For your pup to be happy, healthy, and safe, you need to create a suitable environment for them. When it comes to outdoor time, a dog run can make a world of difference by offering a controlled environment for exercise, exploration, and play. But choosing the right one can be overwhelming. From size and materials to safety features, understanding what makes these enclosures effective can help you make the right choice for your furry friend.
Finding the Right Dog Run
Enclosure Material
The material will impact both the durability of the enclosure and how safe it is for your pet. One especially popular option is the enclosed dog run made of galvanised steel because it’s incredibly strong and designed to hold up under all kinds of weather. Unlike some materials that start to wear down or even rust over time, galvanised steel is resistant to corrosion. This means that even with rain, sun, or snow, the structure will remain sturdy, providing a safe and secure space for your dog.
What’s great about this material is its combination of toughness and low maintenance. You won’t have to worry much about cleaning or replacing parts, as it’s built to last and withstand heavy use. For active pups or those that might test the strength of the enclosure, this material offers peace of mind since it’s much harder to bend or break.
Base Material
When setting up an outdoor dog run, it's important to choose a suitable base material. Grass might seem like a straightforward, affordable choice, but it can quickly become messy and may need frequent replacement. Plus, pups can easily dig holes in it. For a low-maintenance and long-lasting base, materials like pea gravel, washed stones, or limestone are excellent options. These materials make cleaning easier, provide good drainage, and are gentle on your pup’s paws, giving them a comfortable and practical surface to play on.
Size
Another important thing to think about is the size of the enclosure. Your pup should have plenty of room to move around comfortably and get some exercise. A general guideline is to have a run that’s roughly twice as wide and five times as long as your pet's length. For smaller breeds, a space of around three square meters is often enough, while larger breeds will benefit from something closer to four square meters. The height matters too, especially for active pups or breeds that are known to jump! A standard height of about two meters is usually a good choice.
Benefits of a Dog Run
Safety
Is getting an enclosed dog run worth it? Creating a secure, designated space for your pup to roam, play, and relax offers both peace of mind for pet owners and plenty of benefits for pups. If you don’t have a fenced yard, this enclosure can provide a safe spot where your pup can enjoy the outdoors without the worry of roaming off or encountering neighbourhood dangers. It’s a great way to give your pet some independence while keeping them safe from cars, unfamiliar dogs, and potential hazards beyond the yard.
Separate Your Pup from Guests and Kids
This enclosure is especially useful if you’re looking to create a pet-friendly backyard that works well for everyone, including guests and family members. Often, we have multiple guests in the yard - children, friends, and pets - and sometimes everyone sharing the same space just doesn’t work smoothly. A playful Labrador might knock over a toddler unintentionally, or a visitor may feel uncomfortable around a larger or more energetic dog, even if the dog means no harm. A well-designed enclosure provides a solution: your pet can join the backyard fun without the risk of unintentional bumps or boundary-crossing.
Protect Your Lawn
For homeowners who take pride in their yard, an outside dog run offers another surprising benefit by protecting the lawn and garden. Dogs, as much as we love them, can be rough on grass. Digging, running, and even everyday bathroom needs can quickly turn a lush lawn into a patchwork of brown spots and torn-up turf. By setting up a specific area for your pup, you’re helping preserve the condition of the rest of your outdoor space. Plus, having a designated space for your dog to “go” means less time searching the yard for dog waste, which can be a chore that no one looks forward to.
Space for Exercise
A dog run also supports your pup’s physical and mental well-being. Regular exercise is crucial for their health, helping them maintain a healthy weight, stay active, and avoid conditions linked to obesity. A run gives them a place to burn off energy, which can also reduce the likelihood of boredom-driven destructive behaviours. Pups left to their own devices for long periods can develop habits like chewing, digging, or scratching. In a dedicated run, they can channel that energy productively without wreaking havoc indoors.
Separates Problematic Pets
In multi-dog households, a dog run can even act as a practical way to separate pets if needed. Not every pair gets along, and some may need their own space, either temporarily or for longer periods. A suitable enclosure offers a flexible option to keep dogs separated to prevent conflicts, manage personalities, or, in the case of breeding, provide a safe area for female dogs. Whatever the scenario, having a dog run gives you more control over how you structure the shared space so that everyone remains happy and peaceful.
