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How to Build a Small Dog Kennel

There are responsibilities that come with owning a dog, and they include keeping the dog safe and preventing it from running away and getting lost or killed. Some dogs, although they may be kept safe in a backyard, have an annoying habit of digging under the fence or ruining gardens with their playful behavior. To avoid these negative occurrences, you may need a dog kennel. Using a kit means that all the parts you need will be handily available.

Things You'll Need

2 inch X 4 inch wood planks
Wooden stakes
Concrete mesh
Concrete
Kennel kit chain link fencing
- 1/2 inch wrench or ratchet
- Pliers
- 2 gate posts with hinges
- Gate with latch
- 1 post for every 4-foot length of fencing
- "T" connectors
- Metal ties
Canopy cover

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a level area to begin constructing your kennel. The area should be free from obstructions.
- 2
  Dig a rectangular-shaped foundation about 3 inches deep. The size of the foundation, of course, depends on the size of the kennel you plan to build. Dig the front area of the foundation deeper so that you can slope the concrete to make cleaning the kennel easier. Place some concrete mesh in the bottom of the foundation. Frame the rectangle using 2 inch X 4 inch wooden planks and wooden stakes.
- 3
  Pour the concrete foundation, or have a concrete professional do it. On a project like this, unless you own a cement mixer, it could save you a lot of time using a professional. Smooth the surface and allow the foundation to dry. In dry climates, 24 hours will be sufficient; in wet climates, it may take as long as 48 hours.
- 4
  
  Lay the bottom frame, made up of metal poles, of the chain link kennel around the outside of the concrete foundation. Use the "T" connectors to snap each metal pole into place by inserting each end onto the "T." The "T" connector will lay flat on the ground and the poles on each side that make up the bottom of the structure will be inserted into each end. The remaining part of the "T" is where the vertical poles will be inserted. The connection should resemble the picture here with the exception that the remaining part of the "T" is facing to the left instead of vertically.
- 5
  
  Insert the gate poles onto the upright portion of the "T" connectors that are the closest together. The size of the gate is up to you. Most gates for kennels come in a standard size, and the frame will typically match the standard sized chain link gate. Attach the female part of the hinges on one of the gate poles by using a ratchet with an appropriately sized socket. Attach the male part of the hinges to the gate itself using the same ratchet. Insert the male end hinge into the female end hinge. Note that in the picture the male end hinge is poking up through the female end with one side of the hinge attached to the gate, and the other to the frame.
- 6
  Add one vertical pole at each "T" connector. There should be one every 4 feet. Snap the vertical poles into place by twisting until the button on the "T" connector clicks.
- 7
  Connect the top fence posts horizontally with metal poles and connect to the vertical poles using the connector caps. Insert the horizontal poles into the connector caps on each side of the vertical poles. On the corners of the kennel, use the elbow caps. Elbow caps are bent to form corners when connecting two poles. You shouldn't need glue or cement of any kind for these poles.
- 8
  Unroll the chain link on the outside of the poles and use the metal ties to secure the top and the bottom of the fencing. There should be one metal tie for every fifth diamond on the top and one for every third on the bottom. If you have ties left over, consider reinforcing the bottom areas.
- 9
  Toss one end of your canopy over the kennel and stretch it over all or a portion of your kennel. Tie corners and sides using zip ties to prevent it from blowing off. The canopy will give your dog the shade it needs from the sun.

Animals & Science