What to Know
What To Put On The Ground In A Dog Run?
Every dog owner knows the struggle of controlling free-spirited dogs that leave no opportunity to run free without their leash.
While you can’t leave them to run through your neighborhood unsupervised, you can always build them a dog run.
Dog runs are like your dog’s safe space. They can let loose and be themselves without any restrictions.
Plus, they are also fenced, which makes them super safe and secure. I have compiled a guide for you so that you can choose the Dog run you want in your backyard.
Importance of Dog Runs – What To Put On The Ground In A Dog Run?
Dog runs are essential as they provide your dog with a sense of comfort.
Dog runs are the one place your dog will love to go outside your house to have some fun either with you or without you. You can also train your dog on his dog run.
If you have an aggressive dog such as a bulldog, dog runs will be the perfect place to tire themself out and use up all their extra energy.
This way, they won’t get aggressive when they are inside the house.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when building a dog run:
Choosing The Right Location
Now, this is particularly important because you want a spot that works for you as well as your dog.
You also want to make sure that it’s in a place where it won’t interfere with your outdoor activities (when playing sports like cricket, volleyball, etc. or sunbathing).
It also shouldn’t be too far away from your house as leaving your dog unsupervised for long periods is highly inadvisable.
A good idea would be to use your side yard. It won’t be too far away from your house and won’t interfere with your other activities.
Making sure that your dog’s run is in a shaded area is also highly recommended.
It will prevent your dog from getting excessively dehydrated in summer and protect them from heat strokes.
You can also add shade using patio umbrellas; this will also protect them from rain and keep them warm and comfortable during winter.
Size of the Dog Run
Ideally, the longer the dog run, the better!
You don’t want to make your dog feel entrapped and anxious, so make sure he has sufficient space to run around and exercise.
The size significantly matters for dogs that love to run about, and if you plan on leaving your dog in it for long periods.
The minimum size is a space that is two times as wide and five times your dog’s length.
Fence For The Dog Run
Remember to make boundaries around the dog run by building fences. The main purpose of it is to let your dog have fun in a safe environment.
If there are no fences, your dog can run anywhere.
Different Types of Flooring For Your Dogs
One of the essential things in a dog run is the flooring. You need to choose a material that is affordable and weather resistant.
It must also be comfortable for your dog to run around on.
Mentioned below are some flooring materials, along with their pros and cons.
#1 Concrete
What we like
- It will be effortless for you to scoop up and clean this type of flooring.
- Concrete is very easy to disinfect as well, so you can make sure your dog is in a safe germ-free environment and prevent him from getting sick.
- It is highly cost-effective as it’s highly affordable and can last for decades.
What we don’t like
- Uncomfortable for dogs to lie.
- Concrete can become extremely cold in winter and hot in summer.
- Concrete may be a little rough on sensitive paws and cause injury.
If you decide to go for concrete, I would recommend providing an area for relaxation that isn’t made of concrete on the side like a wooden deck platform.
You can also install a small wading pool in summer to allow your dog to cool off.
#2 Rubber Matting
What we like
- More comfortable for dogs as it doesn’t hurt their paws.
- Easy to clean.
- Easy drainage, this is ideal for your dog if you live in a city that experiences frequent rainfall.
- It is Long-lasting and highly durable.
What we don’t like
- One of the most expensive flooring options. This option is particularly heavy in your pocket.
#3 Dirt or Grass
Pros
- Dirt or Grass will remain calm in summer, so you’re dog won’t end up burning his paws.
- Very comfortable for dogs to play around on.
- Very cheap.
Cons
- Getting dirt or grass flooring can be quite messy, so you’ll have to give your dog some extra showers.
- Very muddy when it rains.
- You will need to buy pet-safe pest controllers to prevent your dog from getting bitten by potentially harmful insects.
#4 Synthetic Grass
While running on most floors, your dog can slip or find it challenging to get up.
These floors are often easy to clean for you, so why would you want to change them, right?
I have compiled a list of products for you that help your dog walk on these floors and not trip and injure himself.
What we like
- Very comfortable.
- Easy to clean.
- Your dog won’t get dirty.
What we don’t like
- A bit pricey because of the additional installation fee.
- It can get scorching in the summer.
#5 Wooden Platforms
What we like
- When placed over gravel, wooden platforms drain quickly during monsoon season.
- They’re very comfortable.
- It’s also very easy to move them in case you decide to change the location of the dog run or shift to a new house.
What we don’t like
- You will need to paint them with pet-friendly paint to prevent them from rotting.
- Not weather resistant.
#6 Composite Decking
What we like
- Composite decking resembles wood with the added benefit of being weather resistant.
- It is highly durable and long-lasting.
