aviary for small dogs in an apartment: features of maintenance

What is an aviary

An enclosure for a dog should be convenient and comfortable.
An enclosure is a fenced area in which you can keep pets, birds and dogs. In some cases, a roof is placed on the structure.

Design requirements and materials

Regardless of what the enclosure will be, it must meet certain established standards:

Safety. There should be no sharp objects or boards inside the fenced area, as well as holes through which the dog can escape.
Division into parts. It is not necessary to share an enclosure for one pet. However, if you plan to house two or more animals, then partitions should be installed to prevent them from fighting for space.
Reliability. For the construction, it is imperative to use durable materials (it is better to read the documentation); the enclosure must withstand the pressure of the dog and last for several years.
Various devices. For your pet, you need to equip a bed or a booth, install bowls for food and water.
Comfort. The enclosure should be convenient not only for the dog. It is important that it can be cleaned properly, so the doors and roof need to be made so that it is convenient to enter at full height.

Attention! When choosing materials, you should also pay attention to their safety, because the dog will be in constant contact with them.

Tools for work

To create a dog playpen yourself, you will need a regular tool that every man probably has at home.

To complete this job you will need to take:

hammer;
construction stapler;
ruler;
roulette;
pliers;
pencils for marking material.

Step-by-step instruction

First of all, you need to decide on the material from which you want to make a playpen for your dog. We will assume that you have settled on the option of creating a playpen from laminated chipboard. So, the choice has been made, now you can start cutting. We advise you to draw the future playpen on a sheet of paper - this way you will know exactly what pieces to cut the chipboard you purchased into.

You can cut a sheet of chipboard into the required pieces using a regular wood saw. The ideal option is an electric jigsaw. In this case, the cut will be smooth and without possible cracking.

After the material is cut into the required pieces, you can begin assembling the playpen. You need to connect the chipboard using self-tapping screws, which can be tightened either with a regular screwdriver or with a cordless screwdriver. After assembling the main structure of the dog house, all you have to do is hang the doors, which you had to cut from the same sheet of chipboard. Using smaller self-tapping screws, we drill the hinges onto the door, and then attach it to the structure of the playpen. Make sure that the door is securely attached, as the dog will try to break it down.

The final touch is the latch on which the door will close. Choose a latch that is not too bulky, but at the same time not flimsy and without sharp edges so that the dog does not get hurt.

As we wrote above, the standard shape of the playpen is rectangular, but you can create your own special playpen. For example, it can be divided into two separate rooms, one of which will have a sleeping place, and the second will have a toilet and a bowl of food.

Types of dog enclosures

There are several types of enclosures. They differ in purpose, design and other features:

For summer. Such enclosures have a large area for walking. They also have a booth or canopy so that the dog can hide in bad weather. In such designs, two walls are made of lattice, and the others are completely covered with wood.
For permanent use. These structures must be equipped with an insulated room where the dog can stay in the winter. If necessary, additional insulation will be arranged.
With a maternity area and an area for puppies. The structure is erected if the owner has plans to breed offspring.
On several animals. In such structures, the area for walking is often shared, but the houses for pets are separate.

In kennels, service dogs also have separate places everywhere, although the enclosure may be shared.

You can purchase ready-made enclosures that look very beautiful

Features of enclosures for puppies and small breed dogs

Owners often purchase apartment enclosures for keeping dogs of small breeds (Yorks, Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, Spitz) or for puppies. Such structures also come in two types - closed (there is a floor and an upper crossbar) and open (only 4 walls). They are mainly used to protect pregnant dogs and to prevent the dog from acting up and ruining things.

An enclosure for puppies allows you to control the kids, educate them, and train them to use the tray. However, it is important to ensure that your pets do not harm themselves or get stuck anywhere. You can even buy plastic fencing; they are inexpensive, but not durable.

Attention! Collapsible and foldable portable enclosures can even be taken with you on trips.

What is a playpen for dogs in an apartment?

This is a special design necessary to create a sense of security in your pet. The playpen is especially important for small breeds. It also helps protect furniture from damage by teeth and claws. The main thing is that there is plenty of space, and its dimensions correspond to the size of the dog.

On a note! The walls must be made of durable material, and their height must be suitable for the size of the pet. Then the dog will be comfortable in it.

