Dog is man's best friend, but sometimes we don't treat dogs like friends. Instead, many dogs are either cooped up in inadequate spaces or they're let to run loose in unsafe environments. Likewise, while some dogs can be left unattended others require a confined environment until their owner returns. There is a very simple and economical solution to this and that is a chain link dog run kennel.
What is a chain link dog kennel? It is a freestanding outdoor enclosure that has a galvanized steel frame and durable chain link wire mesh. It is portable and can be set in less than half an hour with no tools other than a set of pliers. Once assembled, it provides a secure outdoor containment area where dogs can play and enjoy the fresh air.
How big is a portable dog run? That varies. Kennels for small dogs or for use on a pickup truck bed may be four by four feet and four feet high. Kennels used in backyards or other open areas may be as large as ten by six feet and six feet high while still remaining portable. Even a large animal cage only weighs between 100 and 150 pounds and can easily be disassembled and moved elsewhere.
One potential problem with a smaller dog exercise pen is exposure to the sun. If a kennel is set up in the shade that's generally not an issue, but just to be safe it's best to use a cover. Most of the leading kennel products come with some sort of flexible cover. Covers should be UV-treated and offer good sun block protection so that dogs are kept cool and comfortable. Dog kennel covers are usually made of polypropylene, polyethylene or some other durable fabric and held in place with simple cable ties. If wind or other side exposure is an issue, covers can also be used for sidewalls.
Another thing to keep in mind is that portable dog kennels are meant to be a convenience for both dogs and dog owners, but they are not prisons. So always make sure that the kennel is large enough for your dog and the intended purpose. Also, while portable kennels are well made and sturdy, some training may be required to accustom the animal to the kennel and keep it from potentially harmful escape attempts. Likewise, portable kennels are not designed to contain aggressive dogs. If stability is an issue, there are anchor kits that can keep a kennel in place, or it can be installed on a specially constructed base.
The use of these chain link-type enclosures is not limited to dogs. They can also be used for other animals, including birds and poultry, or as an enclosure for whatever it is you want to keep safe from young children or roaming animals. Potential uses are endless, and the modularity and ease of assembly make chain link dog kennels a flexible solution for any number of projects.
So whether you want to keep your dog from digging up your herb garden, provide safe transportation, or simply want to provide your canine companion with a convenient open-air environment while you are away, portable chain link dog run kennels are an inexpensive and practical solution.