Every pet needs a personal space with a sleeping place and other amenities. Therefore, for those who live in a house with a large area around it, we recommend making an aviary with your own hands. This option will be much more comfortable for the dog, as well as functional, unlike ready-made designs that are sold in specialized stores.
Planning the Aviary
Unlike small-sized enclosures for apartments, which many people purchase ready-made, street fencing in most cases has to be built independently.
Before you start building an enclosure for a dog, you should prepare its design. It is important to correctly calculate the size of the structure, plan the internal arrangement of the enclosure and determine its location.
Choosing a suitable location for the enclosure
Before you build a dog enclosure, you need to find a suitable place to place it. As with construction, a certain number of rules must also be observed here, namely:
- The enclosure should be located as far as possible from various noise sources. Passers-by on the street, loud neighbors, cars, all of this, to one degree or another, can cause concern for your beloved pet. A short distance from the porch of the house (7-10 meters) will be an ideal location for a dog enclosure.
- Lowland is also an extremely undesirable place to build an enclosure. After heavy rains, all the water from the site will accumulate there, turning the area into a real swamp. A solution to the problem may be drainage ditches or installation of storm drainage on the site, but this will lead to additional financial costs.
- A dog, like a person, does not tolerate foul odors very well, the source of which can be: sewerage, a compost pit, fertilizer from the garden, a trash can located next to the enclosure, etc. Try to plan the structure so that it is located as far as possible from the data foul-smelling sources.
- To prevent your dog from getting too hot in the summer, you should position the enclosure so that its front part faces the east or west. If this is not possible, plant a small tree near the building that will protect your four-legged companion from bright sunlight.
Stationary dog enclosure made in beautiful colors
A small insulated enclosure that is perfect for a medium-sized dog
If necessary, the stationary enclosure can be moved to any suitable place
In order not to lose sight of any little detail, at the initial design stage it is advisable to draw a detailed plan (drawing) of the future enclosure. It must contain information about the size of the structure, the materials from which it will be made, its location, the location of internal zones, etc.
DIY enclosure construction - drawing
Dimensions
The size of the enclosure depends on the size of the dog: the larger the animal, the more space it needs.
The total area is determined by the height of the dog at the withers:
- 45–50 cm – at least 6 square meters. m;
- 50–60 cm – at least 8 sq. m;
- more than 60 cm – 10 sq. m or more.
The correct calculation of the height of the enclosure, that is, the distance from the floor to the ceiling, is also important. In this case, the height of the dog at the withers is not particularly important.
A person will have to enter the fence at a minimum to clean and feed the animal. Therefore, its height is calculated based on one’s own height.
Advice! When purchasing a puppy, it is recommended to clarify the parameters of the dog in adulthood, because based on these data you will have to calculate the size of the enclosure for your pet.
The height of the structure is made to be human height
Booth
There are no strict kennel sizes; they are always selected individually to suit the size of your dog. At the same time, you don’t need to make it too big, it will be cold in winter. It is most often assembled entirely from wood: a frame is knocked together from bars and sheathed with boards or plywood.
Just like the wooden parts of the enclosure, we treat the booth with an antiseptic. In the northern regions it must be insulated.
To save space inside the enclosure, the booth can be placed outside it close to one of the walls.
Aviary location
Before building an outdoor enclosure, you need to choose a suitable place for it. The main thing here is not the combination of the structure with the overall design of the site, but ensuring comfortable keeping of the dog.
It is not recommended to build a fence:
- in the lowest place of the plot. Regular accumulation of melt and rainwater may not have the best effect on the health of your four-legged friend;
- next to an outdoor toilet, a sewage pit and not far from barns with livestock and poultry. Unpleasant odors that the dog will have to constantly smell can cause problems with smell;
- in close proximity to the external fence of the personal plot, facing a busy street. The noise of cars can cause hearing impairment, as well as the psychological state of the dog.
In addition, the enclosure must be installed so that the entrance to the house and yard is constantly in the dog’s field of vision.
