posted on January 28, 2001 12:35:32 PM new
Hello lswanson - I have a girlfriend who bred, raised and sold Doberman's and her dog run was semi-permanent.
By that I mean they had poured a cement run (sidewalk like) and had placed poles that accepted the poles of a chain link fence. The chain link fence was approx. 6 ft. high.
Since she had many dogs, at any given time, she made her 'run' long and narrow. It was approx. 4-5 ft. wide, but ran from the front corner of her home all the way around 3/4 the perimeter of her property. She believe they needed this length so the dogs would be able to 'run' quickly, rather than being confined in a large, but rectangular area where they wouldn't be able to get a full run going.
Also, by having this type of run, the dogs could chose if they wished to lay in the full sun, or be under the shade of the trees.
posted on January 28, 2001 04:44:27 PM new
Depends on what are you are in. My aunt sells dog runs in the San Francisco Bay area. They are the chain link kind, with or without roofs. Let me know if you are in the area and I will pass on her number.
posted on January 28, 2001 07:33:04 PM new
My neighbor has one to be envious of....
For the base, he used a cinder block foundation, dug out about a foot of dirtin the center, and filled with gravel. He then spanned the foundation with the vinyl coated "grid" flooring that is found in hog confinement units (check a farm store in you area). The grids are small enough that the dogs feet won't slip through, but the waste product DOES, and is absorbed through the gravel and "wicked" away....you will still want to hose it down occasionally, but it won't get as dirty as cement.
6 foot chain link all around, a tarp one end to provide shade and/or weather protection (or build a kennel onto one end of it).
Might I add, my neighbor is retired, doen't eBay, and has a LOT of free time for building projects
Keith
I assume full responsibility for my actions, except
the ones that are someone else's fault.
posted on January 29, 2001 05:58:34 AM new
Thanks for the input. The dogs aren't going to be happy about it since they've had free range of the large back yard since birth, but they absolutely tear the yard up. Everytime it rains or snows, it turns into a giant mud puddle.
Linda, I do like the idea of the extended length. Two of my dogs are runners, even the three-legged shepherd can outrun a human.
Keith, does the grid system get "smelly"? I like the idea but I was planning to do the pooper scooper everyday and hose it down as well, but something with less maintenance would be better. Especially on those days when Mother Nature drops 1" of ice on everything.
Greg, I'm west TX so your aunt won't be of much help I'm afraid. 'Preciate the offer though.
posted on January 29, 2001 04:55:29 PM new
Sorry for the slow response,...weather has been the most important factor round here today!!
Not much problem with the smell, but then again, he only has a Pointer in his...could get stout with 3 biguns livin in it!
Keith
I assume full responsibility for my actions, except
the ones that are someone else's fault.
posted on January 30, 2001 08:08:10 AM newKRS, my RL office is 19'x12' and has no windows. My only access to the outside world is through the telephone and the computer. I work 50-60 hours a week and am on call 24/7 for 49 weeks of the year. I get a lunch break once or twice a week, and it's near impossible to get a coffee or bathroom break.
The pending dog run will be at least twice as large as my office, will provide shelter--heated in winter, shaded in summer, maybe even have spray misters for extremely hot weather. The dogs will be still be allowed out for evening exercise before coming into the humans' house for the night. Full access to fresh air, water, no phones, no e-mail, no workload, no employers, no employees. Plus, the dogs get pets from the humans. I don't. Hmmm. I may be moving in with the dogs. Free food, lodging AND pets.
Who has the better deal?
December, we don't get as much rain as Florida, but in the winter there is snow and ice to contend with. Had 1/2 to 1 inch of ice blanket the area Saturday and 2-3 inches on top of it on Sunday. Driving was a blast!
