We invite you to discuss the construction of housing for a domestic guard dog. We will tell you which enclosure is best to keep your pet, what materials to build a home from, and how to organize the interior space so that the home protector spends time in comfort.

Arrangement of a site for an aviary

From a purely structural point of view, the enclosure can be either a free-standing block structure or a covered terraced area with a fence. We suggest considering the latter option for several reasons:

1. It is easier to attach such an enclosure to a building where a feeding trough and a sleeping place will be organized.
2. The structure is less susceptible to subsidence and distortion.
3. A paved area is easier to clean.
4. Objectively, the need to move the enclosure is extremely small, and the hassle of assembling the frame base is much greater.

Before preparing the site, markings are carried out. The enclosure can have any wall contour and size, but keep in mind that an adult large dog requires quite a lot of space. An adult German Shepherd, for example, should be provided with a walking space of at least 5-8 m2; a Caucasian or mastiff will need about 10 m2.

In the marked area, you need to remove the soil using a shovel and fill the resulting space with equal layers of fine crushed stone and sand. The height of the bedding should be such that after laying the material used, the site rises above the adjacent soil by about 30-50 mm. The surface must be tightly compacted and leveled with a lath; the area must be paved without additional compaction.

It is recommended to surround the base of the enclosure along the perimeter with some kind of curb stones, for example, bricks on the edge, the upper edge of which will be flush with the general plane. It is also possible to form a slope of about 2:100 for easier wet cleaning.

The material for the paved surface can be chosen relatively freely. Concrete slabs, paving slabs, and substandard bricks are suitable. The smaller the size of the elements, the better: this way the surface will absorb moisture faster. After laying the covering, the cracks must be thoroughly sanded.

Aviary fencing

The aviary is a fairly lightweight structure; it can be founded on just a few vertical posts. For a frame with a side of up to 4 meters, only corner supports will be sufficient. If it is larger, you should add intermediate posts, perhaps even smaller ones.

Round or rectangular steel pipes are suitable as supports; you can also use angle steel or channels. Wood is not recommended for the reason that a pet can gnaw it, compromising its appearance and structural strength.

The supports need to be dug along the outside of the site so that they are closely adjacent to the curb stones. It is enough to drill holes with a garden drill with a diameter slightly larger than the width of the posts. You need to bury it to a depth of about 1/3 of the total length. The height of the racks and, accordingly, the ceiling of the enclosure should not be less than 1.5 meters, ideally it is 1.8-2 meters.

The front posts should be slightly higher than the rear ones to create a roof slope of about 1:10. To prevent subsidence, it is recommended to weld several spacers at different heights onto the underground parts of the supports. After the posts are adjusted to the level of gravel at the bottom of the holes, they need to be densely covered with soil. Concreting is also possible, but not necessary; it’s easier to mix the soil with coarse crushed stone and fill the pillars with this mixture. As you backfill, you need to adjust the vertical position in the direct and transverse directions; you can add water to compact it.

1 - gravel cushion; 2 - soil with crushed stone; 3 - spacers; 4 - profile pipe

When the supports are installed, they need to be tied at the top and bottom. Along the top, on the front and back sides, corner steel strips are laid, which will serve as the basis for the roof sheathing. At the bottom, the pillars need to be tightened purely nominally, in order to prevent the divergence of the supports, ordinary reinforcement will do. The side walls of the enclosure also need to be secured with inclined crossbars, which will serve as an upper support for the fence and will not interfere with the roofing.

The choice of fencing depends on the size and aggressiveness of the pet. For calm, well-mannered dogs, reinforcing mesh or chain-link is quite suitable, but for high-quality tension you will have to add several vertical reinforcing rods every 100-140 cm. For large aggressive dogs, it is better to make a fence entirely from vertical reinforcing rods. The distance between them should be such that the dog cannot fully stick its head through, otherwise at a certain moment it may simply get stuck in the fence. To prevent the rods from moving apart, it is recommended to tie them together with one or two horizontal lines of reinforcement.

To eliminate airflow, it is recommended to line the inside of the enclosure with grade 1-2 OSB sheets, slate or plank boards. Ideally, three walls should be blank, but usually the northern and eastern walls, or the sides with prevailing winds, are covered. It is also wise to build a parapet of about 30-40 cm on the open walls so that snow does not sweep into the enclosure in winter. And don’t forget about the security factor, because visibility must be maintained in certain directions for the watchman.

Installation of a gate

The door to the enclosure should allow the owner to freely enter to clean and care for the pet. The simplest option is to install two pillars in advance at a distance of about 80-100 cm, thereby forming a gate opening. In order not to pore over making a transom, the gate can be made to the full height of the enclosure. Naturally, this option is only possible from the front or rear wall; on the side walls you will have to compensate for the slope of the roof.

A gate can be made in the form of a frame made of angle steel filled with reinforcing bars. The dimensions of the gate should be 15-20 mm smaller than the opening on each side, otherwise there is a high risk that the door will jam over time. It is advisable to hang it on two point awnings or on 3-4 door hinges.

Pay special attention to the door latch. It is better to make it by hand: two small sleeves from a 1/2-inch pipe serve as the frame of the latch, the third plays the role of a striker. It is better to make the handle with a heavy knob and weld a small pin to the base of the lock as a stop that limits the reverse movement of the handle. Quite often it happens that a dog, jumping onto the gate, opens the lock and finds himself free. Therefore, it is better not to consider options without stops and factory bolts or hooks.

On the topic of gates, we will include one of the most convenient designs of feeders. At a height of 30-45 cm, depending on the height of the dog, a through rectangular frame measuring about 20x40 cm should be fixed in the fence. One of the vertical sides of the frame should be made of a round smooth rod, onto which a sleeve from a piece of pipe is placed during assembly. A straight rail is attached to the sleeve, on one side of which bowls with water and food are hung, while the other side serves as a lever that allows you to turn the feeder outward and replenish water and food supplies.

Kennel, insulation

Each breed of dog has its own specifics for making a kennel, so it is better to build a sleeping place for your pet according to the recommendations from the guides for service dog breeding. We will describe the main points.

The booth must have double walls and a bottom, and the gaps between the outer boards must be carefully caulked. If desired, you can put insulation (mineral wool) in the cavity at least up to the middle of the height of the hole. It is advisable to place the kennel so that the entrance faces a blank wall.

