Your furry friend deserves to play whenever it wants but what can you do if you can’t supervise it at all times? A great option to consider is the humble playpen; whether you have a small space in your backyard or acres of unused space for your dog to explore, dog owners should look into this. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you and have created this curated list of the best DIY outdoor dog pen ideas.
Why Make DIY Dog Pens?
Whether you have small dogs or large breeds, a dog playpen will let our canine pals play and move around even when we’re not around to help them stay out of trouble. However, many pet owners find that commercial and store-bought playpens can be out of their budget. Even if you do find an option that’s affordable, there’s a chance that it may not suit your dog’s needs or fit in your living space.
Building a DIY dog pen is the best way to give your dog its own space for activities and playtime.
11 DIY Outdoor Dog Pen Ideas
When you want a safe space for your dog to enjoy and move around on its own, here are a few ideas that you can build that will help you save money and time.
1. Portable Wire Outdoor Dog Run
Here’s a fast and easy way to create a portable dog playpen that can be a great DIY project for you and your dog. This plan uses affordable supplies such as wire livestock mesh, safety latches, aluminum wire, and metal fence posts. Be sure to prepare the tools you need which are pliers and a sledgehammer to get started with this super easy and portable solution for your dog.
If you want, you may also install a metal gate for easier access and exit from the playpen.
Step-by-step instructions here.
2. Cheap & Easy DIY Dog Playpen
When you’re looking for quick and cheap dog kennel ideas, look no further than this option we found on Flickr. This easy homemade kennel can be built quickly, even if this plan’s creator wasn’t able to share a detailed plan. Just by looking at the result, we were able to figure out what was used and what you’ll need to build this solution.
You can start the process by gathering the materials you need such as:
- Scrap wood (or any kind of lumber board)
- Chicken wire or fencing roll
- Screws
- Door hinges
- Wood glue
- Paint
You’ll also need to get basic tools such as a circular saw or miter saw, drill, screwdriver, and sandpaper. The post doesn’t come with a full explanation but you can follow these steps to achieve the same results for your canine companion:
- Cut each board to the size you desire.
- Attach the boards to the frame.
- Install the chicken wire.
- Connect the frames with the door hinges.
All-in-all, this is an easy outdoor kennel to make that’s affordable and is suitable for smaller breeds and puppies.
Here’s what the result will look like.
3. Fence Panel Dog Run
If you want a cheap way to build backyard dog kennels this is the way to do it. This type of dog run can be really easy to make and can be customized to any shape or size to ensure that both small dogs and big dogs have the space they need. You’ll also find that this option provides your pooch with plenty of ventilation as well as drainage.
Here are the things you’ll need to build your fence panel dog run:
- Posts
- Fence panels
- Gravel
- Concrete mix
- Tar paper
- Landscape fabric
- Wire mesh
- Nails or screws
- Cover for dog kennel (optional)
To get started, set the posts for your dog run in concrete at a safe place somewhere in your yard. Next, attach each fence panel to the posts using nails or screws. Before setting your fences, make sure that there are gaps between each panel to allow air to circulate.
4. Temporary DIY Indoor Dog Kennel
This DIY dog kennel idea can also work as an outdoor option if you’re looking for a quick and cheap solution to provide your dog with a play area. This temporary solution is extremely easy to make and requires no other tool aside from wire cutters. Depending on how big your dog is, this playpen can be customized to suit smaller and larger dogs.
All you need to put this dog pen together are cable ties and wire cube storage shelves, along with wire cutters. Remember that this project doesn’t require tools and that it’s only a temporary solution so it won’t be sturdy or durable enough to use daily. Even so, it can be a truly quick and easy way to make the most out of your yard’s green space.
YouTube video with instructions.
5. DIY Wooden Dog Kennel
This option will take a bit more effort to make compared to the choices above, but allows you to use scrap wood for a wooden dog playpen. This is a fun project for people looking to create a safe environment for their dog while still sticking to their budget. Using the most common materials such as plywood, scrapwood, hinges, and screws, this moderately challenging project is good for people with prior experience in woodworking.
Because it offers plenty of space, it can house a large breed dog that will love the finished product. The instructions are also quite detailed and the creator comprehensively explains everything you need to know. Because there are also precise steps included, you’ll be able to execute this type of design so that your dog can freely roam and explore.
The tools you’ll need for this project include a tape measure, sandpaper, a table saw, a drill, and a pocket hole.