It is important to choose the right location for the enclosure
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Location
The location of the enclosure on a personal plot is an important issue during its construction. There is no need to place it at the far end of the area, since dogs are social animals and must be in constant contact with the owner, otherwise this will cause anxiety in the pet; he will bark, whine and otherwise attract attention to himself.
Also, you should not install enclosures next to fences, as the dog may react differently to people passing by, scaring them, or bark incessantly at all passers-by. Also, the possibility of strangers passing on harmful or poisoned food through the fence should not be ruled out.
The most optimal place to locate the enclosure is the front part of the yard, not far from the entrance gate and the path leading to the house. This will help the dog watch the household and not be distracted by strangers outside the territory.
Also, do not forget to focus on the wind rose - this will help to correctly position the building, protecting it from snow drifts, and animals from the cold wind.
Base
In progress:
- mark the area: measure the width and length of the enclosure, hammer pegs in the corners and stretch the fishing line or rope;
- remove the top part of the soil over the entire area of the future fence to a depth of approximately 20 cm and make a concrete screed at the rate of 4 parts sand to 1 part M400 cement. A slight slope to one side will later help to easily wash off dirt from the floor of the enclosure;
- The part of the fence that is left for walking the dog is left open, and the rest is covered with a wooden platform on joists.
The height between the platform boards and the concrete screed must be at least 10 cm. The boards are fitted tightly to each other to eliminate the presence of cracks.
Some dog owners leave a ground covering in the enclosure. This is not the best solution. Most four-legged pets love to dig, so there is always the possibility that the dog will dig a hole under the wall and get out of the fence.
It is better to make the floors wooden
Aviary plan
When creating a drawing of an enclosure, you need to understand that it will become a home for the dog. Try to provide her with maximum comfort and coziness, because this is not only a place for sleeping and eating, but also for relaxing, playing and exercising.
The best buildings are those that have 3 functional zones - an insulated booth, a canopy with a wooden floor for feeding, and an open part of the paddock with grass.
To correctly arrange the zones, it is best to study photos of dog enclosures on special websites; this will allow you to avoid mistakes in the early stages of construction.
The layout of the enclosure for a dog and a bitch is also strikingly different. A kennel for a non-spayed female should be hidden from prying eyes, have a vestibule and a well-insulated large maternity ward. For a male dog, a spacious kennel and a large walk are more important.
Frame and fencing
The choice of material for a dog enclosure depends on the physiological characteristics of the animal, in particular, its strength and size.
If for representatives of small breeds you can build an enclosure from wooden beams and metal mesh, then for larger ones, as can be seen in the photo of the dog enclosure, it is better to use round or profile metal pipes and durable fittings.
In progress:
- measure and cut 4 pipes (wooden beams), which will serve as corner supports. The length of the first pair of supports should correspond to the height of the enclosure, and the others are made 15–20 cm longer (the longer the 2nd pair of supports, the greater the slope of the roof);
- install supports in the corners of the future enclosure. If the length of the side of the structure is more than 3 m, install intermediate posts of smaller diameter than the corner posts. Additional support is also installed at the location of the gate;
- the supports are connected to each other by metal corners or wooden boards, welding (screwing) them along the perimeter in the upper, middle and lower parts of the frame;
- blank walls (2 or 3) are sewn up on the inside with boards or ready-made slabs made of pressed wood chips;
- for fencing, a metal mesh is stretched or metal rods are welded, maintaining certain intervals between them.
A small parapet along the entire length of the open walls will help protect the enclosure from snow drifts.
The frame can be metal or wood
DIY dog enclosure diagram: drawings and dimensions, choice of materials and design
To provide the animal with good living conditions, before you build an enclosure for a dog with your own hands, you should draw up a drawing. The layout of the future construction should take into account the main factors that may affect the comfort of use.
During the construction process you need to take into account:
- dog breed;
- age category;
- floor;
- the nature of the location of the site;
- features of the location of the wind zone on the site.