To prevent your pet from freezing on a concrete floor in cold weather, you need to knock down a plank platform. The kennel should fit on it, plus it is advisable to leave 1-1.5 meters of space on each side. In case of severe frosts, it is better to knock down a shelf located a meter above the ground. Any tricks with general insulation of the area under the enclosure are essentially useless: the coating will still be at street temperature, so a small boardwalk will be quite enough. The only point is that it needs to be knocked down on high enough bars to isolate it from moisture on the floor and leave room for ventilation.

Roof structure

Most dog breeds require a sheltered enclosure, even if the kennel is protected from rain. With the barrier design described above, laying the roof will not pose any particular problems. Along the slope in increments of 60-80 cm, you need to screw several 40x40 or 50x50 mm beams, resting them on the upper horizontal connections of the front and rear walls. Roofing-type sheathing is laid on top of the beams, usually an unedged board up to an inch thick.

The most budget option for roofing is corrugated sheeting or slate. Usually, the remains from building a house are used for these purposes. The only requirement is to ensure that the roof is wide enough in the front part to prevent slanting rain from entering the enclosure. It is recommended to secure a gutter at the back so that runoff from the roof does not wet the cladding of a blank wall, this is especially important if the soil behind the enclosure is in constant shade.

From this article you can learn how to make a dog enclosure with your own hands: photos of street and home structures made independently, unusual solutions and useful tips from experts. The text describes in detail the technology of construction of structures intended for keeping animals, with visual materials and a detailed description of the entire process: the choice of drawing, materials and dimensions of the structure, followed by manufacturing instructions.

Any dog ​​that lives outdoors for a long time needs a special place where it can feel comfortable. This area should have a fence and the necessary amenities so that, if necessary, the animal has the opportunity to sleep, play and hide from bad weather. To organize a space suitable for these purposes, it is enough to build an enclosure for a dog that will meet all its needs.

In what cases is an outdoor enclosure for a dog necessary?

Medium and large-sized dogs are kept outdoors. Animals of small breeds are less hardy and need to be kept at home.

An outdoor dog enclosure is necessary in the following cases:

1. The size of the animal does not allow keeping it in the house - experts recommend building enclosures for Caucasian Shepherds, Alabais, Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Mastiffs and other large breeds.
2. The need for temporary isolation of the animal - during construction work in the courtyard of the house or in the event of guests arriving, there is a need to protect the animal.
3. Keeping a guard dog - if the animal performs the function of a guard, the enclosure will serve as a home for the dog living in the yard. This structure will protect the pet from rain, snow and wind.

Many stores allow pet owners to buy an inexpensive outdoor enclosure for a dog of any size or modification ready-made or order its production. If you wish and have minimal construction skills, you can independently build a beautiful and reliable home for your animal.

What types of dog enclosures are there: photos and classification by type of construction

Before starting the manufacturing process, you need to determine what the structure should be that will stand in the courtyard of the house. In the photos found online, the enclosures have different configurations and designs. The appearance of the structure depends on its purpose, the size and breed of the dog, the materials chosen, as well as the personal preferences of the animal owner.

Useful advice! Regardless of the chosen design, it is worth taking care of wall insulation. Ecowool or polystyrene foam can be used as thermal insulation lining.

The designs of dog enclosures are:

1. Temporary.
2. Closed.
3. Capital.

The structures of temporary enclosures are open. The area allocated for keeping the dog is fenced off with a mesh or fence. To arrange the internal space, a booth is installed and a flooring is formed. Such enclosures do not have a roof, since the animal is in them temporarily.

Closed structures belong to the category of intermediate buildings. For convenience, a flooring is formed inside and a booth is placed. This type of enclosure is considered partially insulated, since the walking area is fenced with solid walls on three sides. The fourth surface has the form of a lattice to give the animal the opportunity to observe what is happening in the yard.

Capital-type enclosures have one translucent wall in the form of a lattice. The remaining surfaces are made solid and well insulated. Such structures have a deck and a roof. A booth is placed inside or a special sleeping place is equipped. For this purpose, part of the enclosure is fenced off.

Features of enclosures for puppies and small breed dogs

In addition to outdoor enclosures, there are also home structures that are used in residential areas for keeping puppies. Such products are small in size and very light in weight. Most of these enclosures have a prefabricated structure.

Inside you must place:

• soft bedding;
• a bowl of water and food;
• a diaper or tray so that the dog can relieve itself;
• toys.

At home, enclosures are used for Yorkies and dogs of other decorative breeds with miniature sizes. Some owners do not want to limit the freedom of their pet with the help of such a barrier, but there are many situations when such a design simply cannot be done without.

Important! An enclosure is not a place of punishment for an animal, regardless of whether an outdoor or indoor structure is used. If the dog is inside, it should not be punished. The animal should feel safe and have a positive outlook on their time there.

Varieties of home designs for pets, their advantages, tips for choosing and making them yourself.

At least 10 m² should be allocated for the construction of an enclosure for a shepherd dog (Central Asian, Caucasian) or Alabai. It would be desirable if there was more space. Having established the minimum dimensions of the area, you also need to take into account the sex of the animal. Males and females need different living conditions.

For a female dog, it is necessary to provide a vestibule and a maternity area. These structural elements will be located inside the enclosure. When puppies are born, they will not sit in one place, but will begin to move around the territory while playing. For this reason, the structure must be as protected as possible from bad weather conditions.

For a male dog, you will need to install a reliable and large booth. When making an enclosure for an alabai with your own hands, you should remember that males are physically strong, so both the castle and the enclosure itself must be as strong as possible. Otherwise the dog will simply break it.

How to make an enclosure for a dog with your own hands: choosing the optimal place for construction

Choosing the optimal location is an important condition for building a good enclosure for an Alabai or a dog of another breed. The structure should not be installed in a remote location. If the dog is isolated from people, he will bark loudly and become restless. An aviary next to a fence wouldn't be a good idea either. The animal will be constantly interested in people passing by the yard. A large dog can easily jump over a fence, choosing a snowdrift as a support point in winter, for example. This can lead to a lot of trouble.

Important! The enclosure should not be installed near a compost pit or other sources of strong odors, otherwise the dog may partially or completely lose its sense of smell.

