How to Make a Fenced-In Dog Pen

Mark off the area you want to fence in to make the dog pen. Mark the corners with wooden stakes. Place a stake at each spot at which you plan to install a fence post. Tie a string between the stakes to indicate the boundaries of the pen.

Dig a trench around the perimeter of the dog pen at least 12 inches deep. Dogs can dig under a fence that stops at ground level. Extending the fence at least a foot below ground keeps most dogs from digging a hole and getting loose. Dig a post hole at each point where you placed a stake. The post holes should be at the bottom of the trench and extend at least 12 inches below the bottom of the trench.

Set each fence post into its post hole. Mix concrete according to the manufacturer’s instructions and fill the post holes to anchor the fence posts in place. In most cases you will need about 20 pounds of concrete per post hole. Allow the concrete to set overnight.

Attach the welded wire fencing to the fence posts using baling wire. Welded wire fencing comes in rolls. The easiest way to install welded wire fencing is to anchor one end of the roll to a fence post and then unroll the fencing and stretch it from one post to the next. Secure the fencing to each post with baling wire as you come to it. Make sure the bottom edge of the fencing is at the bottom of the trench. Cut a section of fencing to fit in the trench in the gap where you plan to install the gate. Anchor this piece of fencing to the adjoining fence posts.

Fill in the trench. Pack the soil down tightly. You might want to wet the soil in the trench with a garden hose. This will help you pack it down more firmly.

Install a gate for the dog pen. Nail four pieces of lumber together to form a rectangle the size and shape of the space you left in the fence for the gate. Fasten fencing to this rectangular frame. Follow manufacturer’s instructions to attach the gate hinges and latch.