Choosing a location for an aviary in the yard

The design for two dogs must have a partition.
It is important to choose the right place for the design, because the dog will continue to control and guard the territory. It is recommended to install the device on a hill (if there is one) so that the entrance to the house and the entrance to the site are visible. In addition, the dog must see the owner periodically so that he does not get bored on the street.

It is worth following simple rules:

The distance from the house or fence should be at least half a meter.
Snow should not fall on the enclosure during a thaw.
It is best to turn open walls to the south; the northern parts should be completely closed.
It’s good if there is a bush or tree next to the enclosure that can provide protection from the heat and wind.

It is important to try to take into account all the points when creating a pen, because the pet’s comfort depends on it.

Arrangement of a site for an aviary

First of all, you need to mark the territory. It is worth considering that the larger the dog, the more space he will need.

After choosing a suitable location for the enclosure, it is worth preparing the site. Use a shovel to remove the soil, then fill the space with crushed stone or sand. The entire surface must be compacted tightly and leveled.

Aviary for a large breed dog

Large dogs (Caucasian, German shepherds and the like) require a large area for living and walking. The dog should be comfortable and comfortable. It is important to remember that large breed animals are quite powerful and strong, so the enclosure must be made of high-quality material that can withstand heavy loads.

Calculating the size of an enclosure for a dog

You can make a wonderful structure with your own hands.
The size of the structure is chosen based on the height of the dog. Dogs up to 50 cm will need 6 meters, animals from 50 to 65 cm will need an area of 8 m², and large dogs need to be left at least 100 square meters.

It is imperative to calculate the area so that the dog has a place to walk and a spacious kennel. At the same time, the house does not need to be made huge; the animal should fit well there, but at the same time warm it with its body in winter.

For females, more space is needed because there must be space for giving birth and keeping puppies.

The height of the enclosure should be such that the dog can calmly stand on its hind legs, but not touch the roof with its head.

Attention! When building an enclosure for several pets, the dimensions also need to be increased.

Self-production of an apartment aviary

The most common type of playpen for a small dog is a mesh structure. It can be of any shape, have a roof, an entrance and be equipped according to the owner’s wishes. To make such an enclosure you will need to take a metal mesh. It is worth paying attention that the chain-link is not suitable, as it can harm the pet due to the mobility of the cells.

The height of the mesh is selected depending on the height of the animal. So, for example, for a puppy, 40–50 cm in height will be enough; for small adult dogs, walls about 60 cm high will be needed. In addition to the mesh, you will need door canopies, latches, wire, and material to create a frame.

The algorithm for making a metal apartment enclosure is as follows:

First of all, the frame is assembled. It can be made of metal, in which case welding will be required, or made of wood.
The pieces of mesh required for the walls and roof are measured and attached to the frame. In this case, one edge remains uncovered - this is the entrance.
A suitable piece of mesh is screwed onto the free side and secured using awnings. On the other side, locking mechanisms are installed.
The floor is covered with a sheet of plywood. This is a closed version of the enclosure. You can also make an open one. To do this, you need to connect the walls together. The result will be something like a fence, inside which the puppies are put.

Drawings for building a dog enclosure with your own hands

On the Internet you can find many diagrams and drawings that make it easy to build an enclosure. A few of them are located below:

The drawing should indicate the approximate location of all items that are planned to be installed there

When constructing a drawing, all features should be taken into account

The size of the enclosure depends on the height and volume of the dog, as well as its activity and gender

Step-by-step manufacturing instructions

Making an aviary with your own hands is not difficult. It is important to prepare all the necessary materials, tools and gradually begin to work.

Start of construction

Before construction, the area is selected and prepared in the manner described above. It is worth taking into account all the characteristics of the animal in order to get a good structure. It is recommended to create a project; it will help you build a really high-quality pen.

What to make the frame from and how to sheathe it

To make a homemade frame, metal pipes or corners are used. It is recommended to take a profile pipe with a square or rectangular cross-section. It is better to select the thickness based on the size of the dog; if necessary, it can be strengthened.

It is necessary to sew up two adjacent walls with boards or plywood. It is best to turn the material facing inward so that your pet does not pick up splinters. It is recommended to choose plywood that is resistant to moisture.

