No matter the size of your property, a dog run can provide an incredible space for your dog to play and exercise outside. Building a dog run is not only great for your pet; it makes life a lot easier for dog owners, too, as it provides them with the peace of mind of knowing their animal is safe, secure, and enjoying itself.
At FenceLine Rentals Ltd., we’ve been helping Edmonton pet owners build dog runs for decades and have picked up a few tips and tricks along the way.
Here are 10 items you can add to your dog runs to make them the best they can be:
1. Secure Fencing
The most important part of any dog run is the fencing you’re going to use to build it. FenceLine has temporary fencing of all shapes and sizes that will meet your animal’s needs and keep them safe and secure.
Whether it’s a tight space in a smaller backyard or an area on a larger property where you’re looking to keep your dog from running away, Fenceline Rentals’ temporary fencing is easy to adjust based on the size of both your pup and the space available so you can build a dog run that works for you and your pet.
Where to get temporary fencing: FenceLine Rentals has temporary fencing for purchase and for rent, and will deliver, set up, and pick up your fencing. Our team can also offer personalized recommendations for your dog run.
2. A Dog Pool
In the summer months, there’s nothing better for your dog than a little cooldown time in the water. The best part? When they’re in their dog run, the fencing means they can’t just run into your house and create a huge mess when they’re wet. It’s easy to dry them off after they have a little fun splashing around in their pool in their dog run.
Where to get one: Poochie Moochie in North-West Edmonton has a wide range of toys for your dog, as well as everything else they’ll need. Their foldable dog pools are easy to set up and take down whenever you need them, so they can be a nice addition on hot summer days without taking up too much space in your dog run.
3. A Dog House
While your pet will love having a dog run to get exercise and play, you want them to feel at home in their space, and sometimes that will involve taking a nap or just relaxing with a little privacy.
A dog house is the perfect way to make your pup feel comfortable in its dog run, and it also has the added benefit of providing shelter from the elements, whether that’s the wind in the winter, the sun in the summer, or the rain.
Where to get one: Located in nearby Spruce Grove, Maetche Construction builds premium dog houses that are perfectly suited for Edmonton’s variable and sometimes extreme weather.
The dog houses fit easily into a dog run and are big enough for even larger pets, and their fully insulated walls and roof design mean your dog can rest comfortably inside them even during the winter.
4. A Dog Ramp
Dogs love nothing more than to run and play, and there’s nothing better than a dog ramp to add a little variety to their exercise time. Adding one to your dog run gives your puppy something to climb on and interact with, providing extra stimulation to their outdoor space.
Where to get one: Munro Kennels is located just outside Edmonton, in Sturgeon County, and has a number of dog ramps designed specifically for agility training. Island Dog, in Edmonton’s North-West, also has a great, smaller ramp that can be used indoors and outdoors and can be easily stored.
5. A Weather Door
If you’re planning on building your dog run right next to your home, a weather door can provide easy access for your pet both in and out of your home. That can be helpful for you both, as it allows your pooch to go outside whenever it needs to, and also saves you the time it takes to walk outside and get your furry friend into the dog run.
Where to get one: Homes Alive has a terrific weather door available in Edmonton that comes with a three-flap system to protect against extreme cold. That keeps the heat in your house, which can be great for your energy bill at the end of the month. It’s easy to install and a perfect addition to your dog run.
6. A Waste Station
One of the many advantages of building a dog run for your pet is that it makes cleaning up after it much easier after it goes to the bathroom. With a little work, you can train your pet to go to a specific area when nature calls. That area can be separated from the rest of the dog run using a different ground surface (like gravel in a grass dog run), which can make it easier for your dog to understand where it’s supposed to go.
Where to get it: Blue Grass Nursery in Edmonton offers a selection of washed rocks and sod to help you create a comfortable and functional dog run.
7. Shaded Areas & Dog Bowls
This is especially important in the hot summer months when your dog will want to be outside as much as possible but can easily get dehydrated if they spend too much time running around in the sun.
Trees, bushes, and many other landscaping features can provide the necessary shade that pets require in a dog run, and FenceLine Rentals can help you build a dog run that accommodates all of them. Simply making sure you have a dog bowl that’s filled with water goes a long way, too.
Where to get them: Dog bowls are available at almost every pet shop in Edmonton. Drop in at Bone & Biscuit, and you’ll be sure to find one that’s perfect for your dog run. You can stock up on all the other essentials—and treats—your pet needs, too.
8. Toys to Play With
The whole idea behind building a dog run is to give your pet a space to enjoy themselves, and every animal lover knows how much dogs love playing around with toys. Chances are, you want to keep indoor toys inside and keep outdoor toys out of the house, so having a few that are only allowed in a dog run is a great way to give your dog a few extra incentives to enjoy their space outside.
Where to get them: Every pet store in Edmonton has fun toys your dog will love, but we love the uniqueness of Island Dog’s collection. This Tropical Paradise Paws Up Pineapple is perfect for outdoor play.
9. Synthetic Grass
Whether it’s grass, gravel, or sand, you have lots of different options for what goes on the ground in your dog run and each of them comes with their own unique advantages. Synthetic grass should definitely be considered, though, as it fits into the aesthetic of most backyards and won’t be damaged by your dog’s urine. It has great drainage and requires practically no maintenance.
Where to get it: Precision Greens’ Edmonton team works on a lot of different projects that go well beyond dog runs, but animal play spaces are definitely one of their specialties.
10. Agility Equipment
Your dog doesn’t need to be training for an agility competition to enjoy the exercise and mental gymnastics it takes to have fun with the equipment that trainers use. Whether agility weave poles or jump sets, agility equipment adds a little challenge to a puppy’s playtime.
Where to get it: Munro Kennels is located just outside of Edmonton and offers a wide selection of agility equipment that is perfect for dogs, both big and small, and will fit seamlessly into your dog run.
Build a Dog Run That Keeps Your Pet Fit & Having Fun
Building a dog run represents an amazing opportunity to create an outdoor space for your pet to exercise and have fun. At FenceLine Rentals Ltd., we sell and rent the temporary fencing you need to build a space on your property that your dog will love.
For more information and to get started on your dog run, fill out our contact form or call us at (782)825-5060.