The optimal location for the enclosure will be the front part of the yard. In this case, the structure will be located near the gate leading to the house and the path. Thanks to this, the animal will have the opportunity to observe everything that is happening around while in an isolated shelter. It is not recommended to choose a low-lying part of the yard for construction. In this case, the enclosure will be flooded with rainwater. In addition, dogs love an overhead view, so you should give preference to a small hill.

If you place the entrance on the south side of the site, the animal will be hot in the summer. Only in cold regions is this zone allowed to be used. But even in this case, it won’t hurt if there is a tree nearby that provides shade where the dog can hide from the sun.

If you make a dog enclosure with your own hands with a door on the north side, this is fraught with trouble. Precipitation will be the source of these inconveniences. If the region where the site is located is characterized by frequent snowfalls, in winter you will have to constantly clear these drifts in order to enter the enclosure. This requires a significant investment of time and effort, which the owner may not have.

Making an enclosure for a dog with your own hands: photos of designs from different materials

If future construction involves making an enclosure for a large dog intended for permanent residence, care should be taken to protect it from drafts. To do this, it is advisable to block the back and adjacent walls.

In this case, the following should be used as building materials:

• bricks;
• type-setting wooden panels;
• thick tongue and groove boards enclosed in metal frames;
• monolithic concrete;
• cinder blocks.

It is better if the open wall faces south, southwest or southeast. To make it, it is advisable to use metal rods. To create a gate, a metal frame and rods are suitable. Dogs have a good mind, so they can open many locks with ease. The locking device on the gate must be reliable.

Important! It is not recommended to use mesh for dog enclosures in construction. Despite the fact that this material is more affordable than metal rods, it will last much less. In addition, the mesh can injure the animal if it breaks.

Comfortable living is only possible if the base is warm and dry. For this reason, experts recommend using wood to make floors in enclosures for huskies and other dogs. A covering formed from thick boards, if properly processed, will last quite a long time and protect the animal from drafts. Antiseptic agents are provided for this purpose. These compounds provide protection against rot and mold. In addition, you need to take care that there are no protruding nails or knots so that the dog does not get hurt.

To build the foundation, you can use concrete. However, in this case, the presence of wooden flooring is mandatory, as is ventilation under it. Materials such as concrete and asphalt should not be used as the sole base without a coating. They can seriously damage the animal's joints and claws.

The roof structure can be anything, the main thing is that it has a canopy. The list of roofing materials recommended for use includes:

• slate;
• metal tiles;
• profiled sheet;
• soft roof.

When choosing roofing materials, it is better to give preference to coatings that have a high level of sound insulation. Dogs' hearing is very sensitive and during rain the animal will experience discomfort if the drops drum loudly on the roof.

Making dog enclosures with your own hands: photos of designs designed for a pack

To support a whole flock, you can build one structure that will take into account the needs of several animals. Such structures are necessary in cases where there are several dogs on the site or the owner is breeding them. Most often seen in the photo, enclosures for two dogs or more animals have the appearance of tunnel structures. They are good for keeping a pack, but are completely unsuitable for housing one pet.

Such structures consist of several separate sections with semi-winter roads. Each section should be covered with a canopy for 3/4 of its length. In this case, about 4 m² of internal space will be allocated for each dog. The width of the section should correspond to the length of the animal's body without a tail.

To save money, you can make your own dog feeder from wood, using a jigsaw to cut holes for bowls and a drill with screws to secure the structural elements.

Important! Sections of an enclosure with several dogs must be separated by solid partitions, otherwise clashes between animals are possible during feeding.

The feeder is made in the following order:

1. To begin with, a drawing with dimensions is selected for making a feeder for the dog’s enclosure.
2. The markings in accordance with the drawing are transferred to the wood. For this, a furniture board or board can be used.
3. Using a jigsaw, the material is cut according to the markings.
4. Holes for screws are formed (3 mm drill).
5. Using a jigsaw, circles are cut out for the bowls and the corner parts of the parts are rounded.
6. All elements are sanded and connected with screws, after preliminary gluing.

To make the feeder look neat, all cracks and screw heads must be filled with putty intended for wood. Then the surface is again treated with sandpaper and painted in any color you like. For these purposes, only safe and environmentally friendly compounds are used so that the dog’s health is not harmed during use.

Calculation of the size of an enclosure for a dog based on basic parameters

To create a drawing you need to know the dimensions of the structure. It is not only the area that is important. The size of a dog enclosure also depends on such a parameter as height. The structure is designed in such a way that the animal can stand freely on its hind legs without resting against the roof.

The minimum permissible side length of the enclosure is 2 m. This is quite enough for the animal to move freely, but for complete comfort it is better to increase this parameter. A dog can live permanently in a large enclosure. If it is of minimal size, you will have to let the animal out twice a day or at night so that it can stretch its legs and run around in the yard.

Once the dimensional parameters of the future design are determined, you can begin to develop a drawing of an enclosure for the dog. To do this, you can use ready-made projects or draw up a construction diagram yourself, taking into account personal preferences.

When developing a drawing of an enclosure for a husky or a dog of another breed, you need to add the required elements to the diagram of the future structure:

1. A place to sleep is an area where a sleeping place is equipped or a booth is installed.
2. Walking area is an area where the animal can actively move, relieve itself and play. The larger this zone is, the better.
3. Place for food - a couple of bowls are placed in this area. One of them contains water, the second contains food.

Useful advice! To simplify the feeding process, you can provide a window in the enclosure to serve food without going inside. If the dog is tall, bowls should be placed on a platform taking into account the height of the animal.

In addition to the dimensions, the drawing must indicate:

• winter road border;
• open area for walking;
• platform border;
• area for opening a gate or entrance door.

Preliminary drawing up of a drawing will allow you to rationally distribute all the elements of the enclosure and calculate the required amount of materials, as well as avoid mistakes.

Common mistakes when building a dog enclosure and expert advice

You should not skimp on materials, especially when it comes to fasteners and amplifiers. The design must be strong and reliable. It is not recommended to use slats, jibs and similar materials to strengthen the walls. A large dog will break this structure in one go.

