building a kennel

Casper · Post by **Casper** » Wed May 18, 2005 10:30 pm

I want to know what every one feels is an adequate size kennel (lenght and width). I am getting ready to build a kennel for three dogs. Should there be seperate runs for each?

Birdhunter1 · Post by **Birdhunter1** » Wed May 18, 2005 11:16 pm

In my opinion each dog should have it's own kennel to call home. Dogs are territorial creatures and I always like mine to hae their own place.
My kennels are 5' x 20'. That way if I don't let them out to run that day they can still release a little bit of energy on their own without getting out. also aroudn the dog kennels is a section that is 80' x 80' that is fenced so I can literally let one out to run and I don't have to worrry about them getting in the road.

I think the smallest I would go is 4' x 14'. I like long kennels over more boxier ones so the dog can run from one end to the other.

snips · Post by **snips** » Thu May 19, 2005 5:44 am

Most of my kennels are 5 X 15.

Toyman · Post by **Toyman** » Thu May 19, 2005 5:49 am

I am looking for ideas on how you built your septic system into your kennel. Please offer some sugestions.

Thanks
Toyman

Country-Side Breeders · Post by **Country-Side Breeders** » Thu May 19, 2005 7:41 pm

I took a standard galvanized trash can and cut the bottom out. Drilled 1/2" holes around the can about 6" up from bottom. I dug a hole twice as big as can diameter. Filled bottom of hole 6" deep with large gravel for drainage. Set can in hole and back filled with gravel almost to top, a do it yourself septic tank. I used a 6" PVC "T" for the fitting going in to can. Do not cut hole in can for this "T" fitting yet. I used two 10' sections of 6" PVC pipe and cut one side out, shaped like a letter C somewhat. Leave the end that fits into T fitting intact, do not cut that end. Lay 10' sections down and tight against the kennel slab and insert into "T" fitting, mark can and cut hole for "T" fitting. Install fitting and angle pipe towards can, backfill pipe.
All you need to do is rinse the waste down the pipe and into the can.

As for kennel runs, my outside run is 5X20 and the inside kennel is 5x6.

MNGSP · Post by **MNGSP** » Thu May 19, 2005 9:02 pm

Wow Patty,
That sounds like quite the setup.

The only thing I might suggest is to place a geotextile fabric at the bottom of the hole, as well as up the sides of the hole a bit to protect your gravel from filling up with the surrounding soils.

We make similar setups for environmentally friendly rainwater drainage sumps. The gravel in our sumps are completely surrounded by fabric to prevent sediment infiltration.

This fabric can be found at most landscaping/nursery type places.

Jon

Country-Side Breeders · Post by **Country-Side Breeders** » Fri May 20, 2005 4:49 am

Good idea, Jon!

MNGSP · Post by **MNGSP** » Fri May 20, 2005 12:08 pm

Thanks!!!....
I try, I really do.

By the way,
Why are you up at 5:49 in the morning?

Jon

Country-Side Breeders · Post by **Country-Side Breeders** » Fri May 20, 2005 12:42 pm

Oh, I don't know...someone by the name of Holly just had a birthday today and wanted me to be there for it.

Casper · Post by **Casper** » Fri May 20, 2005 7:25 pm

since the subject got changed I am assuming that all of you have concrete runs. Is this a must have or can I get away without it as long as they are kept clean.

Country-Side Breeders · Post by **Country-Side Breeders** » Fri May 20, 2005 7:31 pm

You don't have to have concrete, but it's A LOT easier to clean up. I had dirt/pea gravel for a long time and it just got to be too much. But, my kennels lead into the house. Grant uses larger gravel and he really likes it. He's got it about 12" deep I think he said. Look at the post that I have titled Updating Kennels. There are more suggestions in that topic as well.