Kennel Run Floor - Page 1

We decided to build two outside runs for our dogs (about 7’x 15’ each) and I am wondering what kind of floor to make? At first I liked the idea of making it patio-like with dry base pave stones, but then I thought it might be hard to clean after all. What are your experiences with different types of run floors? Can it be just dirt/grass?

It can be dirt and grass but what a mess it is when it rains!! The grass will be gone within a week after you put the dogs in there and all will be left is dirt and when it rains ill is a muddy mess!! Pea gravel works but you have to rake it every few days because as they run back and forth it all gathers to the corners. Maybe you could use concrete with a sealant or rubber equine floor mats.

Ouch... I don't really like the idea of a concrete though. What about wood, sort of like a deck? Did anyone use such? How do you clean Pea gravel? Just replace it from time to time?

I definitely would not use dirt/grass, that can become a petri dish for worms and other parasites. I would have similar concerns about wood, it is too porous and absorbent and could make a nice nesting place for bugs, parasites, all kindsa creatures. We use concrete, it really is the most resistant to parasites, IMO. But we also use horse stall mats so the dogs aren't laying/jumping on bare concrete. Another suggestion, (from she who learned the hard way) if you decide to use stall mats, search for trailer mats, they are more like molded plastic and less absorbant than regular stall mats.

We asked this question a while back and through all the wonderful feedback, decided to go with gravel. Our dogs are now on 4 inches of gravel in their exercise runs and seem to be doing well. We were told not to use gravel for pups as they will eat it so we did not. The pups are on concrete. The adults are not on the dirt anymore and are much cleaner. We just had a good rain for a couple days and WOW..... NO MUD!!!!! I do have to push it back into place every day as they make a runway along the fence and will work back down to dirt. I just do this daily when I am on poop patrol. It has proven to be clean, and easy to keep clean. Jan :-)

Here is the link to the other thread where there is allot of info http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/gsd/bulletins_read/13895.html#13936

We have a few kennels still remaining with pea gravel and we simply use a back pack sprayer with clorox once a week and sterilize the gravel. But my preference is concrete with a sealant with Equine mats at least on part of the run. Mud and dirt is a parasite heaven!! I also like to use sand with 15 inch paving stones on top. This is also easy to clean and looks great too!

Thanks everyone, I have to really think this over. Bcoats, when you say "sand with 15 inch paving stones on top," do you mean a patio-like floor? Because thats what I had in mind at first, but then it seams such will be difficult to clean, as pee will go into the send between the stones. How do you deal with this?