When developing a project, you should not delve into the design. Decor that a person will like will create inconvenience for an animal. It is highly undesirable to use forged elements and other decorations that can become a source of injury to the animal. A dog's head or paw can easily get stuck in metal curls, which will lead to a fracture and other unpleasant consequences. The enclosure must be installed so that the dog has visibility and can control the situation.

The presence of a flower garden, alpine hill or flower bed near the enclosure is undesirable. Flowering plants emit aldehydes and ethylene. These substances cause irreparable harm to the dog's health, disrupting its sense of smell.

When building walls for an enclosure, it is imperative to take into account the size of a shepherd dog or other breed if these surfaces are lattice. In this case, metal rods are installed in increments of 5-10 cm. After construction is completed, it is imperative to check whether there are any defects left on the surfaces of the structure that could injure the animal. In metal enclosures, where elements are fastened by welding, be sure to inspect the seams for reliability.

To reduce the likelihood of injuries during operation, during the construction process it is advisable to use other types of fastening elements instead of nails.

Suitable for these purposes:

• bolts;
• self-tapping screws;
• screws;
• screws.

It is very important that the roof has a good rafter system and is sloped. Thanks to this, the structure will be reliably protected from the wind, and precipitation will not accumulate on its surface.

Before making an enclosure, it is advisable to make a foundation or form a base so that the wooden flooring is not subject to shrinkage and rotting. The presence of such a hill will provide the necessary ventilation.

Useful advice! In addition to the shutter, it is advisable to install eyelets on the door to the enclosure. When it breaks, these elements can be used to install a padlock.

How to build an enclosure for a dog in the yard of a private house

Large dogs require a permanent enclosure that will last for many years.

For construction you will need:

• sand and cement;
• boards and metal profiles;
• corners and channels;
• pipes and rods;
• roofing material for the roof.

The simplest base option for a homemade enclosure is a strip foundation.

Its construction is carried out in the following order:

1. A trench 0.5 m deep is dug.
2. A simple formwork structure with a height of 0.2 m is made.
3. A gravel cushion is formed.
4. The filling is prepared using water, sand and cement.
5. The formwork is filled with mortar.

When the fill dries, a layer of waterproofing material is laid. Roofing felt or polyethylene film is suitable for these purposes. The waterproofing material will protect the metal parts of the structure from corrosion, and the wooden elements from fungus.

Flooring manufacturing technology:

1. Channels are laid on top of the strip foundation and connected by welding into a rectangle.
2. The flooring boards are treated with an antiseptic and laid in this rectangle.
3. Insulating material (roofing felt) is laid.
4. A gravel bed is formed and concrete is poured.
5. When the solution reaches half its strength, logs made of wood are embedded in it.
6. A covering is formed from wooden boards, which are fastened with self-tapping screws.

Between the floor and the ground surface you need to leave 15 cm for air circulation, which will contribute to the rapid evaporation of moisture. It is advisable to tilt the floor 2° towards the front door. This will make the process of cleaning the enclosure easier.

How to build an enclosure for a shepherd dog with your own hands: assembling the structure

As a basis for the construction of walls, a profile pipe is suitable, which is bolted or welded to the channels. The rod is laid inside the enclosure from one corner to the other. You need to ensure that all elements are positioned evenly. You can use a building level for this. Next, vertical rods are attached in increments of 5-10 cm. Then the door is made. To install it, you need to leave an opening in the welded frame of the enclosure.

Useful advice! Square metal rods are stronger than round ones.

Depending on the purpose of the enclosure, the structure can be lined with one, two or even three walls. Any material you like can be used for exterior finishing. On the inside, the walls must be insulated and sheathed with wood.

Roof construction technology:

1. A metal corner or pipe is attached on top of the walls around the entire perimeter, which will serve as a connecting link.
2. A channel is installed in the central part between the side walls, which will strengthen the structure.
3. The resulting frame is used to secure the boards. Recommended size: 5 cm.

The structure is covered with corrugated sheets, slate or soft roofing (the latter option is more desirable). The aviary is almost ready for use. All that remains is to equip it by installing a booth and a feeder.

Making a dog house with your own hands: drawings and description of technology

To properly make a dog house, you need to determine the optimal size and shape. You should not select an overly complex design. The presence of elements such as ladders, ledges and partitions will create inconvenience for the animal. The ideal option would be a rectangular kennel with a pitched roof. It is better to place the entrance on the side.

Useful advice! It is advisable that one of the walls or the roof be removable. This will make the structure easier to clean and disinfect.

DIY doghouse construction: drawings and dimensions

The size of the structure is selected taking into account the needs of the dog. In this case, the basic parameters of the animal are taken into account.

These include:

• height at withers;
• length from nose to tail;
• total height of the animal;
• chest size (width).

Size of the booth taking into account the height of the animal at the withers:

Height at withers, cm	Booth dimensions, cm
<50	60x70x50
50-65	80x120x80
>65	100x140x100

How to determine the parameters of the frame part of the booth:

• the width and height of the structure corresponds to the height of the animal;
• the depth corresponds to the length of the animal;
• the width of the manhole is equal to the width of the chest;
• the height of the hole corresponds to the height of the animal at the withers.

You must add 5 cm to each value. Once the dimensions are determined, they are plotted on the drawing.

Technology for building a dog house with your own hands from scrap materials

Wood is the most accessible of available materials. To build a booth, you will need bars with a section size of 40x40 mm and boards (25 mm).

Construction is carried out in the following order:

1. Based on wooden blocks, a frame part is formed, equipped with both vertical and horizontal stiffeners.
2. An area is being formed where the manhole will be located.
3. The bottom of the booth is knocked together.
4. The walls are being covered.
5. A retractable roof is being manufactured. It can be flat or gable.
6. From the outside, the wood is impregnated with drying oil.

The opening of the manhole must be protected from wind and drafts. To do this, just secure a piece of foam rubber, tarpaulin or thick fabric in the upper part of the outlet.

For the construction of do-it-yourself enclosures, any available materials can be used. On the Internet you can find a lot of visual photos and videos with detailed descriptions of the technologies for creating these structures. By following these instructions and the advice of professionals, you can create a beautiful and comfortable enclosure in your yard that will become a wonderful home for your dog and protect it from bad weather.

