Stop Your Dog From Destroying Your Backyard

Many pet owners are stuck with pets who will destroy their backyard and have no idea why or how to fix the situation. Many times it is as simple as taking you dog for a walk at night or buying them some toys. Dogs are not destructive by nature but they are curious and do get bored, just like humans. When they become bored they will find ways to may themselves entertained with whatever is available to them. The majority of the time it is the owners fault that their dog keeps destroying their backyard.

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It happens more often than people think, dog owners get a dog thinking they will always take it for walks or runs and show it as much attention as it requires and never fulfill their end of the deal. Dogs are just like humans and they get bored, especially when they are puppies. Just like little kids, puppies will need to run around, explore, investigate, and burn off energy. The first few years of a dog's life will be full of energy.

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If they are not properly taken care of they will find way to keep themselves occupied and burn off their energy; often by destroying what every is left in the back yard or they will dig. Most dogs will require a walk everyday and other dogs, like Siberian Huskies, will require a jog, run, or very long walk. If they are deprived of the energy bringing walk or run they will find their own ways to release it; almost always leaving their owner very unhappy.

What most people don't understand is that it is the owners fault their dogs destroy the back yard. You as an owner are responsible for making sure you dog is properly exercised and is able to release all their energy. If you are not ready for this responsibility then you should re-think your decision to get a dog as a pet. It requires time, care and dedication and sometimes taking your dog for a walk isn't the most important thing on your list but to them it is and it could end up saving you a big headache in the future.

Stop Your Dog From Destroying Your Backyard

Brandon has been giving his dog runs daily for years and gives advice on dog care. He also writes information for resource sites on subjects like reasons for abdominoplasty on his website abdominoplastycost.org

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Build a Dog Run in Your Backyard

Gain peace of mind when you build a dog run.

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Reasons you may want to build a dog pen include:

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Keeping your dog confined to one section of your property without putting him on a chain Allowing your dog to be unsupervised while getting fresh air Keeping your dog from digging up plants or chewing on them Keeping your dog away from outside equipment or electrical gear Providing an outdoor area for an incontinent dog or one that is not housebroken that can be easily cleaned
Important to note: A dog run is not supposed to be a substitute for bathroom walks and exercise sessions with your dog.

Some things to consider before you build a dog run include:

Where should you put the run? Will you need a building permit? Will it provide shelter from environmental extremes? Will your dog bark excessively and disturb the neighbors? How many hours a day will the dog be using the run? Will it be near enough to a water faucet so you can hose it down?
FLOOR OF THE DOG RUN

You can build a dog run yourself using a variety of materials. Many runs have a sealed concrete floor about 4 inches thick. The most desirable type of concrete is smooth but not too slippery. It is best to have a slight slope built in for drainage, between ¼ and ½ inch per foot, for those occasions when your dog has to go potty before you can take him out.

Dog runs attached to large-scale kennels are at least 50 square feet, either 4 x 12 or 5 x 10 feet. For a single dog run in a backyard, a greater width and length is desirable, such as 6 x 20 feet, especially if your dog is active.

If you want a dog run that can be moved from place to place, and your dog is not inclined to dig his way out, you can use the ground as your base. You can purchase modular chain link units for this purpose. Note that it may be more difficult to clean if your dog poops in the run and may also become muddy in rainy areas.

SIDES OF THE PEN

Steel chain link fence (9 gauge) is used for the sides and roof in many cases, since this is very durable and the most difficult for a dog to chew through. A concrete block base filled with sand and topped with concrete makes for a good start for the first couple of feet. The height you build it is up to you - 6 or 8 feet should be sufficient.

If chicken wire or another type of wire fencing is all you have at hand, by all means use it. It may be best to reinforce the bottom couple of feet of the run with thick boards, then staple the wire mesh over the boards. To prevent a dog from digging under the boards, consider extending the wire mesh about a foot or so into the ground.

Wood lattice is another possibility, but is best suited for a small dog that will be using the dog run infrequently for short periods of time and is not inclined to chew wood.

ROOF OF THE RUN

Since some dogs are climbers, it may be best to cover the overhead area with fencing as well. In places where the dog pen is exposed, put a roof over at least part of the run to provide shade and shelter, unless you have a large doghouse inside the pen that will serve the same purpose. Make sure this roof slopes down to drain off rain or snow, preferably off to one side rather than onto the floor of the run.

The solid part of the roof can be made of exterior grade plywood covered with tarpaper and shingling materials, or corrugated metal or aluminum.

As you can see, it is not difficult to build a dog run with a little know how to get you started!

Build a Dog Run in Your Backyard

Jo Soliday has been a dog lover and crafter since childhood. For more ideas for making things for dogs, check out her website at http://www.make-and-build-dog-stuff.com

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