Design diagram of a typical enclosure for large breed dogs
How to make an enclosure for a dog: basic recommendations
The enclosure will become a home for the dog, so during the construction process it is necessary to provide for all the nuances so that the design provides coziness, comfort and tranquility. It is very important that the animal is kept dry and warm. Here the pet will eat and sleep, spend most of its time playing, relaxing, and also looking after the territory.
The aviary can be placed as a separate building, an extension or part of an outbuilding
There must be enough space inside the structure for the animal to move freely. If an enclosure is being made for dogs of medium breeds (up to 50 cm), such as a spaniel or a beagle, a minimum of 6 m² of space will be required for optimal living. If you plan to build an enclosure for a husky or Labrador with your own hands, then the internal area of the fence should be increased to 8 m². This requirement applies to all breeds with a height at the withers of 65-70 cm.
Related article:
A dog enclosure in an apartment: how to create a safe place for your pet
Varieties of home designs for pets, their advantages, tips for choosing and making them yourself.
At least 10 m² should be allocated for the construction of an enclosure for a shepherd dog (Central Asian, Caucasian) or Alabai. It would be desirable if there was more space. Having established the minimum dimensions of the area, you also need to take into account the sex of the animal. Males and females need different living conditions.
The enclosure must have space for bowls of food and water.
For a female dog, it is necessary to provide a vestibule and a maternity area. These structural elements will be located inside the enclosure. When puppies are born, they will not sit in one place, but will begin to move around the territory while playing. For this reason, the structure must be as protected as possible from bad weather conditions.
For a male dog, you will need to install a reliable and large booth. When making an enclosure for an alabai with your own hands, you should remember that males are physically strong, so both the castle and the enclosure itself must be as strong as possible. Otherwise the dog will simply break it.
For open-type structures it is necessary to provide reliable fastenings
How to make an enclosure for a dog with your own hands: choosing the optimal place for construction
Choosing the optimal location is an important condition for building a good enclosure for an Alabai or a dog of another breed. The structure should not be installed in a remote location. If the dog is isolated from people, he will bark loudly and become restless. An aviary next to a fence wouldn't be a good idea either. The animal will be constantly interested in people passing by the yard. A large dog can easily jump over a fence, choosing a snowdrift as a support point in winter, for example. This can lead to a lot of trouble.
Important! The enclosure should not be installed near a compost pit or other sources of strong odors, otherwise the dog may partially or completely lose its sense of smell.
The enclosure should not be located on the sunny side so that the animal does not suffer from the heat in the summer.
The optimal location for the enclosure will be the front part of the yard. In this case, the structure will be located near the gate leading to the house and the path. Thanks to this, the animal will have the opportunity to observe everything that is happening around while in an isolated shelter. It is not recommended to choose a low-lying part of the yard for construction. In this case, the enclosure will be flooded with rainwater. In addition, dogs love an overhead view, so you should give preference to a small hill.
If you place the entrance on the south side of the site, the animal will be hot in the summer. Only in cold regions is this zone allowed to be used. But even in this case, it won’t hurt if there is a tree nearby that provides shade where the dog can hide from the sun.
The best option for the location of the enclosure is considered to be an area near the house, so that the animal is not lonely and does not get bored
If you make a dog enclosure with your own hands with a door on the north side, this is fraught with trouble. Precipitation will be the source of these inconveniences. If the region where the site is located is characterized by frequent snowfalls, in winter you will have to constantly clear these drifts in order to enter the enclosure. This requires a significant investment of time and effort, which the owner may not have.
For a comfortable stay, the size of the enclosure must correspond to the needs of a particular breed of dog
Making an enclosure for a dog with your own hands: photos of designs from different materials
If future construction involves making an enclosure for a large dog intended for permanent residence, care should be taken to protect it from drafts. To do this, it is advisable to block the back and adjacent walls.
In this case, the following should be used as building materials:
- bricks;
- type-setting wooden panels;
- thick tongue and groove boards enclosed in metal frames;
- monolithic concrete;
- cinder blocks.
When choosing to build an enclosure made of wood, all elements must be treated from time to time with safe antibacterial agents
It is better if the open wall faces south, southwest or southeast. To make it, it is advisable to use metal rods. To create a gate, a metal frame and rods are suitable. Dogs have a good mind, so they can open many locks with ease. The locking device on the gate must be reliable.
