How to build a dog enclosure?

I’ve been meaning to build an outdoor enclosure/pen for my GSD for when I’m out of the house. Only problem is, I don’t even know where to begin! I have no experience in making anything by hand, but all the premade options are too expensive.

any tips would be appreciated 🙂

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Comments

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Silas1. It's brilliant to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about building a dog enclosure.

Just so our members have a clearer idea of what you’re hoping to achieve, is it something like what you’ve shown in the pictures? For example, a weather-protected area like a kennel or small shed, combined with a larger, secure run that’s fenced off and has a gate? If that’s the case, one of the first things we’ll need to consider is how secure you want it to be. If you’re thinking of using heavy-duty mesh and colourbond steel panels like in your example, the cost of materials can get quite close to buying a pre-made kit, so it may be worth browsing through the available animal enclosures to see if something might suit your needs.

We do have a modular pet enclosure panel system that you could use to create a custom enclosure. For a German Shepherd, though, it would need to be quite tall—likely at least 1.8 metres—and ideally have a roof. I know from experience that some GSDs can launch themselves over fences even that high. You’ll also need to decide how much space you want the enclosure to cover. One option could be a galvanised steel dog run, such as the one by RapidMesh, which you could pair with a small shed or shelter inside to provide weather protection.

Alternatively, you could build the whole structure yourself from timber and use galvanised mesh for the fencing. For the covered section, you could use something like polycarbonate sheeting to provide shelter from rain and sun. That approach may be more budget-friendly, but it would require more time, effort and basic building skills. It all depends on what kind of look, size and level of durability you’re after.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

AlanM52

Screenshot 2025-05-30 202820.jpg

Crikey... Tin box with some fencing and a gate.

The way things are today building one will also cost $$$$$.

I did a Google with 'for sale animal enclosure'

Cheap as Chips came up on the first page of the results.

Dog Pen w Sun Shade.jpg

That takes care of the enclosure, now you need a box.

Screenshot 2025-05-30 204014.jpg

We are looking at the larger one on the left.

Rounding of measurements:

Enclosure is 2.3 x 2.3M

Shed is 2.4 x 1.3M

Both of them are out of stock but should come back - enquire about that.

I am usually neat at sketching but currently have injured right thumb with two bandaids.

With assistance both should be fairly straightforward to erect

Do the enclosure first, the diagram says to remove the wire mesh but looking at that now maybe just cut the mesh bottom right (near the door) and swing the whole thing around to tha back and secure with good quality cable ties so similar.

If needed later on that can be restored to original.

With doggy eyeballs in mind keep checking all the time for sharp/pointy things. Bend over, cut off or cover.

Erect the shed and remove the bottom/right door.

Move the shed against the enclosure and centre the thing.

You could use large tent pegs to secure the shed.

You could add some weather protection with shade mesh or tarps - check prevailing weather direction.

Maybe some artificial turf inside to keep dog beds off the ground.

You could setup a wi-fi camera to check on the doggies.

Cheers

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