How to make an enclosure for a dog with your own hands: video instructions

Building a stylish and original enclosure for a dog with your own hands is not astrophysics or higher mathematics. Everything is much simpler. First you need to determine its shape and dimensions. Make a drawing taking into account all dimensions and wishes. It is important to choose quality material. You should also consider where best to place it.

Often, owners need such a platform to isolate their tailed guardian from guests, household chores or garden plantings.
Of course, sometimes a dog enclosure is made into an apartment. The reason for this is the breed of the pet. It may be either too large or aggressive.
For safety reasons, it should be kept separately.

For an apartment, a booth can be made from old bedside tables (cabinets) or you can use special cages or mesh fences.

Location

Creating comfortable conditions for both the animal and household members is the leading goal of this idea. It is not recommended to build a fenced area for your vocal guard:

1. Near the fence, gates and gates. All passers-by, as well as cars, will irritate him. As a result, the dog’s morning or night serenades for the family are guaranteed. In addition, there is a possibility that he will get out and do a lot of dirty tricks.
2. In the backyard. Four-legged friends have a herd instinct. If you completely isolate them, they will become sad and begin to howl and whine, and this gets on your nerves.
3. Near the door of the house. The unpleasant smell and barking of the pet will make life unbearable for the family.

The optimal location for outdoor dog enclosures is the front area of ​​the yard. It is better to place it under a branchy tree. The roof, of course, will hide the cute animal from the heat, as well as rain. However, hot iron will create a real steam room in the building. While the thick crown will be an excellent shelter from the sun.

The enclosure needs to be placed longer from drafts. Nobody wants their pet to get sick.

Features of construction

The foundation of such a structure is mainly concreted and covered with crushed stone. The back and side walls are made blank. The other three are made of gratings, rods or meshes. There must be a gate with a shutter so that you can feed the dog and wash the area. In the middle, 2 places are installed: one for overnight stay (kennel), and the other for food (feeder). In order for your four-legged companion to feel safe and comfortable, the following requirements are imposed on do-it-yourself dog enclosures:

Since it is sometimes necessary to make an enclosure for a dog in an apartment, you can use improvised materials. For example, make a fence from slats or mesh. At the same time, attach it to one of the walls of the apartment. Much depends on the wishes of the household members themselves.

Animals need to be walked from time to time. They should run and frolic. Otherwise, the muscles atrophy and the blood stagnates.

Material selection

It is recommended to make one or two sides of the site completely closed so that there are no drafts. To build such blank walls, you can use the following types of building materials:

• brick;
• foam or cinder blocks:
• wooden beams, panels or boards (thickness from 2 cm);
• concrete slab;
• finished frame made of wood and reinforcement.

Thermal insulation material is coniferous trees. For harsh winters, it is still better to insulate the walls or make them double.

Floor

The flooring in an outdoor dog enclosure should not be cold. This can cause rheumatism in the animal. Therefore, it cannot be made from cement. It is better to use asphalt or concrete. Cover the screed with wooden flooring. The tongue and groove boards are sanded and dried well to prevent mold from developing. Before painting, they should be treated with antiseptic agents. The floor must be sloping. The side zones are slightly higher, and the front and center zones are lower. As a result, water will drain rather than accumulate on the surface.

Any wooden parts should not come into contact with the ground or other base elements. Otherwise, the wood will absorb moisture and rot.

Roof

In the original, the coating should be made inclined or flat. It is forbidden to use ordinary nails to install the roof. It is better to give preference to self-tapping screws or other types of closed fastenings, because the dog can get hurt. The roof of a home enclosure for a dog can be made from:

It is mounted on a wooden platform, which consists of several boards. This structure allows for heat retention in the building and excellent air circulation.

Front

The front wall provides the tailed guard with a good overview. The grid is an incomparable option for such observation. It can be made from metal profile pipes with a round or square cross-section. Using a grinder or sandpaper, you need to clean the parts from burrs and rust. The metal surface must be primed and covered with several layers of paint.

The Ministry of Health prohibits the use of powder and galvanized materials. They are harmful to the health of the animal. It is recommended to use screws made of stainless material as fastenings.

The mesh is a budget option, but it is not always reliable. Under the weight of the shepherd, it may fall out or rupture. Dogs also often chew the wire and pull out their teeth.

Design

After determining the location, it is important to make a detailed drawing with the dimensions of the dog’s enclosure. You need to think through and correctly position the main zones:

• booth;
• platform;
• gate;
• area (lawn) for walking;
• feeding windows.

The optimal height of such a structure is calculated taking into account the dimensions of the pet. It is necessary to take full body measurements of the animal.
To do this, he must stand on his hind legs. It is worth adding from 20 to 50 cm to the resulting indicator, at the discretion of the designer.

If the site is being prepared for several dogs, then all dimensions must be multiplied by 1.5.

Construction

After receiving the project, you should select the material for the roof, blind and front walls. Then it is important to decide on the location.
Now you need to consider step by step how to build an enclosure for a dog with your own hands, so as not to miss anything.

Foundation and decking

The rafters for the foundation will be powerful pipes (4-6 pieces), which should be driven into the ground along the perimeter of the object, or columns of bricks. The remaining space is filled with gravel or expanded clay. The base (screed height from 40 to 70 mm) is poured with a solution of concrete or cement. It is important not to forget to tilt towards the frontal zone.

The wooden flooring is nailed to a special timber frame. Its dimensions correspond to the dimensions of the enclosure. This floor is made from tongue and groove boards because they do not require nails for installation.

Construction and filling of the frame

If the fence is metal, then pipes can be used. They are assembled according to the drawing and fastened using bolts or welding. The same assembly principle applies to wooden supports. The algorithm for their construction is as follows:

The metal frame is filled with pre-selected material: a wooden beam or a brick wall. To insulate the back part, pressed sawdust, polystyrene foam, eco- or mineral wool are additionally used.

The front wall is made with one transverse crossbar. If you use a mesh, you need to make sure that it sits firmly on the folds. Any load can break it.

The front wall must be made of chain-link or mesh. In other cases, a grate is made, consisting of welded pipes and rods. Near the gate, two rings intended for feeding should be welded. The turning mechanism opens outwards.