Important! It is not recommended to use mesh for dog enclosures in construction. Despite the fact that this material is more affordable than metal rods, it will last much less. In addition, the mesh can injure the animal if it breaks.
The enclosure can be built in the form of a small house, which will allow you to organize additional storage space for food, bedding and toys for the dog
Comfortable living is only possible if the base is warm and dry. For this reason, experts recommend using wood to make floors in enclosures for huskies and other dogs. A covering formed from thick boards, if properly processed, will last quite a long time and protect the animal from drafts. Antiseptic agents are provided for this purpose. These compounds provide protection against rot and mold. In addition, you need to take care that there are no protruding nails or knots so that the dog does not get hurt.
To build the foundation, you can use concrete. However, in this case, the presence of wooden flooring is mandatory, as is ventilation under it. Materials such as concrete and asphalt should not be used as the sole base without a coating. They can seriously damage the animal's joints and claws.
Typical design of an enclosure for keeping a guard dog
The roof structure can be anything, the main thing is that it has a canopy. The list of roofing materials recommended for use includes:
- slate;
- metal tiles;
- profiled sheet;
- soft roof.
An example of an open-type dog enclosure
When choosing roofing materials, it is better to give preference to coatings that have a high level of sound insulation. Dogs' hearing is very sensitive and during rain the animal will experience discomfort if the drops drum loudly on the roof.
Making dog enclosures with your own hands: photos of designs designed for a pack
To support a whole flock, you can build one structure that will take into account the needs of several animals. Such structures are necessary in cases where there are several dogs on the site or the owner is breeding them. Most often seen in the photo, enclosures for two dogs or more animals have the appearance of tunnel structures. They are good for keeping a pack, but are completely unsuitable for housing one pet.
To keep a whole pack of dogs, you usually choose a one-piece enclosure structure, divided into zones for each animal
Such structures consist of several separate sections with semi-winter roads. Each section should be covered with a canopy for 3/4 of its length. In this case, about 4 m² of internal space will be allocated for each dog. The width of the section should correspond to the length of the animal's body without a tail.
To save money, you can make your own dog feeder from wood, using a jigsaw to cut holes for bowls and a drill with screws to secure the structural elements.
When keeping two dogs in one enclosure, it is worth taking care of a sleeping place for each animal
Important! Sections of an enclosure with several dogs must be separated by solid partitions, otherwise clashes between animals are possible during feeding.
The feeder is made in the following order:
- To begin with, a drawing with dimensions is selected for making a feeder for the dog’s enclosure.
- The markings in accordance with the drawing are transferred to the wood. For this, a furniture board or board can be used.
- Using a jigsaw, the material is cut according to the markings.
- Holes for screws are formed (3 mm drill).
- Using a jigsaw, circles are cut out for the bowls and the corner parts of the parts are rounded.
- All elements are sanded and connected with screws, after preliminary gluing.
An example of the design of an enclosure for four dogs with a separate entrance for feeding
To make the feeder look neat, all cracks and screw heads must be filled with putty intended for wood. Then the surface is again treated with sandpaper and painted in any color you like. For these purposes, only safe and environmentally friendly compounds are used so that the dog’s health is not harmed during use.
The size of the enclosure for several dogs is calculated based on the breed and size of adult animals
Calculation of the size of an enclosure for a dog based on basic parameters
To create a drawing you need to know the dimensions of the structure. It is not only the area that is important. The size of a dog enclosure also depends on such a parameter as height. The structure is designed in such a way that the animal can stand freely on its hind legs without resting against the roof.
A dog cannot be kept in a small enclosure all the time, so it is necessary to determine the purpose of the building before starting construction.
The minimum permissible side length of the enclosure is 2 m. This is quite enough for the animal to move freely, but for complete comfort it is better to increase this parameter. A dog can live permanently in a large enclosure. If it is of minimal size, you will have to let the animal out twice a day or at night so that it can stretch its legs and run around in the yard.
