Run - Page 1

Hi! Has anybody here have tried using a pebbeles in their kennel run? If any please share it with me the advatages and disadvantages of using this material for the run. I am palnning to use a pebbeles about 1/4 inch in size. Thank you!

Hi chinito. I use pebbles (between 8-16mm) for my entire yard and runs. The good things; easy to clean, don't get blown away, look good, can be cheaply repaced. Not so good things; when the dogs like digging holes! But I guess that happens with wood chips too. I've used pebbles since over 14 years now, and have only had one dog that did like to eat them, so I put him in a pebble-free run. Personally, I like pebbles the best, but use only round pebbles and not the broken ones.

I've never used pebbles, but when I was building new runs, had considered it. I ended up using cement because I had heard pebbles can splay the feet out after awhile, from cramming up between toes. Dont know how true or untrue, but made sense to me. Also...how would you sanitize pebbles? Just something to ponder!

Sanitizing a pebbles is not a problem for me you can just mix some chemicals and spray it into the pebbles then after a day or two sray it with some water as not to cause any harm to a dog just make sure beneath the pebbles are soil so that it will absorb. My problem is that I am worried they might get splayed feet but I read some article that splayed feet is governed by genetics not their environment. I also have a cement run and they're great but the only problem with this kind of flooring is that the dogs can get callus easier especially to their elbows.

I have never had any dogs with splayed feet. Either a dog has got good feet or it hasn't. Pebbles are also quickly dry, and are cool for the dogs to lie on when it's warm. Cement isn't a natural flooring. I've never considered cementing my runs, as I like to let my dogs do doggy kind of things, and they can't do thet if the floor is made of cement.

You can not fully sanitize pebbles! The ground always brings up what is below. Especially with heavy rain. I have heard that they smell is bad after a few years. I have known puppies to eat them and need surgery. Although, I have never used them myself and never would be cause the the risk factors as well as santization and digging problems. Debby

I had a run that had pebbles, like 10 years ago. I was not happy with it. Respectfully, Carl Morgan

Thank you all for your inputs I really appreciate it. By the way what do you guys recommend?

Why don't you have a concrete run poured and then sprinkle with pebbles you will get the benefits of both and avoid the dangers. c

I always used wooden floors for the covered runs, save for an area of dirt and smooth gravel where the dog could relieve himself. The only issue with wood is the ease of sanitation, but it can be cleaned. The smooth gravel area can be cleaned as far as removing turds, but that is about as clean as it will become. The odour, if detectable, is just part of having a kennel. As long as dogs are not walking through, standing, or lying in a urine-soaked area then they are fine. But, concrete is so handy; I agree that it is difficult to beat. I just never liked the idea of maturing puppies and young dogs bouncing on it all of the time, and that is the reason that I don't use it anymore. One (1) very important detail about any type of run is that the floor or ground must not be slippery. Bob-O