tough these doors are.
They also sell a heating pad that is indestructible. Make your dog box the same size as the heating pad. I have a wind baffle in mine so there is no direct draft. We get -40 weather here. With heated pads and waterers life is good. I might go to 10-12 foot long runs.
 
Septic tank/50 gallon drums plumbed to a 4 inch drain in each run, so you can just wash the dog poop into the drain and be done with it.
 
I will add pics of mine, but as far as a wind break, the best thing i have found is this mesh stuff used for privacy on chain link fence. It has eyelets in it like a tarp so you can take it off in the summer, fold it up and store it. The stuff is very tough, and easy to put on and off. For doors i use semi trailer mud flaps. They hold up great and are well insulated. I also put a devider in my houses to keep the wind out.
 
i would rig up walls just like chicken houses. you pull them up when it is warm and let them down when it is cold. plus the material isnt weak like a tarp. lasts forever. dont take just a few minutes to install. you can find the stuff pretty easy. i put it on my horse barn and it is awesome!!
 
They are 3- 7'x7' kennels with a 3'x21' enclosed walkway that could be used as kennel in a pinch. Dogs only pinned up at night or when no one is at home.
 
That looks like what I am after. My dogs will only be in it at night or when I ain't home(and thats not very often).
 


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