Once the dimensional parameters of the future design are determined, you can begin to develop a drawing of an enclosure for the dog. To do this, you can use ready-made projects or draw up a construction diagram yourself, taking into account personal preferences.
The size of the booth should correspond to the size of an adult dog.
When developing a drawing of an enclosure for a husky or a dog of another breed, you need to add the required elements to the diagram of the future structure:
- A place to sleep is an area where a sleeping place is equipped or a booth is installed.
- A walking area is an area where the animal can actively move, relieve itself and play. The larger this zone is, the better.
- Place for food - a couple of bowls are placed in this area. One of them contains water, the second contains food.
Scheme of the floor design in an enclosure for year-round keeping of a dog
Helpful advice! To simplify the feeding process, you can provide a window in the enclosure to serve food without going inside. If the dog is tall, bowls should be placed on a platform taking into account the height of the animal.
In addition to the dimensions, the drawing must indicate:
- winter road border;
- open area for walking;
- platform border;
- area for opening a gate or entrance door.
Layout of the platform, booth, feeder and exit in the enclosure
Preliminary drawing up of a drawing will allow you to rationally distribute all the elements of the enclosure and calculate the required amount of materials, as well as avoid mistakes.
Common mistakes when building a dog enclosure and expert advice
You should not skimp on materials, especially when it comes to fasteners and amplifiers. The design must be strong and reliable. It is not recommended to use slats, jibs and similar materials to strengthen the walls. A large dog will break this structure in one go.
The mesh must be attached in such a way that the dog cannot be injured.
When developing a project, you should not delve into the design. Decor that a person will like will create inconvenience for an animal. It is highly undesirable to use forged elements and other decorations that can become a source of injury to the animal. A dog's head or paw can easily get stuck in metal curls, which will lead to a fracture and other unpleasant consequences. The enclosure must be installed so that the dog has an overview and can control the situation.
The presence of a flower garden, alpine hill or flower bed near the enclosure is undesirable. Flowering plants emit aldehydes and ethylene. These substances cause irreparable harm to the dog's health, disrupting its sense of smell.
When using a net for an enclosure, you must use special bolts to attach it to the frame
When building walls for an enclosure, it is imperative to take into account the size of a shepherd dog or other breed if these surfaces are lattice. In this case, metal rods are installed in increments of 5-10 cm. After construction is completed, it is imperative to check whether there are any defects left on the surfaces of the structure that could injure the animal. In metal enclosures, where elements are fastened by welding, be sure to inspect the seams for reliability.
To reduce the likelihood of injuries during operation, during the construction process it is advisable to use other types of fastening elements instead of nails.
When building an enclosure made of wood, it is necessary to thoroughly clean all boards and other elements to avoid injury to the dog.
Suitable for these purposes:
- bolts;
- self-tapping screws;
- screws;
- screws.
It is very important that the roof has a good rafter system and is sloped. Thanks to this, the structure will be reliably protected from the wind, and precipitation will not accumulate on its surface.
When keeping several dogs in one enclosure, it is necessary to arrange special feeding windows
Before making an enclosure, it is advisable to make a foundation or form a base so that the wooden flooring is not subject to shrinkage and rotting. The presence of such a hill will provide the necessary ventilation.
Helpful advice! In addition to the shutter, it is advisable to install eyelets on the door to the enclosure. When it breaks, these elements can be used to install a padlock.
Aviary with a dog walking area
Door
Considering that the owner or one of the household members will have to regularly enter the enclosure, the size of the doorway is calculated based on the dimensions of an adult.
The height of the door in most cases corresponds to the height of the fence. Width – 3–4 cm less than the distance between the supports of the doorway. This will ensure normal door movement and eliminate the possibility of jamming.
During the door leaf manufacturing process:
- make a frame from metal corners or wooden boards;
- fill the space inside the frame by analogy with a general fence: stretch the mesh or weld metal rods.
The door is hung on hinges previously fixed to one of the supports of the doorway.
