- Decide how much space you'd like to use for the run (the more the better!) and where you'd like to place it. We recommend you have at least part of the run in the shade to allow your dog to keep cool.
- Outline the area using sand poured from a plastic bottle or a bucket, or alternatively use pegs and marker tape. At this stage, if you believe the area looks too small or too large, you have the opportunity to change it.
- Next you'll need to dig holes for your fence posts. The holes should be at least 60 cms (2') deep and will need to be spaced about 2 meters apart.
- Decide where you'd like to place the gate and dig an extra hole between two existing holes.
- Place a post into one of the holes and then pour in concrete - make sure the post is standing straight. Move onto the next hole and do the same again - continue until all the posts are in the ground.
- Leave until the concrete has completely set - preferably overnight.
Your fence posts should now be firmly planted in the ground. For the panelling, you can use metal wire fencing or even chicken wire, although metal wire is much stronger and will last longer. Make sure the fencing will be high enough to stop your dog from jumping over it!
- Nail the fencing to the posts as tightly and securely as you can until you've one last gap - 1 meter wide - this is where you will be installing your gate.
- For the gate, make a wooden frame to size, and cover it with the metal link fencing. Add a crosspiece to the gate for added strength if necessary.
- Add hinges to the top and bottom of the gate and fence post and add a sturdy bolt or lock for security.
We recommend, when adding the hinges, that you leave a small gap at the bottom of the gate to allow for ease of opening and closing.
If your dog is prone to digging, our advice is to fit chicken wire to the base of the fence; it can be burried and pegged into the ground for added security.
How easy was that? - we told you dog runs were easy to build!
Your Cocker Spaniel will soon be able to enjoy more fresh air and exercise in the garden whick will allow you to go about your business without worrying about him.
If you don't have too much outdoor space to dedicate to a dog run, why not consider investigating smaller dog pens?
Return to top of page - Dog Runs - How To Build A Dog Run
Return to Dog Kennels And Dog Houses
Return to the Cocker Spaniel Homepage
Titles In The Dog Kennels And Dog Houses Series
Choosing Dog Kennels
Cheap Dog Kennels - You Can Find Them If You Look Hard Enough!
Dog Houses Give Your Cocker Somewhere Safe To Retreat To!
Dog Pens Give You Peace Of Mind!
A Run Will Give Your Dog Lots Of Fresh Air And Exercise
How To Build A Run For Your Dog
