• Dogs need room to move in an outdoor kennel.dog in a cage image by igor kisselev from Fotolia.com
  
  Before building a dog kennel, you will need to decide where it is going to be placed and how big it needs to be. Your dog will be comfortable with enough room to walk around and stretch. Dogs also need enough space for relieving themselves, food and water and to rest. It is common to think that 4 feet high is best for a small dog but you may want to consider 6 feet for easy entry to clean up and to provide adequate protection from predators.
  
  

Panels

• Once you have decided on the size of the kennel, you will need welded wire panels. The average-sized panel is 4 foot by 6 foot. A 4-by-8 kennel will suit most small- to medium-sized dogs. You will need five 4-foot by 6-foot panels for a 4-by-8 kennel. Two panels for each side will provide 8 feet in length. Only one panel would be needed for the rear of the kennel.
  
  

Gate

• The front of the kennel will require a gated panel of the same size as the other panels. Your gate will also require a latch that is usually sold separately unless you purchase a kennel kit that contains all the parts.
  
  

Panel Clamps

• Panel clamps are used to attach the panels together on the sides and the corners. You will need at least two clamps for each connection area. For the kennel described here, you will need 12 clamps--four for the sides and eight for the corners.
  
  

Cover

• To protect your dog from the weather and predators, and in case your dog is a climber, your kennel will need a cover. This can be accomplished in a couple of different ways. You can purchase a cover kit that includes the frame, supports, the cover and bungee cords or tie-downs. You could also purchase a 4-by-8 panel and eight additional panel clamps to create a flat top. The top can then be covered with a standard tarp and tied down at the corners and sides.