Attention: The enclosure door must open inward and fit snugly against the fence wall. The door is equipped with a strong lock on the outside.
The door is equipped with a strong lock on the outside
Construction
After determining the size of the enclosure, its location and selection of materials, you can begin installation. Drive metal corners into the ground around the perimeter of the proposed structure and weld the horizontal corners, thereby securing the frame.
Make a frame for the gate. Afterwards, you can begin covering the walls and floors with wood. Next, stretch and weld the mesh to the frame, then install the roof. The gate must have two locks - a latch and a padlock.
Also, the frame for the structure can be made of well-treated wood. This option is very convenient because it does not require welding, which significantly simplifies installation.
Roof
In most cases, the roof of the structure is made pitched with an overhang of at least 20 cm. A metal profile, corners or wooden beams are used to make the frame. Slate, metal tiles or polycarbonate sheets are suitable for the roof.
The simplest roof option is a pitched roof
Construction stages
It’s right to start construction with a drawing of an enclosure for a dog. This will allow you to correctly calculate the amount of material required and immediately visually represent the construction project.
The enclosure starts with a solid foundation. It is quite expensive to pour the entire foundation, but it is necessary to concrete the support pillars. For pillars, you can use a square pipe.
Kennel
You don't have to build a kennel that is too big. Its area should be exactly such that the dog can turn freely, and its height should be approximately one and a half times the height of the dog at the withers.
The doghouse needs to be warm, so they make it wooden. Ideally, make the floor and walls in 2 layers (for example, board and plywood) and insert thermal insulation material between them.
The size of the kennel should match the size of the dog
The dog spends most of its time in the enclosure. Therefore, it is extremely important to make it spacious, comfortable and warm.
What to consider when building an enclosure
In order for your pet to be comfortable and safe in its future home, the enclosure, like many other outbuildings, must be built taking into account certain norms and rules. Otherwise, you risk building a building that no one needs, which will later be suitable only for storing garden tools.
The first thing that is a determining factor in building a kennel is the size of the dog.
Optimal enclosure area
- If your pet's height does not exceed half a meter, an enclosure of 5 m² would be an ideal area for him.
- If the quadruped is taller than 50 cm, its territory should be increased to 7 m².
- For large dogs from 65 cm and above, the area of the structure should not be less than 10 m².
Important! It is a mistake to believe that the more free space a dog has, the better it will be for him. The area of the enclosure should be optimally suited to its size.
Today, the most common type of enclosure is considered to be a welded frame of a building made of forged metal and mesh. The reliability of this design has been proven over the years. It is best to use a wooden board as a floor covering. With proper thickness, the material will retain heat well, which is especially important in winter.
Walls
In order for your pet to be aware of everything that is happening around him, you should not tightly sew up the walls of the enclosure (especially the front one, overlooking the house or garden). A lattice made of metal rods or a chain-link mesh will do the job perfectly. If you decide to make one, two or three walls blank, it is better to use an environmentally friendly and safe “breathable” material, for example, red (ceramic) brick, stone or wood.
Floor
Even among professional dog handlers, there is no consensus on what the floor in the enclosure should be. Some argue that a concrete surface is the optimal surface for dogs, others give their preference to a wooden or plastic floor, while others even believe that tightly compacted earth will be much more useful and better for four-legged pets.
And if we can agree with the first two options, then there are certain concerns with the last one, in particular, there is a risk of digging through the fence. In addition, a wooden, plastic or concrete surface is easier to care for, clean and clean. Before making your choice, it is also advisable to take into account the character and habits of your pet.
Roof
As for the roof, everything is much simpler here. A simple single or double slope structure can perfectly cope with the task assigned to it, the main function of which is protection from precipitation. The roofing material most often used is soft tiles, which create minimal noise when it rains.
Beautiful wooden dog enclosure with a gable roof
An original design of a dog enclosure, with a fairly reliable design
Booth
Another important condition for building an enclosure for a dog is the presence of a booth (kennel) in it. The booth can be made in two versions, as a separate structure, or as a kind of compartment of the enclosure, fenced off from its walking part by a continuous partition.