Detailed instructions via YouTube here.
6. DIY Puppy Pallet Playpen
If you want to build a large outdoor dog kennel, this option lets you make an affordable and simple playpen that you can use indoors or outdoors. With a couple of wood screws and pallets, along with tools such as a tape measure, screwdriver, drill, level, hammer, sander, and hand saw, you can create a larger kennel with a rustic look. This is a good choice if you’re looking for an option with enough room and don’t want to spend too much money.
While this is already an easy task to begin with, the creator also made sure to explain all parts of this plan in detail, so you can quickly get to work and follow the instructions in their video. You can also make it for outdoor use and adjust the dimensions according to the play area available and the size of your dog.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on YouTube
7. Large DIY Indoor Dog House
If you want to make a DIY dog house, this is a good idea to try if you have enough space in your living room or another area around your home. This indoor dog house can be used as a play area or for crate training for your pup. The materials you’ll need for this project include wood glue, scrap wood, plywood, pocket screws, hinges, stain, and metal bars.
At the same time, you’ll need tools like a sander, pocket hole jig, drill, tape measure, and a table saw. There’s a moderate amount of difficulty involved in building this option, and is the perfect solution for small and medium-sized dogs as well as puppies. This type of dog house allows for enough space to relax, run, and play, and the creator has given plenty of details for making this project, and you should be able to finish this house in one day.
8. DIY Chain Link Dog Kennel
A kennel run provides a great way to keep your pooch safe while helping to give them a grassy area to play and run. While building a traditional chain link fence can be expensive, this DIY option can be just as effective but much more affordable. To get started, create a perimeter for the dog run using your chain link fencing, and make sure that it’s tall enough so that your dog won’t be able to leap over it.
Then add some shade by installing a canopy, roof panels, or tarp over your fence. This can help your pup stay cool during warmer months and is a great solution if you don’t plan on making a dog house. Finally, you can add some toys so your pet always has something to play with such as bones, chew toys, or even an inflatable pool.
9. Big DIY Dog Playpen
Among the best outdoor dog kennel ideas is this spacious DIY playpen which is perfect for bigger dogs that need more space than medium-sized and small dogs. But if you do have smaller breeds, you may also adjust the size while following the instructions included in this plan. The materials you’ll need include wood screws, chicken wire, screws, and wood boards.
You’ll also need to prepare the necessary tools like a drill, circular saw, and miter saw. Because there’s a lot of cutting in this plan, this intermediate-level project is best for people with experience in woodworking and DIY projects. The final result is a gorgeous and highly functional playpen that can be installed with a sliding door and dog bed.
Once you finish this project, your puppy will thank you for the beautiful home you’ve provided.
10. DIY Puppy Playpen
If you’re looking for a DIY dog crate that also doubles as a whelping box after your dog gives birth to your puppies, consider looking into this option for your pups. There might be times when your adventurous little ones will want to explore the world around them, and this playpen can do just that. Simply get together a few supplies like PVC pipes, plywood, wood discs, wood letters, wood glue, towels, and newspapers.
You’ll also need tools such as a miter saw or jigsaw, tape measure, clamps, level, and PVC pipe cutter. It’s a bit more complex compared to the other options here but it’s affordable and can be made into different designs if you want. If you realize that you’ve made a few mistakes along the way, you can check out the creator’s instructions in the video below.
11. Wooden DIY Dog Playpen
Those who want a quick and cheap way to create a playpen for both indoor and outdoor use can find a great solution through the video provided. It only requires a few basic tools and materials for the entire building process which include glue, wood screws, and wood boards. You’ll also need tools such as a miter saw, a table saw, and a cordless drill to build this easy-to-construct playpen.
Because this is a non-assembly plan, you have to make sure that the finished project will fit through your doorways so that it can be taken in and out of your yard as needed. The entire project is really easy to do and most of all, it’s budget-friendly and should cost you no more than $50.
DIY Outdoor Dog Pen Ideas
Rather than building a fancy log cabin dog house or using your garden shed as a makeshift house for your dogs, you can create these DIY outdoor dog pen ideas. Inside, they’ll be able to play, jump, and run as much as they want without the need to shell out too much cash. With the options above, you can build your own dog pen that’s custom-made for your dog’s needs and your home.
You can choose from all kinds of materials and get your hands on inexpensive tools to start creating your dog’s unique playpen.
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