Installation of roof and booth

To work with corrugated sheets or slate, it is necessary to build a wooden frame. Then the roofing sheets are applied one after another. A wooden frame is sheathed with roofing felt or soft tiles, onto which special OSB boards are attached. For safety reasons, you should use self-tapping screws or a closed type of fastening.
Among other things, an awning can be used as a cover. Dense and waterproof fabric is stretched over a metal frame, secured with loops.

The booth is made with a flat roof. As a result, it will become an observation deck for the pet. It is desirable that the structure opens, because then it is easier to clean it. The size of the booth is equal to the length of the lying dog with its paws stretched out.

A few simple steps and your do-it-yourself dog enclosure is ready. This stylish residence will serve as a wonderful place to relax and work for your beloved pet.

Video of building a dog enclosure

Types that you can make yourself

A dog enclosure is a fairly large, constructed structure where an animal can hide from heat or cold and will prevent the animal from attacking your guests. It’s not difficult to make it yourself - just understand what materials and drawings you will need. And this depends on what kind of enclosure you plan to build.

There are several types:

1. Completely open (usually a piece of land fenced with a metal mesh with a booth inside)
2. Open front, partially insulated (closed by solid walls on 3 sides, with roof, boardwalk and shelter)
3. Partially insulated with an adjacent fenced plot of land for walking (partially closed on 3 sides by solid walls, has a booth and a walking area inside)

Each type combines perfectly with the other, it can be remade and supplemented with details to suit your taste. There are many photos of do-it-yourself enclosures on the Internet.

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Required building materials

Make an aviary with your own hands? To make any of THEM, it is worth buying metal profile pipes, wooden panels at least 2 cm thick for walls, fastening materials, roofing material, concrete. The price of the material needed for construction depends on the characteristics of your structure - its size and type.

On average, the price of a metal profile pipe is from 35 rubles per meter, wooden panels cost about 6,000 rubles per cubic meter, soft tiles - from 400 rubles per square meter. You can replace all these materials with analogues.

There is no need to build the wall of the enclosure from a metal mesh - such material is dangerous for the pet, it can injure its paws on it.

How to make your animal feel comfortable

In order for the dog to live well and calmly in the enclosure, it is better to follow several rules when building this structure:

1. A sleeping place must be provided for her. This is often a kennel made of wood with bedding inside. The booth itself must be built taking into account the size of the animal.
2. To protect from the sun or precipitation, it is worth organizing a canopy if you have a completely open type.
3. The entire area should be at least thirty square meters - this is necessary so that the dog is comfortable, so that he can run freely and warm up.
4. It should be equipped with a feeding area and a drinking bowl for the animal.
5. On the front part, do not forget to build a door with a good latch for entering and exiting the enclosure. The door must open inward and have 2 locks - both outside and inside.
6. All wooden buildings should not be in contact with the ground - it is worth considering a concrete foundation.

Stages of self-construction in the photo

1. First you should determine the type and size, which directly depend on the size of the animal. On average, the enclosure ranges in size from 6 to 10 meters in width. Having chosen the size, we begin to draw the drawing. We calculate how much building material we need.
2. Having purchased the necessary material, we begin construction. First, we build the floor. The easiest way to make it is from concrete, but in winter it will be uncomfortable for your pet to be on concrete. It is worth covering the stone with wooden boards. The floor should be made at a slight slope so that water does not accumulate on it during rain.
   
   
3. The next step should be the installation of walls. At least one of the walls must be translucent and made of metal rods. The grille should be welded, and then primed and painted to protect against corrosion. The remaining walls can be made from boards. Make sure that all structural elements are connected well to prevent your pet from escaping. All walls must be firmly embedded in the ground.
   
   
4. Then we begin to lay the roof and install a door with two latches.
   
5. The fifth stage is the design and installation of the booth. It will be most convenient to build a wooden booth according to a separate drawing, calculating its dimensions depending on the size of the animal.
   
6. The finishing touches are to install the feeder and lay down soft bedding. The enclosure is ready and your pet can move in
   

Video

The relationship between breed and enclosure type

The type of enclosure depends on the breed - for short-haired dogs it must be insulated, but by building it for fluffy dogs, you can save a little on insulating materials.

Breeds such as the German Shepherd or Labrador require a lot of movement, so make the walking area larger. The calmer and more reasonable Alabai and Caucasians need a little less space.

Projects and drawings for self-construction

Where should it be located

The main thing is to choose a place to build on your site. There is no need to place it in the most remote part of the yard. There is a great opportunity to regret what you have done, because a dog that is isolated from society will worry and bark loudly.

A dog enclosure will also be superfluous next to the fence: your dog will be interested in people passing by. And if the dog is large, it can easily jump over the fence, for example, in winter, choosing a snowdrift as a fulcrum. This could end in trouble for both of you.

The best place is at the front of the yard. It will be located near the gate to the house and next to the path. The dog will be able to observe what is happening around him, but will be quite isolated in his shelter.

Provide your pet with good living conditions. The construction should be treated with special responsibility. Before starting construction work, please consider:

• Pet breed;
• Age;
• Location of the site;
• Wind rose.

Features of the structure of walls and floors

If the enclosure is being built for a dog that will always live in the yard, it is important to protect it from drafts and lock the adjacent and rear walls. To build these walls it is better to use:

• Wooden typesetting board;
• Thick tongue-and-groove boards in metal frames;
• Brick;
• Monolithic concrete;
• Cinder block.

The open wall should face south, southeast, southwest. It is made from metal rods.

It is better to use rods rather than mesh. It will be more expensive in price, but will last longer. The mesh will break after some time.

The gate is made using a metal frame and iron rods. How should the enclosure be closed? Dogs are smart and cunning creatures. They open many locks. The lock must be secure and located outside.

Provide your pet with a warm, dry floor. Wood is often used for flooring. A floor made of thick planks is durable and will protect against drafts. The base may be made of concrete, but the presence of a wooden deck with ventilation from below.

Asphalt, concrete and other surfaces can cause damage to your pet's nails and joints.

The boards need to be treated with special products to protect them from mold and rot, and care should be taken to ensure that there are no knots or nails on them, as the animal could be injured.

You can make wooden flooring in the form of a panel structure. First you need to assemble a metal frame from a profiled pipe. Then cover it with boards at least 40 mm thick.