In winter, your pet should not freeze in the enclosure

Features of the structure of walls, floor and roof in a dog enclosure

For walls, it is best to use rods rather than mesh - they will last a longer time, while chain-link can quickly become unusable.

You should choose boards for the floor; concrete is not suitable for this purpose. Dogs living in enclosures with stone floors begin to develop paw problems after a few years. If you use thick boards, you can ensure durability and good protection from drafts. It is important to remove all nails and knots so that your pet does not get hurt. It is also recommended to treat them with special compounds that will protect the material from rotting and mold.

Attention! Dirt floors are not suitable - the dog will simply dig under the floor and run away.

The roof of the cage can be made from any material that will not allow moisture to pass through. It is important that there is a canopy, and the slope must be made in the direction of drainage, this will avoid the accumulation of water under the flooring.

Interior arrangement of the enclosure

Inside the enclosure, you need to install a booth or make a small room where the dog can rest. It must be insulated so that the dog does not freeze in the winter.

You can buy a booth or make it yourself; there are many drawings and diagrams on the Internet for creating cozy houses for pets. Inside, it is recommended to organize a bed made of fabric, straw, dried grass - whatever the dog likes best.

It is also necessary to equip a feeder inside. Bowls should be placed at a height of approximately 20-30 cm from the floor, this will be more convenient and safer for the pet.

It is important that there are separate containers for food and water; do not mix them.

Attention! The presence of a rotating mechanism in the feeder allows not only the owner to feed the dog, but also other people in his absence.

You can make convenient swivel bowls

Creating a flooring in the enclosure

Making wood flooring is easy. The step-by-step instructions are quite simple:

Prepare boards of suitable size and treat them with antiseptic agents.
Make a frame to fit the size of the enclosure.
Lay the boards on the flooring, level them and carefully secure them with self-tapping screws.
After this, you can varnish or paint the floor.

If you wish, you can do this in a fairly short time. It is important to ensure that parts of the screws are not left sticking out - the dog could get hurt.

Doors and locks

The enclosure door must be made of rods, it is secured with hinges or bolts. It is better if there are two locks - a latch and a padlock, and the latch can be made from the outside and from the inside, if you suddenly need to lock it with a dog for internal installation. You can buy ready-made beautiful forged doors.

Recommendations for location and application

This is the cage of your dreams! Now we just have to figure out where to put this structure. Agree, a do-it-yourself enclosure will not always fit harmoniously into the apartment and interior. However, there are several ways to disguise it.

To keep the dog's enclosure from being conspicuous, you can design it as a small table or cabinet. To do this, a custom-made countertop to match the interior is placed on the roof. However, this option is only suitable for enclosures with a closed top. But in general it is not recommended to close the enclosure. Therefore, it is better to come up with another way to fit it into the interior.
It’s good if there is a corner in the apartment where the aviary will fit without problems, will not interfere and will not spoil the appearance of the room.
Mesh enclosures without a roof can no longer be hidden so easily. But, if you manage to make it foldable, the easiest way is to remove it when not needed.

Where should the enclosure be located so that the dog feels comfortable in it?

Choose a place where your dog can see most of the apartment.
Avoid sunny places and drafts. The best option for placing the enclosure is one of the shaded corners of a large room.
Under no circumstances place the cage near a battery or household appliance.
The enclosure must be designed in such a way that it can be easily disassembled and transported or removed altogether.

And finally, it’s worth dwelling a little on the rules for using and training a dog in an enclosure. It is possible that the animal will not perceive it as something familiar the first time, so you cannot simply lock the dog in a cage.

Start by letting the finished enclosure just sit in the room with the door open for some time. The dog must understand that he will not harm her.
After some time, put your favorite toy or animal treat inside. It may not be right away, but the dog will still go inside for an attractive object. Be sure to praise her.
After some time, involve the enclosure in games, that is, forcing the dog to bring a toy, periodically throw it into the cage.
Next, training moves to a more complex level - the dog is taken into a crate and, praising it and treating it with treats, is kept in it.
When the animal sits quietly in an open structure for more than 5 minutes, close the door briefly. When the dog is released again, it must be praised and treated. Loading …