dog kennel-need suggestions

[cook]

Have a 100# german shepard,indoor dog.Try to walk him at least once a day,he has a 40 ft. rope out the front door.Yard not fenced,but I have one of those 4 pannel kennels out the back.Set it up attached to the house so its 10x20x10,just open the back door.

This time of year,the back gets torn up and becomes one big mud pit.I clean the poop up,but its just a plain mess.
The obvious answer is to concrete it...but any other alternatives.Not sure of the cost,or if its something I can tackle myself.Also don't know if its hard on the dog or too hot in the summer.He spends about 4-6 hours a day out there when its nice.Lots of plants and shade,but the grass is gone by this time of year.

[gabowman]

I poured mine. Shoulda done it ALOOOOONG time ago. Nicer for the dog....and ALOT easier to clean (just spray the water hose) 2" thick and @ $100 bucks I think. I used bags of redi-mix. No regrets.

[gabowman]

BTW, I also added a tin top on a shallow hip roof attached right to the top of the pen.

[FROSTY]

My best guess would be 5-600.00. Graded, gravel, 4" concrete, & finish work.

[shockley32]

I use pea gravel for my dog pens. I put it about three inches deep, scoop up the mess everyday. It is rounded enough they don't mind laying on it. Run down to the local concrete plant and get what you need in the back of your pick up.

Brad

[cook]

Thanks,all
Frosty..I like gabo's 100$ better than your 600$

[bwillaub]

Thanks,all
Frosty..I like gabo's 100$ better than your 600$

Yeah. A dog kennel doesn't need 4" of concrete. 2" is plenty. The roof is a good idea. A tarp over the top makes a good roof.

[beagle man]

concrete is a good way to go, or your could use the clothes line set up , two poles way apart cable,pulley, and let the dog run can be as long or as short as you want.

[old man hemi]

I've got a Rottweiler and a little mixed breed that are inseperable which are both house dogs and housebroke.When i go away for 5-8 hrs i put them in a 12x12 home made screen kennel with a metal roof covering it that is attached to a 6x12 old pigeon coop converted to a storage building.Everything inside is up off the floor with 2 blankets for them to lay on when they want.I always keep a 2 gallon bucket of fresh water and an automatic dog feeder in there for them.I also installed an 80 foot cable to 2 trees with a 40 foot lead to give them plenty of exercise when needed.This gives them safe shelter from nasty weather and the exercise they need.Hope this helps with your problem.Oh by the way the screen kennel floor is concrete'no problems at all and i find this keeps their nails trimmed down nicely.Good luck

[cook]

Good idea on the nails,he hates when I trim them.