- It won’t get mildew or moldy.
- Composite decking is very easy to clean.
What we don’t like
- It is a little pricey.
#7 Crushed Limestone
What we like
- It provides a smooth surface.
- Crushed limestone tends to neutralize urine and feces’ smell so your dog run won’t become super smelly.
- Good drainage.
- Very easy to clean.
- Highly weather resilient.
What we don’t like
- Costs a lot.
What To Put On The Ground In A Dog Run? Best 6 Product for your Dog Run
Other than dog runs, your dogs can also have fun inside the house.
Sadly, while running on most floors, your dog can slip or find it challenging to get up.
These floors are often easy to clean for you, so why would you want to change them, right?
I have compiled a list of products for you that help your dog walk on these floors and not trip and injure himself.
#1 Safari Professional Stainless Steel Nail Trimmer For Dogs
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Long nails can often make it difficult for your dog to walk on tiles as they reduce your dog’s ability to have a grip; this is because instead of relying on his toe pads for grip, your dog will depend on his long nails.
Sadly, nails are not at all suitable for grip.
This is why the Safari Professional Stainless Steel Nail Trimmer for Dogs is a need for your dog.
With this nail trimmer, you can trim your dog’s nails. One thing that you should keep in mind is to make your dogs habitual of trimming nails from the beginning so that they do not act aggressively when you do it at a later age.
#2 Dermoscent Bio Balm Skin Repairing Care for Dogs 50 ml
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This product is entirely organic and the perfect solution to your dog’s dry paw pads.
Your dog can slip and lose its grip when its paws are dry.
This is why I recommend you to use this product 2 times a day to keep those paw pads perfectly moisturized and crack free.
The bio balm skin repairing care will immediately get absorbed. It is effortless to use.
Just apply a little bit of the balm on your dog’s dry paw pads and massage it a bit.
#3 Dog Water Resistant Dog Shoes with Two Reflective Fastening Straps and Rugged Anti-Slip Sole
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Your pet animal is and will always be a part of your family. The Dog Water Resistant Dog Shoes are ideal for making your dog look fashionable and, at the same time, protect his paws while he has fun. These boots come in 8 sizes.
It would help if you referred to the sizing guide while choosing the right fit for your dog.
I have made a list of different breeds along with the appropriate sizes for them.
This is just for reference. Your dog can be of a species with varying sizes; there is nothing wrong with that.
Size 1
Chihuahua, Boston Terrier (Dogs under ∫ pounds have trouble with the weight of shoes)
Size 2
Shiba Inu, Pug
Size 3
Beagle, Corgi
Size 4
Bulldog, Australian Shephard
Size 5
Siberian Husky, Standard Poodles, Boxer
Size 6
Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, Pitbull, German Shephard
Size 7
Rottweiler, Dobermann
Size 8
Great Dane, Bernese Mountain Dog
These shoes are waterproof. They have anti-slip soles so that your dog doesn’t trip anywhere.
You can also make your dog wear these while hiking for traction. The shoes are comfortable to wear and easy to take off as well.
This is why I recommend these to you for your dog.
#4 Bio-groom Show Foot
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Ever wondered how dogs walking in a dog pageant don’t slip even on the shiniest of floors.
The secret to their perfect walk is an anti-slip spray. I recommend using the Bio-groom Show Foot on your dog’s paws to prevent them from slipping.
Spray the anti-slip spray on your dog’s paws. The Bio-groom will dry immediately.
The best thing about this product is that it isn’t noticeable at all once it is dry.
However, since the spray’s effect only lasts for a day, this product can’t be used as a permanent solution for your home.
It can be a permanent solution when you are outside with your dog and come across a slippery surface.
#5 Pet Grooming Scissors (Pack of 2)
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Hair can grow between a dog’s paw pads. When this hair grows long, your dog steps on them and slips.
This is why you need to trim those long hair. The pet grooming scissors can be used for decorating the hair precisely so that your dog can run freely. This set has two pairs.
One pair is longer to cut body hair while the other smaller team is used to trim short hair difficult to reach, such as hair in between paw pads.
#6 RC Pets PAWks Dog Socks
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Get your dog a pair of socks to slip in your house or outside on his dog run while having fun. This is because these dog socks are not like your ordinary socks.
They are special! These dog socks have an anti-slip grip. These socks will protect your dog’s paws when he is outside and walking on gravel or stones.
Since the RC Pets PAWks Dog Socks come in various sizes and colors, choose your dog’s right one.
Before You GO
Getting the right flooring for a dog run is essential, so I have written this guide.
I think that the best of all the options is grass/dirt. It is the cheapest of all the options, and your dog will adore it.
Which flooring did you opt for and why? Let me know!
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