Choose A Ground Cover
You may be able to build a dog run on existing groundcover if it is safe for your pet and allows for proper drainage. Here are eight dog run ground cover options to consider:
Natural grass provides a soft ground cover that most dogs enjoy. While this is a popular option that many homeowners use, there are some factors to take into consideration before placing your run over conventional grass.
For example, you will need to care for this grass just like you would a lawn, which means regular mowing, watering and weeding.You will also need to be sure to use only non-toxic insecticides and herbicides, will have to contend with brown spots in areas often used as a pet restroom and will need to pay attention to the strong potential for bacterial buildup in the soil. If your dogs are active, you may also have to deal with bare spots left by clumps of grass being pulled up during play.
Some dog owners prefer the look of wood chips placed over landscaping fabric, which is another popular option. This ground cover will definitely make your dog run more visually appealing; however, wood chips provide a good breeding ground for bacteria – particularly because you cannot simply rinse urine out of the run, and you will need to regularly add more wood chips to replace those lost when picking up solid waste and to keep this option looking fresh.
Gravel is a rather popular option for dog runs and can be a good choice. If you want to go with gravel, make sure you choose pea gravel, which is usually rounder and does not have quite as many sharp edges as other types of gravel. Gravel can be hard on your dog’s feet, so it is not a good option for dogs with sensitive paws. It is also not a good option for dogs who like to chew on rocks, as it can cause significant dental damage.
A concrete pad is easy and inexpensive to pour, making this an option that many homeowners choose. A concrete dog run can simply be rinsed down to remove liquid waste, and solid waste is very easy to remove. Dogs with sensitive paws may find this option to be a bit abrasive, and make sure there is plenty of shade if you plan to use this option in sunny Southern California where concrete can become quite hot quite quickly.
Creating a paving stone floor for your dog run is more expensive than pouring concrete, but it is also far more visually appealing. This option provides a slip-resistant surface that allows for easy solid waste removal and easy cleaning by simply rinsing it off with a garden hose. Paving stones can also become warm in direct sunlight, so shade should be a priority if you choose to use pavers for the entire floor of your enclosure.
Building your dog run on existing dirt is the cheapest option; although, it does not offer much in the way of visual appeal. If graded properly, this is a viable option that will help you stay within budget, but you may have the added headache of cleaning up muddy or dirty paw prints when you let your dog back in the house. This option will also likely increase dust in your yard, which may mean more frequent cleaning for patios and patio furniture.
Synthetic turf provides the look and feel of natural grass without the concerns about brown spots, bare spots, mowing, watering, weeding, or needing herbicides and insecticides. Solid waste is easy to remove, urine can be rinsed away with a garden house, and you can keep a spray bottle of one part water, one part vinegar on hand to spray down areas that are frequently used for urination. To completely remove the urine smell, you will want to use a turf odor eliminator.
Fake grass can also limit digging and is a non-toxic, pet-friendly option that requires very little maintenance.
While this is significantly more expensive than other options, rubber padding is easy to clean and provides a safe, attractive surface for a dog run. To make it even easier to clean any of these dog run ground cover options, you may want to consider the addition of a pheromone-treated urine stick, which will encourage your pets to use just that area to relieve themselves.
Shade is a dog run feature of particular importance in the San Diego area, where nearly every day is a sunny day, and temperatures can soar in warmer months. It may be possible to take advantage of existing shade in your yard from trees, fences, covered patios or your house, but you may have to create shade to ensure the safety and comfort of your dog.
Step 2: Prepare Area
Use a level-headed rake, or better yet, a garden tiller, to remove the grass and loosen the topsoil in the staked off area. Dig out the dirt in the area to a depth of about 3″ to 4″. Then tamp down the soil with a tamper. If you’re just going to fill the area with mulch or wood chips and plan on training your dog to use the area without fencing, you’re almost done.
If you will be adding fencing, you’ll want to create holes now for the fence posts on which to install your chain-link fence. First determine the end on which you will install your fence gate or door. Then starting with a corner, use a post-hole digger to dig 12″ to 24″ holes twice as wide as the diameter of your fence posts, about 3″ from the edge of the “floor”, at equidistant intervals along the length of each side. Your fence support posts will be placed in each hole. See Step 4 for further fencing instructions.
Before digging, contact your local utility companies to see if there are any underground power or gas lines nearby.
If you’ll be pouring concrete for the “floor” of your run, you’ll have to build a “form” to mold the poured concrete into the right shape. Use pieces of 2″ x 6″ lumber to create the form, cutting to fit when necessary, using a circular saw. Fit the pieces of lumber on their edges along the border of your dug out area until you have “walls” around the run location. Fasten the pieces together using wood screws and a power drill. See the steps for pouring concrete in Step 3.
Some Dogs May Dig Under the Fence
While some dogs may try to escape a dog run by going over the fence, others will just try to tunnel beneath it. Fortunately, you can employ a number of strategies to help thwart their escape attempts.
For example, you can:
How to Build an Outdoor Pet Area Your Dog Will Love
Everyone knows that dogs love romping around the backyard. But many pet parents may be surprised to learn that it’s not enough to simply open the door and let their pup entertain himself.
“Being in the backyard might give dogs some sunshine and open space, but it doesn’t necessarily give them anything to do,” says Andrea Servadio, a trainer and cofounder of Los Angeles-based Fitdog Sports Club. “Just like for humans, play offers mental, physical and emotional enrichment.”
Not only is playing outside fun, but it will likely lead to better behavior when inside the house. “Playing encourages mental stimulation for a dog,” says Colleen Demling-Riley, a canine behaviorist at Dogtopia, a daycare, spa and boarding facility.
“When you combine mental exercise with physical exercise, you will have a well-behaved, balanced and tired pup when your dog comes back in the house,” says Demling-Riley.
When it comes to fun activities to do with your dog while outside, there is no shortage of options. From dog fetch toys and agility courses to water games and scent work, the only limitation on outdoor fun is your imagination.
“Dogs love fetch because it mimics their natural instincts to hunt and retrieve prey,” says Servadio. “Balls tend to bounce in predictable ways, so finding dog toys that have unusual bounces increases engagement and mental stimulation.”
Servadio recommends tossing anything from rope tug toys to dog plush toys. Or, you can upgrade your game with a specially designed dog fetch toy.
Is your best bud a long-distance runner? Dog ball launchers, like the Chuckit! classic launcher, can help you throw up to three times farther, which means a whole lot more running for your canine companion.
Automatic launchers, such as the iFetch Mini automatic ball launcher dog toy, can also make great backyard toys for dogs.
“Some dogs may not be as interested in playing if you’re not involved, while others just want to get that ball regardless of who or what is throwing it,” says Servadio.
When most people hear “agility,” they think of specially trained dogs competing on a professional course. However, any dog can benefit from backyard agility work.
“Any activity where dogs learn a new skill, get positive feedback and feel accomplished is going to make them feel good,” says Servadio.
Agility engages dogs in a few different ways, explains Servadio. The equipment and coursework provide mental stimulation while teaching new tricks and skills. Agility also provides rigorous physical exercise and opportunities to use and develop a large variety of muscles.
It’s easy to set up your own agility course. “Agility equipment designed for a pet parent’s backyard is now readily available at good price points,” says Demling-Riley. “Playing with agility equipment never gets old because you can always change the order of the obstacles or make them more difficult as your dog’s skill level advances.”
Dog agility kits, such as the Outward Hound Zip & Zoom indoor agility kit for dogs, provide everything you need to get your pup started.
If you want to work on your dog’s tunnel skills, the tear-resistant HDP collapsible agility dog training tunnel is perfect for backyard training and play sessions.