A man’s best friend should have a cozy, clean place to call home. While a dog kennel alone does just that, going the extra mile to give your furry friend a cozy, clean, and spacious area for your dog to, most importantly, get fresh air and exercise. And who wouldn’t want the best for their four-legged companion?
What is a dog run?
A dog run is an area where dogs can relax, exercise, or relieve themselves away from their main living area. This area is a designated, fenced-in space where dogs can enjoy being off-leash in a safe environment. This allows your dog to safely enjoy the outdoors without your constant supervision, which will ease both you and your dog!
What are the benefits of a dog run?
A dog run gives you the peace of mind that you desire, knowing your dog is safe and staying out of trouble. Dog runs offer a protected area from other animals, dangerous situations, or running off of your property whether you live on a farm or have neighbors. My Barnyard offers a dog run attached to your dog kennel, so your dog can have the best life of shelter and fresh air no matter what time it is.
What Are The Different Kinds of Uses For A Dog Run?
Dog runs are spaces designed to cater to the needs and settings of dogs with the main goal ensuring that dogs have a safe environment for exercise, play, and training. Their uses are unique and span across different purposes, which benefit both the dogs and their owners. We see 3 primary groups of uses for dog runs.
K-9 Officers/ Working Dogs
Dog runs for K-9 officers meet the different needs of working dogs. It ensures the security of K-9 officers with secure fencing. Dog runs can also offer stress relief for the dogs as they can have an area designated to running and playing to improve overall well-being. Depending on the size of your dog run, it can be a great location for training.
Home/Residential Use
Dog runs can be customized to fit yard sizes for home use. This will restrict your dog to an area to prevent digging or bothering neighbors. With options of directly on the ground, artificial turf, or platformed with planks, your dog can have a run that fits their needs, or your needs, best. Dog runs also help ensure safety from traffic, animals, or harmful plants.
Breeders
Dog runs offer an area where puppies can socialize and play to develop and socialize. Not only can the puppies benefit from a dog run, so can pregnant or nursing dogs that need an area to exercise without stress. If you’re a breeder, you should consider looking into dog kennels and runs that have a breeder’s specific option.
What Kinds of Dog Runs Are Available?
There are two types of primary dog runs; stand-alone and those attached to a kennel. Both of these types do their job very well, keeping your dog in your chosen area. Every dog owner knows what is best for their dog, so the decision of which one to choose depends on you!
Stand-Alone Dog Runs
Stand-alone dog runs are able to be located in the area that suits your needs the best. Common areas where you may see a stand-alone dog run are backyards, parks, or dog shows. They offer a freestanding structure with fencing and gates, so your dog will be secure in the dog run. Depending on the sizes and the desires that you have, these dog runs can be moved or disassembled when not in use.
Attached To A Kennel
Dog runs attached to a kennel offer a space of secure fencing where the dog is able to move to and from the kennel into the outside dog run. This offers weather protection, such as a shaded area, for the dog. The kennel is their sleeping or resting area, while the dog run is their exercise space.
What Types Of Dog Runs And Features Are Available?
Small
These are typically designed for small dogs such as Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, and Dachshunds. Small dog runs offer a small, transportable area for your small dog to play and exercise safely. If that would fit your needs, take a look at this small dog run.
Medium
Medium-sized dog runs are specifically designed for breeds like Beagles, Bulldogs, and Cocker Spaniels, and they offer an area a little bigger than a small dog run. It allows medium-sized dogs an area to move around comfortably and engage in moderate exercise. Think a medium dog run will work for your dog? Check out this foldable pet playpen with a gate to learn more.
Large
Specifically designed for breeds such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds, large dog runs offer a spacious area for these active breeds to run, play, and, most importantly, stretch their legs. They are much larger, but they accommodate an area for a large dog to be comfortable. Check out this large dog run if you think it’s what you’re looking for.
Other Features
Whether you are looking for a small, medium, or large dog run, we have many options to make an area perfect for you and your dog. Check out our customizable options to fit your needs. With options of custom paint and trim colors, option of windows, multiple-sized runs, and insulation, you will be giving your dog a durable home.
Should My Dog Run Be Attached to A Shed or Be Free Standing?
The decision is all up to you! You can choose the option of portable, free-standing run, or permanent run with a shed depending on your needs, but most importantly, your dog’s needs. There is no one that knows your dog better than you. If you’re still unsure, check out this blog that will answer your questions.
What Features Should I Look For In A Permanent Dog Run?
We understand each dog has different needs, and we are here to help you customize the needs of your dog run to fit the needs as best as we can. If you are considering a permanent dog kennel run, here are 3 things we recommend you pay attention to.
Flooring
The durability of your dog run’s flooring is imperative to a quality space for your four-legged friend. Your dog kennel flooring may be as simple as the grass. Or it may be a bit more sophisticated like artificial turf, rubber mats, or composite decking. If you are looking for a permanent dog run structure, we recommend composite decking for exterior spaces as they are easy to clean and maintain. At the bare minimum, you would want to make sure that all wooden floor features are completely sealed, so that the odors do not seep into the wood.
