Giving your dog a dog run is not a difficult do-it-yourself project. Most people can complete this project in a weekend.
Dog owners should check local regulations and any rules from a homeowners association if applicable that will affect the building of a dog run on the property. As part of the initial planning, the dog owner needs to decide where the dog run will be located on the property.

Part of the dog run should be shaded if the dog is to spend considerable time in the dog run. Providing shade for the dog running can be done naturally by locating part of the dog run under a tree or by building a covering our roof over part of the dog run.

The dimensions of the dog run will be affected by the size of the dog and the desired and available space. The dog should be out to move freely inside the dog run, therefore a large dog will need a much larger dog run than a toy sized dog.

Chain-link fencing and chickenwire are very common materials to use for the top and sides of the dog run. Securing the top of the dog run may not be necessary if the sides the dog run are high enough to prevent the dog from escaping.

A gate is necessary to allow easy access to the dog run and keep the dog secure. Gates for dog runs can be manufactured or made with a wooden frame covered in chickenwire. The gate should have a latch to keep the dog securely inside.

It is recommended that the posts for each corner of the dog run be set in cement. Along the length of the dog run, the dog owner may want to use stakes to secure the fencing material along the sides of the dog run.