8 Dog Run Ideas for Fido to Stay in Shape and Play
Did you know that 91 percent of Americans think dog parks benefit communities? They’re great for giving dogs a safe space to run around and socialize.
Now, what if you could create that same benefit right in your backyard? What if you could create a safe space for your dog to play, but not have to walk or drive all the way to the dog park? With dog runs, you can.
Luckily, we’re here with dog run ideas to help you create one for you and your pup to play in. Read for 10 of the best ideas to consider.
Table of Contents
1. Create a Roof
You might not think you need a roof for a dog run, but if your dog is an escape artist with a tendency to jump or climb, then you might need to invest. Roofs are also a great idea if you live in a sunny area.
If you know your dog won’t try to get out, then you can get away with stringing up a tarp or even creating a shaded section inside of the dog run. If you have a shady patch in your yard that’s seldom used, this might be the perfect place for your dog run.
2. Cover Other Escape Routes
On the other side of that, some dogs might end up trying to dig under the fence of their run. There are, however, a lot of different ways you can ensure this doesn’t happen.
Digging a trench around the perimeter of the dog run and installing the fence a foot or so underground can help out a lot. So can bending the bottom of the fence towards the bottom interior of the run.
Finally, you can try adding gravel or concrete by the bottom of the fence to discourage this. Unless you’re looking for sod installation, you might want to employ a few of these tactics.
3. Create Purpose
Are you trying to keep things simple? Do you want a stimulating area that lets your dog blow off some steam? Remember., the primary purpose of any dog run is for them to have a safe space to be in the backyard, but whether you only use it to let them go to the bathroom you want it to act as their play zone is completely up to you.
4. Try Different Layouts
While some dogs will do well with a long, narrow dog pen, others are going to thrive in a square layout that allows more room during playtime — especially if there are multiple dogs in one run.
You can also create separate compartments in your dog run if you have animals that don’t get along when they’re left alone. It can be a lot safer this way, and it’ll give you some peace of mind if they’re left alone.
5. No Yard? No Problem.
Even if you don’t have a yard, you can get creative with small spaces or balconies. To do this, you’re going to need some artificial turf. It’s going to help simulate the feeling of natural grass, which your pet might use as a bathroom, but it requires little to no maintenance on your part (just pick up and the occasional rinse if it isn’t exposed to rain).
6. Use Your Side Yard
If you have a side yard, then you might not even have to create a separate area in your yard. Side yards create the perfect pre-built area for a dog run, and they make great use of what would otherwise be wasted space on your property.
All that’s really required here is adding a fence or gate to either end of your yard, some gravel for them to stay cool on, a roof, and a shady area, and then they’re set. If your side yard is in the right spot, they might already have shade from the house in their run.
7. Homemade or Pre-fab?
We’ve talked about different ways you DIY a dog run, but there are also pre-fabricated options out there on the market. These dog runs are often metal, and they come equipped with a door, lock, and roof already.
If you have a bigger dog, then you’re going to need to spend more on a bigger build. If your dog is big enough, then you might find that DIYing your own might be cheaper. If your dog is small enough, however, you might be able to get away with a large chicken coop to act as their run.
8. Make Sure Your Bases Are Covered
This isn’t necessarily an idea so much as a precaution. Some HOAs or municipalities might require you to have permits before you start constructing your dog run. Of course, this is all going to depend on its height and size, but it’s important to check with your local government to see if your design requires a permit before you begin building.
Take Advantage of These Dog Run Ideas
Now that we’ve gone over a few of the best dog run ideas, it’s time for you to get started. Whether you only take one of these ideas or combine a few of them, you have the potential to create a great dog run for your pup in the backyard. Not only do you have the peace of mind knowing they’re safe in one spot, but they get their own piece of land to run on and call their own.
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