Roofing
Roofing with a permanent dog run offers weather protection, which is the most important aspect as it protects dogs from sun, rain, and snow. Adding ventilation ensures the roof has airflow and keeps the area cool and comfortable. Making sure to choose durable, weather-resistant material is very important to ensure pet safety and health. That is why a high-quality permanent dog run will utilize materials like metal or shingle roofing that will hold up to the test of time.
Door
Doors should be sturdy to prevent your dog from escaping as well as unauthorized access to the dog run. The size of the doors should be large enough for the dog to comfortably fit in and out of, but it should also give owners easy access to enter and play inside the dog run or change their food or water.
What Features Should I Look For In A Portable Dog Run?
Portable dog runs have a lot of similar functionality when compared to permanent dog runs. There are a few items that should be kept in mind when specifically considering a portable dog run, so let’s take a look at some possible items for this style.
Roofing
Most portable dog runs have a tarp or fabric-style roof. This is important because if the structure has a different roofing style, such as metal or shingle, it would be far more difficult to move. On the other hand, some people desire not to have a roof on their dog run at all. This allows them to have more flexibility when selecting a location for the run as there is less of a height restriction.
Door with latch
Your portable dog run needs a double-sided latch on the access door. If it is not, your dog will be able to figure out which way to push or pull the door to escape the enclosure. Additionally, a latch allows for easy access for the owner to clean the enclosure, change out the food and water, and allow their four-legged friend to get out every now and again with supervision, of course.
Weight
The dog run should be lightweight and easy to move while also being strong enough to contain the dog. In practicality, a larger dog will generally need a stronger, sometimes heavier, system than a smaller dog. However, just because a system is heavier does not mean that it can’t be moved, it simply means that you may need assistance to move the structure.
How Do I Choose The Right Size Run For My Dog?
Choosing the right sized dog run depends on several factors, such as the dog’s size, breed, exercise needs, and energy level. Each item should be a driving factor in making the proper selection. Take a look at some of the factors that we currently have determined to be important when selecting a dog run size.
Your Dog’s Size
It’s pretty obvious that not all dogs are the same size. However, people often forget that different sized dogs need different sized dog runs. For example, smaller dogs may need nothing more than a used pack and play to serve as their dog run, if used only on occasion. On the other hand, if you have a large German Shepherd, you will need a system that is tall, strong and made from metal to contain them.
Exercise Needs
If you intend to use your dog run for exercising your dog, you will need to make sure that your run is large enough for your dog to roam. Nonetheless, if your dog run is simply an area for your dog to hang out on occasion, the size may not need to be as large.
What Material Is Best For My Dog Run?
We recommend high-quality materials be created for your dog run in order for your dog run to last as long as possible. For that reason, we do not recommend creating a makeshift structure from scrap supplies. We have found that the following materials are best for your structure.
Welded Metal
Welded metal is extremely strong and long-lasting and uses rust-resistant materials that work with outdoor use during various weather conditions. It is typically best for high-energy or large dogs as it is heavier material. Our kennels use this material for the run section of the structure.
Chain Link fencing
Chain link fencing allows for good visibility to monitor your dogs. It is also strong, weather-resistant, and lightweight. However, it is not as aesthetically pleasing as the welded metal panels, but they are readily available at big box stores if you need one quickly.
Plastic
Plastic is lightweight, easy to move, and more affordable than either of the metal options. Although, it is less durable and more likely to be damaged than other options. Plastic is still a great option if you desire to take your dog to a public place and need a small containment option.
What Are Fancy Features For Dog Runs?
Our smart options offer a comfortable environment for your dog with customizations, such as an automatic feeder and waterer, infrared heater, indoor solar lights, outdoor porch light, and video surveillance for security and checking up on your dog when you’re not there.
A Kennel Shed
A kennel shed offers weather protection to keep your dog comfortable in different weather conditions. It also allows for a storage space and comfortable sleeping area for your dog. By having a kennel shed, you can keep all of your dog supplies in one area.
A/C and Heat
Air conditioning and heating maintains a comfortable temperature for your furry friend, ensuring they are never too hot or too cold. While this can not be done well in a dog run, it is great if your dog run is attached to a kennel. This provides a comfortable environment for your dog especially during hot summers and cold winters.
Food and Water Systems
Food and water systems are a great way to keep your dog happy and healthy in their dog run. We recommend investing in an automatic waterer and feeding system. These systems are great as they save you time and allow your dog to eat and drink at your leisure without needing to completely depend on you.
Whelping Box
A whelping box is a great area to have attached to your dog run as it provides a safe area for mother dogs to give birth and raise their puppies. A heating pad or lamp is important to keep the puppies warm during the early stages of their life. It also adds convenience for the owners to safely monitor the health and development of the puppies.
Security System and Lights
Lighting provides safety and visibility during the nighttime for both the dog and the owner. We recommend that you pair your lighting system with a security system that monitors the dog run remotely. Now no matter where you are, you can ensure safety and security for the dog.
What Dog Run Kennel Companies Are Available Throughout America?
Here at My Barnyard, we specialize in creating wonderful dog kennels with high-quality runs. However, if you are not in our service area, we have other companies that we recommend. For example, if you are in Northeastern USA, we recommend the Dog Kennel Collection. They create beautifully crafted dog kennels for small residential purposes or commercial needs. If you are in the Southern part of the country, we would recommend Lone Star Structures. They also build residential and commercial kennels that can meet the demands that you have in the Texas area.