I have always preferred that my runs be long and rectangular, as opposed to square. The dogs can run more that way.
We get so much precipitation up here, and that means dirty dogs and paws, that I put a wooden floor (decking) in my runs, which are 4x16. I have 9 Mason runs, with 9 dog houses, left over from when I was younger
and had a lot more dogs.
If I was doing it now, with only 4 big dogs, I would have only 2 runs and would make the runs bigger, maybe 6 x 18, and instead of wooden decking, I would use pavers like Barb suggested. They would help to keep the dogs clean, be more forgiving than straight concrete, and the spaces would provide run off for urine.
I agree with Barb-bottom rails are very important, also make sure that the fence fabric is attached to the bottom rail every where it touches the rail. I have had dogs who would just "roll up" the fence fabric (chain link) otherwise. In nice weather, I use ginseng shade cloth as a topper to provide shade. It won't tolerate the weight of snow, so I remove it in late fall every year.
They have special toys out there, which are different than the house toys, so they are always interested in them. There are huge knotted rope toys, plastic milk cartons, Cressite rubber toys, etc. No stuffed toys allowed, as for some reason stuffed toys outside are an invitation to a toy massacre!
My runs are 6' high, so I have only ever had 2 who would climb them, and neither would climb out. They just liked to climb up and hang
My exercise yard is part of what used to be the barnyard, so the paths worn around the edge of it don't bother me but if I were in suburbia, I would probably do something like what Barb suggested around the edge to prevent the wearing around the edge of the yard.
Also, if your run is accessible from your house or garage, you might want to not put a door on the outside of the run. That way you wouldn't have to worry about someone coming along and opening the door and letting the dogs loose, or stealing them.
Your dogs will love having that little bit of additional freedom!
We get so much precipitation up here, and that means dirty dogs and paws, that I put a wooden floor (decking) in my runs, which are 4x16. I have 9 Mason runs, with 9 dog houses, left over from when I was younger
and had a lot more dogs.If I was doing it now, with only 4 big dogs, I would have only 2 runs and would make the runs bigger, maybe 6 x 18, and instead of wooden decking, I would use pavers like Barb suggested. They would help to keep the dogs clean, be more forgiving than straight concrete, and the spaces would provide run off for urine.
I agree with Barb-bottom rails are very important, also make sure that the fence fabric is attached to the bottom rail every where it touches the rail. I have had dogs who would just "roll up" the fence fabric (chain link) otherwise. In nice weather, I use ginseng shade cloth as a topper to provide shade. It won't tolerate the weight of snow, so I remove it in late fall every year.
They have special toys out there, which are different than the house toys, so they are always interested in them. There are huge knotted rope toys, plastic milk cartons, Cressite rubber toys, etc. No stuffed toys allowed, as for some reason stuffed toys outside are an invitation to a toy massacre!
My runs are 6' high, so I have only ever had 2 who would climb them, and neither would climb out. They just liked to climb up and hang
My exercise yard is part of what used to be the barnyard, so the paths worn around the edge of it don't bother me but if I were in suburbia, I would probably do something like what Barb suggested around the edge to prevent the wearing around the edge of the yard.
Also, if your run is accessible from your house or garage, you might want to not put a door on the outside of the run. That way you wouldn't have to worry about someone coming along and opening the door and letting the dogs loose, or stealing them.
Your dogs will love having that little bit of additional freedom!
