Apartment aviary for dogs

Why does a puppy need an enclosure?

In order for the puppy to quickly get used to his new home, it is recommended to purchase an enclosure for him. This will give the dog a private, limited space in which he will feel safe. The enclosure should contain:

• bowls of food and water;
• bedding on which the animal will rest;
• favorite toys.

What is an aviary

For your information! An enclosure is a puppy’s own room in an apartment, where the owner and other pets do not enter.

Feasibility of purchase

DIY dog enclosure: drawings and dimensions

A playpen or enclosure for a dog is convenient to use for a number of reasons:

• the animal gets used to its new home;
• The puppy is toilet trained. This will protect the apartment from many puddles and wet diapers;
• The dog is sick, so he needs privacy. It is important to protect it from noise, children, and domestic animals;
• keep a small dog, such as a Chihuahua, safe by creating a comfortable zone for it where it cannot harm itself. Indeed, for dwarf breeds, even a fall from the sofa can result in injury;
• protect furniture and wallpaper if the pet is too aggressive and likes to chew table legs or scratches the sofa upholstery;
• create a personal space for a pregnant dog so that everything you need is within walking distance. And after the puppies were born, they did not crawl throughout the apartment.

Note! It is impossible to keep a dog locked up in a limited area for too long and too often. The animal may become embittered, its character will deteriorate, and it will stop listening to its owner.

Requirements for the enclosure

In order for an animal of any breed and size to feel comfortable in its home and have the opportunity to shelter from heat or cold at any time, it is necessary to meet a number of requirements for the construction of an enclosure.

Find out how to cure a dog from diseases such as: bursitis of the elbow joint, piroplasmosis, subcutaneous mite, dirofilariasis, lichen, aspergillosis, demodicosis.

Dimensions

Before you build a dog enclosure with your own hands, you should decide on the size. The larger the dog, the more space it needs. Depending on the breed of the pet, the size of the living space should be as follows:

• for large dogs, more than 65 cm tall at the withers, such as Alabais, Great Danes, Greyhounds and so on, the length of the living space must be at least 10 m in length;
• for medium animals, up to 65 cm in height, such as Australian and German shepherds, collies, huskies and so on, the enclosure should be at least 7-8 m in length;
• for small dogs whose height does not exceed 50 cm, such as the Schnauzer, German Spitz, Fox Terrier, etc., the length of the room must be at least 6 m.

These parameters must be observed if the animal is inside the enclosure around the clock.
If your pet often walks outside its home, then the size of the total area can be reduced by 1.5-2 m. Important! There is no need to make an overly large enclosure, even for very large pets. Excess space will contribute to heat loss in the winter season, the dog will freeze.

Materials

To make the floor you can use:

• wooden boards;
• concrete;
• asphalt.

Ideally, when making the lower part of the enclosure, prepare three zones:

• the platform can be made of wood, on which the animal can rest;
• the space reserved for food can be made of concrete or tiled;
• The area for walking and performing natural needs is left in the form of soil or grass.

Next, you should consider what material the walls will be made of.
Do-it-yourself dog enclosures can be made of wood, mesh, slate, brick and metal rods.

Important! The door is made in the front wall, which is made of bars or bars. It must be remembered that it must open inward.

Locks on the door must be on both the outside and the inside. It is advisable to install an additional deadbolt in case the dog damages the main lock.

The roof can be made of any roofing material:

• metal tiles;
• corrugated sheeting;
• slate.

Equipment

The booth is one of the most important components of the enclosure. This is the dog’s refuge from weather changes, his personal space. It is usually made of wood and corresponds to the size of its inhabitant.

At the owner's request, the feeder can be safe, built into the enclosure so that the animal can be fed without going inside. It can be securely fastened with a latch so that the dog does not push it out, is equipped with a rotating mechanism and is installed at a height of 20-30 cm above the floor.

To make your pet a true protector and loyal friend, you need to train him correctly.

Depending on the wishes and means of the owner, the enclosure can be additionally equipped with:

• heating and ventilation devices;
• lighting;
• sewerage and drainage system;
• blinds protecting from the sun, wind or precipitation.

What does a dog playpen look like?

DIY dog house at home

A dog playpen resembles a kennel with comfortable conditions, usually without a roof. There she not only sleeps, but also eats and spends time. Such pet houses can be used in the interior. For example, an enclosure for a Chihuahua located in an apartment can be covered with a tabletop if necessary. Since dwarf dogs are small in size, they therefore require a low playpen. Therefore, it can easily be turned into a comfortable coffee table.

Metal enclosures resemble a cage, but it is easy to fold and put away when not needed. There are also canvas playpens, they weigh little and are easy to clean. In addition, they can be folded and transported, for example, to a summer cottage. Therefore, if you plan to move the cage, you need to think about the possibility of disassembling it.

Metal aviary

We make it with our own hands

In order not to spend extra money, you can make an apartment aviary with your own hands at home. The main thing is to choose the right location, size and material.

It is prohibited to place such a playpen near radiators or other heating devices, or near an open fire. The material must be non-toxic and durable (the pet will simply gnaw through the fabric).

As for the sizes, they are selected individually depending on the size of the dog.

1. For a small puppy, a design with a height of 40 cm and an area of ​​0.5 square meters is suitable.
2. For small breeds, indoor houses are made up to 80 cm in height with an area of ​​2.5 square meters (if the apartment is large).
3. It is not recommended to make a home smaller than 0.5 m square, since the pet requires free space, and you also need to place a bowl of food, a toilet, a sleeping place and toys in the enclosure.

If you decide to make a home for your pet with your own hands, we suggest that you read the instructions that will make the task easier.

We offer options for manufacturing the two most common types of structures for keeping dogs in an apartment.

