How to Build a Dog Run: 4 Dog Run Design Ideas

Dog runs are fenced, designated outdoor areas for your pet to play in. Whether you live on a large property or just have a side yard, you can create a dog run to provide your pet with a safe space for playing catch, walking freely, and using the bathroom. Typically, dog runs feature artificial turf or another simple ground cover with wire or wooden fencing. Making a backyard dog run is a DIY-friendly project worth the investment.

Dog runs serve all dog breeds and have many purposes, offering a space for:

• Exercising: Dogs need daily exercise, or they might be more prone to digging, chewing, and barking. Apart from walks in your neighborhood and interactions at dog parks, dog runs can provide a space for play.
• Potty training: Dog pee can yellow your landscaping, so by potty training your dog in a designated area of mulch or artificial grass, your pet will be less prone to accidents and will know where to go to use the bathroom.
• Dog kenneling: A dog run is also known as an outdoor dog kennel. If you need your dog out of the house on fair-weather days because you are hosting or cleaning, your outdoor dog run can also double as a dog kennel.

Dog runs come in many kinds, each with its own sets of advantages. Browse a few options to see which might be the best pick for your pet:

• Wooden fence: Wood fences offer a rustic look and make for popular choices because they tend to be affordable and easy to install. Picket fences can be better for large dogs who can’t escape through the slits, and they provide some transparency in helping you see the inside of the dog run.
• Portable dog run: Portable dog runs are affordable and require no installation. These kinds of fences fold out into a box and are best for smaller dogs needing less space. Portable dog runs are suitable if you’re moving soon or want an easy fold open-and-close fencing device not tied to an exact location in the yard.
• Chain link fencing: Chain link fencing is inexpensive and durable. If your dog likes to dig, be sure to install this wire fencing far enough into the ground that your pet is safely contained. Chain link fencing also makes it easy to see the activity within the dog run area.

In a few easy steps, and with the help of some inexpensive materials, pet owners can customize their dog run to their furry friend’s needs:

1. 1. Consider the personality and size of your dog. Your type of dog will determine how large your dog run should be and what kind of fencing you should use. If your dog is an escape artist, you’ll want to avoid rail fences, a wood fencing type with long horizontal beams, as dogs might hop it or dig under it. Larger dogs will require more space, whereas smaller ones may only need a few square feet.
2. 2. Choose a location. Determine how much of your personal yard space you will have to block off for your dog run. Corners or areas alongside present fencing work best as they are more tucked away and give you the rest of the space to enjoy. Find shady areas without vegetation so your dog can stay cool and away from any plants.
3. 3. Take measurements. The amount of space you need will determine the price of your fencing. See how long, wide, and tall your dog run will be, and factor in where the door will go. Ideally, there should be enough space for your dog to run a couple of paces before turning around to run again.
4. 4. Install the fencing. After taking your measurements, decide on the kind of fencing style you want. There are many options, including plastic-coated wire fencing, wood fencing, and even portable fencing if you’re going to move your dog run around from time to time. Consider if you want a roof to block out the sun or rain, and take a weekend to work on the DIY installation. You can purchase fencing at most hardware stores.
5. 5. Consider ground coverings. If you don’t want your dog run on your grass, you’ll want to consider ground coverings. Cement ones are good for diggers; it keeps them from escaping by pawing under the fence. Mulch or wood chips work, too, unless you have a dog who chews the pieces up. Other common ground coverings include pea gravel, paving stones, and artificial grass, all of which can be part of the DIY installation process.
6. 6. Decorate your dog run. After creating your dog run, add some pet-friendly toys such as a dog house, a hoop to jump through, or a ramp for your dog to run up and down. You can also move a few of your pet’s favorite toys out into this space, so it feels familiar.

You can add features to your dog run to give your pet more to do. Consider the following dog run ideas:

1. 1. Ramps: These give your dog some extra exercise, providing them with a space to run up and down. A dog run can also be a place to practice tricks. Grab a treat, show it to your dog, and then run parallel to the ramp so your pet goes up and down and can be rewarded with a treat.
2. 2. Pre-dug holes: If your dog loves to dig, give them a safe space to dig outdoors. Dig up some holes and then fill them back up, which will entice and invite your dog to get their energy out in these areas. You can also use a sandbox, which you can keep clean with a rake.
3. 3. Long, thin stretches: Having an avenue for your dog to run back and forth will make playing catch much more effortless. If your dog run is big enough, perhaps this fetch area’s surface is a different material to designate it as the run-and-return zone.
4. 4. Wide-open spaces: If your dog lives in a smaller home or is a large pet and needs more room to roam, keep the dog run wide open.

Your dream of having a dog who understands words like “sit,” “stay,” “down,” and—crucially— “no” is just a MasterClass Annual Membership away. The only things you’ll need to train up a well-behaved pup are your laptop, a big bag of treats, and our exclusive instructional videos from superstar animal trainer Brandon McMillan.