How can I make an enclosed/fenced dog run off of my back porch?

Wendy Pringle
by Wendy Pringle
We have 3 dogs full time, and 2 grand dogs that visit. I'd like to have a place that could have some run space, but more importantly keeping their doo doo to a contained area for cleanup. Help!!
  11 answers
  • Eun22760758 Eun22760758 on Jun 17, 2017

    IF YOU GET AN ANSWER I NEED IT ALSO BECAUSE I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM

  • Susan Jeanne Susan Jeanne on Jun 17, 2017

    I'm not sure I fully understand the question. What I did was buy posts and chain link fencing and just assembled a run. I actually dug first to level the ground out and had a 12 x 16 ft slab of cement laid. Then I just assembled the fencing.

  • Tamara A Cope Tamara A Cope on Jun 17, 2017

    Either to the right or left of your porch expand with posts at the same height attaching to the posts on your porch for stability. Depending upon the size of the pooches add chain link or wood. If they are small you maybe could use some thing less sturdy. Chicken wire or inexpensive board. They could then jump up and down onto porch for easy access. Good luck

  • Bre Bre on Jun 17, 2017

    I would start at the side of your house that would be one side of the pen. You will need 4x4's and fencing wire. The amount depends on how long or wide you want the run. Also on how big your dog's are is the height of the wire, small 3 to 4 foot or lager 5 to 6 foot. Put one 4x4 against the house and one what ever width you want. Then one every 6feet down the length of the pen. On the deck place the wire all the way to the ground from your top rail. If your dogs are diggers you will have to dig a trench and bury some to the wire under ground. I would also put a 4x4 against the deck to help support the gate to the run. I hope this helps.

  • Cori Widen Cori Widen on Jun 17, 2017

    What a lovely yard 😍

  • Cindy Cindy on Jun 17, 2017

    I agree. Use your house for one of the sides of the dog run.

  • Oberlinmom Oberlinmom on Jun 17, 2017

    Here are a couple of ideas that might be worth considering as you think about the run. How far from your door is the entry to the run? If it's snowing or raining it could be an issue. Is there a door off the house, like the garage, that could be used? Do you want this space to be separate from where you are, like the deck, or do you want the family space to be included? Clean up, how much space do you need to give your dogs an area that won't need cleaning daily? We have a large yard and only two dogs. By the time spring comes and I'm ready to do poop patrol it's amazing how much has accumulated. Will there be shade or water available? As far as fencing you know your dogs how sturdy do you think?? Do they dig? Are they climbers? We helped a family put a top on their dog run when they found out one of their dogs could climb. Look at the area you choose and decide on how and where you might want a gate or do you want more than one?. If you leave the grass make sure the openings are big enough for a mower. We had split rail fencing put around our yard. I like the way it looks. We added wire fencing ourselves to keep the dogs in and costs down. Keep in mind what you install will be part of your yard for a long time so don't only think "dog run" think about it as another fixture like the pool or the deck.

  • Ashley Jones Ashley Jones on May 26, 2020

    I will suggest you to install a wireless dog fence. It will help you to keep your dog within your back porch. With the help of these unique dog fences you can keep them within your boundary.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Apr 07, 2023

    Fence of an area and et them have the run of it. Close the gate!

  • Mogie Mogie on Apr 13, 2023

    15 Dog Run Ideas [Free DIY Plans and Tips for a Backyard Your Dog Will Love!]

    https://www.outdoorhappens.com/dog-run-ideas/

  • You have such a lovely yard and so much space. I'd add a fenced dog run in an area you don't regularly use.