For example, for a smaller dog like a chihuahua, a kennel that is around 6 feet (1. 8 meters) long and 6 feet (1. 8 meters) wide would work. If you have a large dog, like an adult golden retriever, aim for a kennel that’s at least 10 feet (3 meters) long and 10 feet (3 meters) wide.

You can find chain link fencing at your local hardware store. Your fencing should also come with a gate, posts, top rails, and the necessary attachments for putting up the fence.

If you go with a dog house, make sure it’s not so tall that your dog can use it to escape over the side of the kennel. A cheap shelter solution is to install a tarp roof over half of the kennel.

Do not use concrete as flooring. Concrete causes damage to dogs’ paws and joints. [4] X Research source If you use gravel, you’ll have to add more each year. Some gravel will be lost when you pick up dog poop in the kennel.

For a large kennel, you may want to put a post in between each of the corner posts for extra support. Add a 2 inch (5. 1 cm) layer of gravel to the bottom of each post hole to help with drainage. [6] X Research source

For example, if your gate is 45 inches (114 cm) long, the distance between the center of the corner post hole and the center of the new hole you’re digging should be 45 inches (114 cm).

Always wear gloves and protective glasses when you’re mixing concrete.

Recruit a helper for this process. It’s easier to pour the cement if you have someone else holding the posts in the hole while you pour. If there’s no one around to help, tie a rope around the post and stake the two ends of the rope into the ground to steady it in the hole. [10] X Research source

The long, flat side of the tension band should be parallel with the outside of the fence.

After the tension bar is in place, tie the top of the fence to the top rail using a chain metal tie.