For many homeowners with pets, coming up with dog run ideas can be a challenge. That’s not a bad thing, though, challenges are meant to be overcome, and even for people who may not have a huge amount of outdoor space, there are still lots of dog run ideas that can help provide a safe and secure space for your pup to play and exercise.
FenceLine Rentals Ltd. has been helping Albertans build outdoor spaces for their pets for years, so if you find yourself limited in space but looking for dog run ideas, we’ve come up with a few tried-and-tested suggestions to help.
Why Build a Dog Run at Home?
Going for walks with your dog or taking them to the closest off-leash area are both great ways to get them exercising and socializing. Most pets will require time outside throughout the day when their owners won’t have time to take them out and about. That’s where having a dog run on your property is such a bonus.
- A dog run provides a space for pets to play outdoors and exercise without destroying the landscaping or digging up the lawn on your property.
- Dog runs are where your pooch can go to the bathroom, making cleaning up easier.
- Dog runs are safe and secure, ensuring that dogs won’t take off and escape by running down the street. For animals that are easily distracted, in particular, that can be really important.
Dog Run Ideas for Smaller Yards
In many urban areas, outdoor space on properties is limited. But that doesn’t mean you can’t set up a fun and entertaining dog run for your pet.
- Take Advantage of Existing Structures
In many urban areas, outdoor space on properties is limited. Even if you don’t have a large yard, look at the available space and get creative with your dog run ideas.
One of the great things about renting temporary fencing from FenceLine to build your dog run is that you can mix and match panels to create exactly what your pet needs. Maybe you don’t have space to build a large dog run in the middle of your yard, but by using the outdoor walls of your home or a shed in your backyard, you can create a dog run that’s nestled into an out-of-the-way area and still provides space for your pet to exercise and play.
Key Takeaway: A dog run doesn’t need to be an entirely standalone structure. Dog runs can easily be built around existing structures and fit seamlessly into the space that’s available.
- Consider Unused Outdoor Space
When going through your dog run ideas, be sure to take a good long look at your property and consider if there’s any outdoor space that is underused or maybe not used at all.
Is there a space between the side of your house and your fence that you rarely even think about other than for storage? That might be a perfect area for building a dog run. All you’d need would be two fence panels on one end and a gate on the other. You would then have a safe and secure dog run that provided shade and protection from cold winter winds.
Key Takeaway: Whatever the layout of your property, areas that might not be used for other activities are great for building dog runs.
- Use Your Yard’s Natural Features
While many dog runs are typically long and rectangular, that’s far from the only way to build one. With the right temporary fence panels, you can build a dog run that not only works around the natural features of your yard but also takes advantage of them to create fun spaces for your dog to exercise, play, and relax.
- If your yard has a hill or a sharp incline, you don’t need to avoid it when building a dog run. It can be incorporated into your dog run’s design, and running up and down it will only make your dog happier and healthier.
- Trees can be very useful and are a primary feature for many owners when sorting through dog run ideas. Trees provide natural shade, which is especially important on hot summer days when your dog may want to spend as much time outside as possible.
- Bigger rocks won’t stop your dog from running and playing and while many dog runs are built on grass, it’s unnecessary. Gravel, concrete, and paving are easy to clean, durable, and entirely appropriate for your dog run.
Key Takeaway: Use the features of your yard’s natural landscape to your advantage.
- Weatherproof Your Space
The weather can get pretty extreme in Calgary, and even in small yards, it’s important to consider when thinking about dog run ideas. In windy neighbourhoods, particularly in the north of the city like Evanston and Sage Hill, consider building your dog run in an area that is sheltered from the worst of a windy day. That may mean building your dog run towards the side of your house.
Shade is also important. Even if it means building a slightly smaller dog run, try to find an area for your dog run where either a tree or one of the structures on your property can provide some respite from the sun and the heat on a summer afternoon.
Key Takeaway: Calgary sees a range of extreme weather conditions. When designing your dog run, be sure to incorporate elements that will protect your pup from wind, sun, and cold.
- Add Features to Enrich the Dog Run
It doesn’t matter how big your dog run is, it can still be a space where your pet feels safe, secure, and at home. That’s the goal, after all, and there are lots of dog run ideas to make sure your pet loves the space you create for them.
Here are a few ideas you can fit into a smaller dog run to enhance the area:
- A doghouse will offer shade, shelter and a space for your pet to retreat to when they need some rest or time alone.
- If your dog loves digging, consider adding a small sandpit where they can dig to their heart’s content.
- Tires and ramps will give your dog something to play with and run through while in the dog run and generally take up very little space.
Key Takeaway: Keeping your pup happy and safe while in the dog run is also important. Add toys or specific elements based on your dog’s interests.
Rent or Buy Dog Run Fencing
Whatever dog run ideas you choose to follow through with, your pet will surely be grateful. The best part is that our team makes it easy to install once you’ve committed to building one in your yard.
We rent and sell quality temporary fencing that is perfect for building dog runs of all sizes, whether that’s a Great Dane or a chihuahua, and the setup is simple and straightforward.
There are a few things you’ll need to set up a dog run:
- A plan for where you’d like to install your dog run.
- Temporary fence panels to build your dog run. FenceLine offers a wide variety of panel sizes, making it possible to install a dog run that fits your yard.
- Fence hardware. This includes bases, clamps, and couplers. We also sell gates and casters for easy access to your dog run.
FenceLine Rentals Has All You Need for Your Dog Run
Whatever your dog run ideas, Fenceline Rentals Ltd. can help bring them to life. We have fence panels of all different sizes and can help guide you through the process of designing and building a dog run that fits both the needs of your pet and the space your property affords you.
For more information or to get started with your dog run, call us at (782)825-5736 or contact us online.