When installing the floor, pay attention to the fact that the boards should not sag and there should be no gaps between them. Otherwise, the dog will easily get his claw in there. The boards should be open at the bottom, this will prevent rotting processes. It is better to waterproof the soil under the flooring using roofing material.

To create the required gap, it will be necessary to raise the flooring onto a stand, the brickwork will serve as a support.

The floor should be sloping from the side walls to the center and towards the front.

There are no special requirements for the roof; it is important to have a large canopy. It can be made of any roofing material. For example, from:

• Metal tiles;
• Slate;
• Soft roofing;
• Profiled sheet.

The best roofing will be one that will protect the dog from precipitation, but will have high sound insulation. The slope of the roof should be in the direction of drainage, then water will not accumulate under the decking.

The general condition for keeping a dog in an enclosure is a place for walking and a spacious kennel. The kennel should not be huge, but the dog should sleep comfortably in it with his whole body stretched out. In cold weather, it should warm the house from the inside with its warmth.

Having a place to walk is necessary so that she can relieve herself, run or stretch. There may be a vestibule next to the booth: the dog’s personal belongings can be stored inside it. For example, toys, bones, bowls, maternity kennels for puppies.

Booth and feeding area

Take building or purchasing a booth seriously. It is your pet's home, shelter, and place to sleep. Consider the nuances:

• The size of the booth should be suitable for the pet;
• Inside, the dog should be able to turn around and stretch out;
• You don’t need a lot of space, such a booth will be cold;
• For the walls of the booth, use coniferous trees;
• If the climate is harsh, additionally insulate the walls;
• Make the roof of the booth removable, so you can get to the dog or get him out of the booth in case of illness;
• It is better to make the roof flat - for the pet it is an observation point for what is happening;
• Make sure that the dog does not leave the enclosure using the booth as an aid.

Set up a feeding area closer to the fence. It is better to make or purchase a table with recesses for bowls for water and food.

Aviary for puppies

An aviary in an apartment will be useful for puppies if the dog plans to have them. During the period when the bitch is feeding puppies at 1 month, a mini-aviary will be the best purchase.

The apartment's enclosure should contain dog bedding, toys, a bowl of water and a diaper on which the dog can relieve itself.

An enclosure is not a place of punishment for a dog, no matter where he is at home or outside. This is a home where she should go with a positive attitude and feel safe there. In it, she cannot be punished or beaten.

Knowing the basic parameters, construction steps and technical features, you can build a pet house yourself.

Features of keeping a dog in an enclosure

In order for a pet to feel good and not get sick, its owners first of all think about the fact that its life needs space. So that the animal receives enough light. A booth is placed in the enclosure. The size should correspond to the parameters of the animal.

You can make a canopy of warm material on the door of the booth, which will protect your pet from colds. Felt works well for this. The enclosure should be kept clean.

The dog needs communication, so you need to set aside time to give it your attention. If this is not done, your pet will grow up fearful or, on the contrary, will show aggression.

From time to time the dog needs to be walked. This is necessary for her physical development. Aviary maintenance has its undeniable advantages.

Competently and correctly created conditions for a pet will help it grow hardy and will not create problems with joint disease. You definitely need to remember about a balanced diet and prevent obesity.

How to accustom to an aviary

Dogs quite easily learn to understand their owner's commands. It is not so difficult to accustom them to an enclosure.

Dog handlers advise following some tips:

1. Place a treat on the territory of the enclosure near the entrance. The dog must come and take it itself. You cannot force or drag an animal. Once the first fear and uncertainty passes, the dog will make up his mind and approach the treat prepared for him. This exercise must be repeated until the dog calmly enters it;
2. Then you can put a feeder in it. First, you can place it at the entrance, gradually moving it to the place where you planned to install it. The dog will get used to it quickly, the feeder will evoke pleasant associations for it;
3. Teach your dog commands. For example, it could be: “Into the enclosure!”, “Place” or some other commands. Praise your pet for correctly executed commands;
4. When the animal gets used to it and can stay in it for some time, you should close the door and let him know that he should be there. You can pet the dog or pat its withers and give it a treat. If the dog expresses dissatisfaction: grumbles, whines, barks, this means that it is too early to leave him for a long time. You should not always indulge your pet; he may understand that actions can force the owner to open the door;
5. You can put toys and bones in the dog’s enclosure. It will be fun for her.

Homemade dog enclosure

An enclosure for a dog at home is necessary if: your pet has puppies; There is an indoor breed dog living in the apartment; other animals or small children appeared in the house. A pregnant bitch needs a secluded place where she can be sure of the safety of her offspring. An indoor aviary will become such a place. Slightly older puppies are active and often, while playing, tear, break and gnaw everything that catches their eye. Before the puppies are given to new owners, it makes sense to keep them in a playpen.

Often in apartments you can find enclosures for small dogs. Living in such a “house”, the animal gets used to the fact that food, a place for the toilet, and a dog bed are always in one place. When the habit is developed, the dog will not leave marks in different corners of the room, but will get used to order.

If your beloved dog considers itself the master of the house, then with the appearance of another dog or, for example, a cat, the animal may begin to be jealous, nervous and protest. As for families in which a child was born, sometimes the four-legged guest does not immediately react adequately.

To protect the new residents of the house and help the animal adapt to new conditions, it is advisable to set up an enclosure for the dog at home. A simple dog enclosure looks like a fence that can be installed anywhere in the room and, if necessary, moved or assembled. This playpen will be comfortable for puppies who cannot get out or jump over the fence. Their mother will be free to enter or exit the playpen.

If you have a country house and you want your beloved pet to have no less comfortable living conditions in the fresh air than you have, it’s time to think about how to build an enclosure for your dog. After all, it’s no secret that four-legged animals kept in enclosures are susceptible to various diseases to a much lesser extent than those who live in the house with their owners. Today, in specialized stores you can easily purchase a ready-made enclosure for your dog, however, as often happens, standard designs are not always to the taste of your pets. By building an enclosure yourself, you can take into account all the preferences of your four-legged friend, choose the appropriate size for him, and also create a beautiful design that will fit perfectly into the overall landscape of your site.

What to consider when building an enclosure

In order for your pet to be comfortable and safe in its future home, the enclosure, like many other outbuildings, must be built taking into account certain norms and rules. Otherwise, you risk building a building that no one needs, which will later be suitable only for storing gardening equipment.