If the constructed enclosure is planned to be used only in the summer, it is not necessary to insulate the booth. For year-round use, the dog house for sleeping will have to be properly warmed by insulating the walls and roof.
Experts strongly do not recommend using any material other than wood to build a booth.
Important! To prevent the dog in the enclosure from getting hurt, all structural elements, including a bowl for water and food, must be securely fastened. To fix the boards instead of nails, it is better to use self-tapping screws. This way you will eliminate the risk of caps appearing on the surface.
Photos of dog enclosures
Features of creating an aviary
When creating enclosures, it is necessary to adhere to certain standards. Otherwise, the dog will be uncomfortable in such a structure, and he may begin to behave unusually for his usual behavior. Particular attention is paid to the size of the dog. Minimum parameters:
A dog up to 50 centimeters is a size of at least 6 square meters. The dog is taller than 50 centimeters - the size is equal to 8 square meters. An animal taller than 60 centimeters is more than 10 square meters in size.
You cannot save space for your four-legged friend. The space should be as free and spacious as possible, but within reason.
Otherwise, an excessively large space may lead to incorrect thermal concentration in the winter season. With the onset of cold weather, the dog will begin to freeze very much.
Types of enclosures
Dog kennels are made from a variety of materials and come in a variety of designs.
Depending on the purpose of use, enclosures are divided into:
- Tent type, designed for small pets. Used as a carrier for animals;
- Homemade. Such dog enclosures are installed in an apartment or house;
- Outdoor pens are built for large dogs. These are durable stationary structures;
- Temporary enclosures are intended for exhibitions and breeding of dogs;
- Enclosed pens are designed for dogs that live outside.
Creating a roof
The roof may not be over the entire enclosure. Although some are trying to arrange it around the entire perimeter. This will shelter the animal from any harsh weather conditions.
The choice of roofing material can be anything. It is better to use a wooden enclosure partially. This material creates unique thermal insulation. The soft material allows for maximum noise insulation.
This action is necessary, because dogs can often bark and interfere with the normal activities of their owners. The door to the enclosure should open inward. It is better to make bolts and locks, both from the inside and outside.
Outdoor aviary
An outdoor dog enclosure is a separate building. The enclosure can be either open or closed with a roof or canopy.
Open pens usually occupy a large area. Closed ones are built in the form of a dog house.
- This design can be purchased in a store, made to order or independently.
- This structure should be as free as possible so that the animal can move in it, stand on its hind legs, and stretch.
- In addition, you need to think about a warm place for your pet. For example, put a booth or house inside the pen.
General standard for aviary design
All enclosures are identical in design and consist of:
- A base that provides strength to the entire structure and allows you to raise the enclosure above the surface. What is important for outdoor enclosures, since the enclosure located above the ground is better ventilated;
- Walls, at least two of which must be blank for the animal to feel comfortable. Blind walls can be made of brick, plywood, or wood. The remaining walls should have mesh inserts;
- The floor, which must be insulated and necessarily waterproofed;
- Roofs, which can be either single or gable.
The enclosure must be safe, that is, there should be no cracks or sharp objects in it, and also reliable. When building an enclosure, it is better to use high-quality materials.
The pen can be a building with a total area for keeping one animal; if you plan to keep several dogs, then this area must be divided by a partition to avoid conflicts between dogs. Inside there should be everything necessary for the animal’s comfortable life.
Aviary on your own
Creating a facility for your pets requires careful thought. First, you need to look through all the photos of do-it-yourself enclosures available on the Internet. This is important so that the owner will be able to understand how the structure should visually look.
After this, you can gradually create a drawing and action plan. Only after preliminary work can you begin to build a room for your pet. The dog will only feel comfortable in a properly organized space.
Home enclosures
Apartment enclosures are small in size and are intended for:
- ensuring the safety of very young puppies;
- marking the boundaries of a residential area when a baby or other pets appear in the house;
- preventing your pet from damaging home furnishings.
If you wish, you can buy ready-made designs for your home or make them yourself.
