Gun Dog Forum

Hey Guys,

I'm sure this has been answered already, but for the life of me I can't find it.

Anyway, I'm considering getting a pup soon (not sure of breed yet, probably one of the pointers or a setter) and I had a couple questions about housing for them.

Keeping them indoors for extended periods of time isn't an option because of my wife's allergies...so what size of a run is best to keep them in? Obviously, bigger is probably better, but what do they need? We're in-between fencing in the whole yard (Wife isn't too happy with that, and neither is my wallet), and building a smaller kennel for them. I realize they need tons of exercise and stimulation, so I'm already prepared to take them out on a regular basis. There will be a few days when i won't be able to get them out (travel for work occasionally), so will a smaller run be really detrimental to them during that time?

Also, if you have any pictures of your kennels that would be great!


Thanks a lot!

Six by ten, or thereabouts, is plenty of room. Do it right from the get-go and put a wire top on it. Might consider a concrete pad, too.

If I had it to do over again, I would do longer kennel with less width - like a 12ft by 5ft or even 4 ft. Dogs tend to use the length more than the width in a kennel. Realizing that it is not standard and might be hard to buy ready made. I'd get the Behlen kennels because I like them better than the chain link. And I would agree with Cajun above - concrete is best. And a top - always have a top on the kennel. I have a GSP and a EP that climb.

definitely invest in length over width. Mine are 12X4 and work fine. Four foot width seems pretty common . If I had to build a kennel for only one dog I might go to six width so they could stay away from stools easier and also if you get a long tail breed it may help to not get tail banged up too much.Concrete may seem expensive at first but you won't be sorry.

Cajun Casey wrote:Six by ten, or thereabouts, is plenty of room. Do it right from the get-go and put a wire top on it. Might consider a concrete pad, too.

Why a wire top? Is it common that they climb out?

Green wrote:

Cajun Casey wrote:Six by ten, or thereabouts, is plenty of room. Do it right from the get-go and put a wire top on it. Might consider a concrete pad, too.

Why a wire top? Is it common that they climb out?

Oh, yeah. I've got a couple that can flatfoot it over six foot and a few that are too dumb to know they can go over four foot. Best not to find out which you have the hard way.

Ideally I have always advocated a 4X16. But always spend your money for more length instead of width. The dogs will exercise more in a longer run which does help keep them in shape. There are dogs that will climb but doesn't happen often. I have never had one climb out but have had one climb in trying to get to a female that was in heat.

Ezzy

I was thinking of building my own kennel. Concrete floor, 4x4 posts on the corners, 2x4 framing, a heavy gauge wire grate to surround it, and a plywood roof. Thoughts?

It will work.

Ezzy