The first thing that is a determining factor in building a kennel is the size of the dog.

Optimal enclosure area

1. If your pet's height does not exceed half a meter, an enclosure of 5 m² would be an ideal area for him.
2. If the quadruped is taller than 50 cm, its territory should be increased to 7 m².
3. For large dogs from 65 cm and above, the area of ​​the structure should not be less than 10 m².

Important! It is a mistake to believe that the more free space a dog has, the better it will be for him. The area of ​​the enclosure should be optimally suited to its size.

Today, the most common type of enclosure is considered to be a welded frame of a building made of forged metal and mesh. The reliability of this design has been proven over the years. It is best to use a wooden board as a floor covering. With proper thickness, the material will retain heat well, which is especially important in winter.

Walls

In order for your pet to be aware of everything that is happening around him, you should not tightly sew up the walls of the enclosure (especially the front one, overlooking the house or garden). A lattice made of metal rods or a chain-link mesh will do the job perfectly. If you decide to make one, two or three walls blank, it is better to use an environmentally friendly and safe “breathable” material, for example red (ceramic) brick, stone or wood.

Floor

Even among professional dog handlers, there is no consensus on what the floor in the enclosure should be. Some argue that a concrete surface is the optimal surface for dogs, others give their preference to a wooden or plastic floor, while others even believe that tightly compacted earth will be much more useful and better for four-legged pets.

And if we can agree with the first two options, then there are certain concerns with the last one, in particular, there is a risk of digging through the fence. In addition, a wooden, plastic or concrete surface is easier to care for, clean and clean. Before making your choice, it is also advisable to take into account the character and habits of your pet.

Roof

As for the roof, everything is much simpler here. A simple single-slope structure will perfectly cope with the task assigned to it, the main function of which is protection from precipitation. The quality most often used is one that creates a minimal amount of noise when it rains.

Booth

Another important condition for building an enclosure for a dog is the presence of a booth (kennel) in it. The booth can be made in two versions, as a separate structure, or as a kind of compartment of the enclosure, fenced off from its walking part by a continuous partition.

If the constructed enclosure is planned to be used only in the summer, it is not necessary to insulate the booth. For year-round use, the dog house for sleeping will have to be properly warmed by insulating the walls and roof.

Experts strongly do not recommend using any material other than wood to build a booth.

Important! To prevent the dog in the enclosure from getting hurt, all structural elements, including a bowl for water and food, must be securely fastened. To fix the boards instead of nails, it is better to use self-tapping screws. This way you will eliminate the risk of caps appearing on the surface.

Choosing a suitable location for the enclosure

Before you build a dog enclosure, you need to choose a suitable place to place it. As with construction, a certain number of rules must also be observed here, namely:

1. The enclosure should be located as far as possible from various noise sources. Passers-by on the street, loud neighbors, cars, all of this, to one degree or another, can cause concern for your beloved pet. A short distance from the porch of the house (7-10 meters) will be an ideal location for a dog enclosure.
2. Lowland is also an extremely undesirable place to build an enclosure. After heavy rains, all the water from the site will accumulate there, turning the area into a real swamp. A solution to the problem may be drainage ditches or installation of storm drainage on the site, but this will lead to additional financial costs.
3. A dog, like a person, does not tolerate foul odors very well, the source of which can be: sewerage, a compost pit, fertilizer from the garden, a trash can located next to the enclosure, etc. Try to plan the structure so that it is located as far as possible from the data foul-smelling sources.
4. To prevent your dog from getting too hot in the summer, you should position the enclosure so that its front part faces the east or west. If this is not possible, plant a small tree near the building that will protect your four-legged companion from bright sunlight.

In order not to lose sight of any little detail, at the initial design stage it is advisable to draw a detailed plan (drawing) of the future enclosure. It must contain information about the size of the structure, the materials from which it will be made, its location, the location of internal zones, etc.

DIY enclosure construction - drawing

Stages of construction of an aviary

An enclosure for a dog is a fairly simple structure that does not have any special frills or complex components, so anyone can build it with their own hands. The construction of the structure is carried out in only three stages:

Stage one

Like any building, building an enclosure with your own hands begins with pouring the foundation. Since the weight of the building is small, it will be enough to pour a concrete screed 5-7 mm thick. with a slight slope, which will be needed for unimpeded drainage of water.

Concrete screed for an enclosure

If a foundation for the enclosure is not provided, it will be made of metal pipes with a cross-section of 2 mm. or wooden blocks 50×50 mm. - a frame is erected, under which a gravel bedding is made at least 10 cm thick. Then a wooden flooring is placed from edged boards on the lower frame, which is securely fixed with self-tapping screws. If necessary, the floor can be insulated.

Second stage

After the frame is built and the floor is laid, you can begin to build walls and partitions. Installation features will differ depending on the material you choose. For example, if you decide to choose boards, and the frame is made of metal poles, to attach them you will need a screwdriver and special self-tapping screws with a drill at the end.

1. To begin with, holes are drilled in the boards, the diameter of which should be equal to the thickness of the screws.
2. Next, using a screwdriver, the boards are screwed to the frame one by one. If you decide to make the walls not solid, but with a certain gap, it is better to prepare a special spacer, which during installation will need to be inserted between the boards, so you are guaranteed to get the same gap everywhere.
3. The front part of the enclosure is a little more complicated to make. If reinforced metal rods are used as the material, you will need a welding machine; if the mesh is used, self-tapping screws and ties will be needed. Information on how to properly attach a chain-link mesh to an enclosure can be read on the Internet.
4. If necessary, the walls of the enclosure (if they are solid) can be insulated. To do this, mineral wool or is placed on the inside, between the vertical posts, after which everything is covered with plywood, 5-6 mm thick. This creates a kind of sandwich panel that has excellent thermal insulation properties.

Third stage

The final stage of construction of the enclosure is the construction of the roof. It is done quite simply.
Shed roof

1. Wooden beams are placed on top of the frame, in increments of 100-120 cm, which are fixed to it with metal corners or self-tapping screws.
2. Next, depending on the type of roof chosen, the sheathing is done. For soft tiles made of solid plywood, for slate, ondulin or metal, additional boards are nailed and laid perpendicular to the beam.