How to make a DIY dog kennel in a Garage
Updated: Jun 14
Create a safe and comfy space for your furry friend with a homemade dog kennel in your garage. Learn how to make a dog kennel in your garage now.
If you're a dog owner who wants to provide a comfortable and safe space for your furry friend, you may have considered building a dog kennel in your garage. A garage dog kennel can be a great solution for pet owners who want to offer their dogs a dedicated space while keeping them indoors. Making a homemade dog kennel ensures that your pet has a secure and comfortable place to relax and play. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps on how to make a dog kennel in your garage, including the materials and tools you'll need, and offer tips on how to create the perfect space for your pup.
🐾Your Guide to DIY Garage Kennels🐾
What is a Garage Dog Kennel?
It’s exactly what it says in the tin: a safe place to keep your pet in the garage. It can be a DIY dog kennel or prebought – large or small – some versions even cover the entirety of the garage.
Benefits of Dog Kennel
Safety & Comfort
While dogs tend to be social bundles of energy and joy, they also need a place to unwind and relax when the time calls. An indoor kennel offers the ideal space for your dog to rest in peace, free from the elements, noise, and other disturbances. Moreover, evolutionarily, dogs have evolved to be very aware of their surroundings when they rest. Naturally, then, they feel more secure drifting off with the safety of four walls surrounding them.
A Place to Play
A kennel is your dog’s personal space within the home where they can do as they please. That’s why it’s the perfect place to put some of their favorite toys so that they can stay occupied for hours while letting off some steam.
Help with House Training
Just like us, dogs like to keep their space clean, meaning that they won’t want to soil their kennel. By placing dogs in kennels, they learn to hold their bladder, waiting until they’re let out to relieve themselves.
How to Build a Dog Kennel in the Garage
Step 1: Determine the Location and Size
Where is the Best Place for a Dog Kennel?
While you can use the whole garage space as a dog kennel, you may want to craft your own DIY dog kennel in one area of the garage. If so, opt for a clear space, preferably in a corner with an even floor.
What Size Should a Dog Kennel be?
The kennel you choose should be big enough for your pet to stand up, lie down and turn around. The general rule is the kennel should be 1 – 1.5 times the length of your dog (not including the tail).
Step 2: Prepare the Area
Remove any potential hazards to your dog’s safety. Think along the lines of power tools, surfaces with sharp edges, cables, rope, and anything else you wouldn’t want your curious pooch to get their paws on.
Step 3: Lay Down the Floor
Fortunately, concrete just so happens to be the most popular flooring for both DIY dog kennels and garages. That said, there’s nothing to stop you from laying down some carpet if that’s what your dog prefers.
Step 4: Determine What Materials to Use
If you’d like to section off a part of your garage, wood or metal are the standard choices. While most types of wood will do, when it comes to metal, it’s recommended you opt for durable galvanized steel. Chain link fencing can also suffice when it comes to building a dog kennel.
Here are some materials that you can consider using:
PVC pipes
PVC pipes are lightweight, affordable, and easy to work with. They can be used to create the frame of the kennel.
Wire mesh netting
Wire mesh netting is a good option for creating the walls and door of the kennel. It is durable and provides good ventilation.
Plywood
Plywood is a sturdy material that can be used to create the floor and walls of the kennel.
Foam board insulation
If you live in a colder climate, adding foam board insulation to the walls and ceiling of the kennel can help keep your dog warm and comfortable.
Dog bed or blanket
Adding a comfortable bed or blanket to the kennel can help your dog feel more at home.
Step 5: Decide on a Design
Halfway, or up to the ceiling DIY dog kennels are the most popular design choices. For either design, you’ll likely want to include a walk-in gate. Be sure you have heavy-duty hinges and dog proof lockable gate latches, and a padlock before getting started. You’ll also need a screwdriver or drill, alongside appropriately sized screws.
Step 6: Assemble the DIY Dog Kennel
Now that you’ve got all the tools and materials ready to go alongside a kennel design in mind, it’s time to get buidling!
How to Convince your Dog to Stay in a Kennel?
The key to understanding why your dog would escape their kennel is thinking, “Why would I leave a kennel?” If thoughts of boredom, discomfort, and unfamiliarity have crossed your mind, you’re onto something.
Keep a comfy, plush dog bed in the kennel alongside some of your pup’s favorite dogs. As well you’ll have to help your dog to become accustomed to the kennel gradually. The best method is to leave your dog in the kennel for 10 minutes to begin with, and gradually increase the time every day until your dog is comfortable spending up to 8 hours in the kennel.
How Long is it OK to Leave a Dog in a Kennel?
Just like us, dogs don’t want to be confined to one area for too long. They get anxious and worried as they crave human interaction and exercise. So, in the interest of keeping your dog mentally and physically healthy, you should never leave them in their kennel or crate for longer than 6-8 hours. For energetic puppies, that timeframe is even less, with most only being able to withstand 4-5 hours in a kennel.
How to Make a Garage Safe for Dog Kennel?
If your garage is insulated, heated, or air-conditioned – you’re already good to go. However, if not, here are some considerations:
Temperature
No pet should be kept in an uninsulated space, no matter the time of year. It’s in your, and your pet’s best interest to make your garage is weather-proofed by insulation or air-conditioning. The best temperature for a dog rests around 50℉ (10℃) at all times.
Ventilation
You’ll need to ensure that there’s a steady flow of fresh air into your garage. Keeping a garage window open can suffice; however, if your garage has no windows, be sure to keep vents clear at all times or consider installing a window. If your garage has no windows, vents, or other sources of fresh air, it’s best to place your dog’s kennel elsewhere in the home.
The Bottom Line
Use your garage space wisely, and craft a space for your dog to stretch, play, rest, and enjoy those times when you’re not around (or nighttime!) Building a DIY dog kennel is an investment that never stops giving back. Your dog will thank you as they enjoy a large space to themselves.