From the grid

Tools and materials

• Soft metal mesh;
• metal rods;
• wire or welding machine;
• pliers:
• hinges for doors.

Step-by-step instruction

To make your pet a home from a mesh with your own hands, you need:

1. Create a frame from rods of the shape you want to get the final version (the most common is a quadrangle).
2. Cover the frame with mesh.
3. At the corners, connect the mesh with the rods using wire, pieces of which are first broken with pliers, or use welding.
4. Place one of the four walls on removable hinges - this will be a door.
5. Cover the floor with thick fabric.
6. Place toys, a blanket (bed), toilet, and bowl inside.

In the video, the owner will show you how to set up an enclosure yourself.

Wooden aviary

Tools and materials

• Wooden planks and slats;
• file;
• centimeter;
• self-tapping screws;
• hinges for doors.

Step-by-step instruction

To make a wooden house with your own hands, you need:

1. Cut the slats to the required size (depending on the size of the animal) and knock down the frame (you should get a cube) using self-tapping screws.
2. Cut the planks to the required height and nail them close to each other around the entire perimeter of the frame (so that the pet does not get stuck).
3. Using the same principle, make a door and place it on hinges on one of the four walls.
4. Cover the floor with thick fabric.
5. Place toys, a blanket (bed), toilet, and bowl inside.

Design options for apartments

Chihuahua mini: puppies and adult dogs

There are many designs of puppy enclosures used in apartments. They differ in size, modules and materials from which they are made.

Note! It’s good when indoor dog cages can be taken outside. Then it is important that they fold, disassemble and have low weight, which will facilitate transportation.

Collapsible plastic

A plastic enclosure for puppies is the simplest. It is used for small dogs. This is a relatively inexpensive design with a large number of models. You can find different options: from the location of the modules to the colors of the plastic. It is easy to assemble, install and clean. Plastic modules are simply connected to each other to form a cage.

For your information! Often a polyester awning is pulled over the frame. Then you can attach the roof to it. This kind of enclosure for small dogs is convenient to move outside or use as a coffee table when refurbished. The awning usually also has many pockets that allow you to store necessary small items.

Plastic aviary

From chipboard

A chipboard fence for dogs in an apartment has the following characteristics and features:

• suitable for small animals;
• lasts a long time;
• quick and easy to assemble;
• safe for the dog, it won’t be able to pick up a splinter and won’t get hurt.

Note! You can buy such a cage or make it yourself.

Made of wood

Wooden products look the most advantageous, and are also made from the most environmentally friendly material. If the walls are made in the form of a fence, then the dogs will chew them with pleasure. Therefore, you need to carefully ensure that the animal is not injured by wood chips.

Most often, coniferous wood is used to create wooden cages. The main thing is to make sure that it is well polished.

Wooden enclosures can also be used for large dogs.

Made of metal

Metal structures are assembled from several modules consisting of rods. They are strong and durable, easy to care for. It is enough to wipe the metal elements with a damp cloth to make them as good as new. They are easy to disassemble and are designed to be adjustable in width and height. This is especially true as the puppy grows.

Aviary for an apartment for a dog

Basically, this type of structure is suitable for small animals - this ensures the safety of the animal. Buying an aviary is simply necessary in the following cases:

• purchasing a pet;
• when an animal is expecting offspring or feeding young;
• if the dog is sick;
• to protect furniture;
• for the safety of the dog;
• when a puppy learns to go potty.

When a puppy gets into a family, he becomes stressed because his mother is absent and his place of stay changes. Sometimes kids try to hide in a remote corner and do not make contact with new friends. By purchasing an enclosure, you can make sure that the little creature can gradually get used to its new location.

The same should be done when the dog is pregnant or nursing babies. This is simply necessary for her to feel calm and privacy.

A sick animal also needs a similar design. This will allow the dogs to be isolated and help restore strength. In addition, she will not be able to infect other animals and family members.

Malicious dogs will also need an enclosure when the owner leaves the pet for a long period of time. This will protect you from troubles associated with the fact that your pet prefers to chew furniture or slippers.

Any design can be purchased in a chain of stores, it is not very expensive. Since it can be difficult to toilet train an animal, enclosures will be a way out of the situation, because you will no longer have to see the dog shitting in the corners.

Use of a puppy crate

Is it possible to make an enclosure in an apartment for a dog with your own hands? Using wooden slats, you should build a checkered fence for the puppy. But it is better to purchase a ready-made product made of metal. Such a structure usually does not have a roof; bedding can be placed inside.

There are different types of enclosures . Some have a narrow purpose; they should be purchased for temporary use; they can be used, for example, for walking with a baby. In others you can leave your dog for a long time. So that the puppy does not feel lonely and can play calmly, you should purchase a house of 2-3 m.

The arena usually has a number of sections. But, if the need arises, the partitions can be easily removed. They are easy to use and can be folded or unfolded without much effort. The metal structure does not require excessive care; only occasional wiping with a cloth soaked in water will be sufficient. You can install a structure of this type anywhere, for example, in a corner or under a table, as long as it is comfortable for the baby.

Tips for choosing

When choosing a home kennel for your pet, you need to take into account that the smaller the dog, the lower the cage it needs:

• for miniature pets and puppies, a playpen with a height of about 50 cm is suitable. For example, an enclosure for a Yorkie should meet exactly these characteristics;
• For a medium to large sized animal, the height needs to be increased. It is better if the enclosure is not lower than a meter. Otherwise, the pet will be able to jump over the wall, and the fence will be meaningless.

High pens are needed for large dogs, which are usually locked up to protect furniture and belongings from their claws and teeth. If you raise and train your dog, you won’t have to worry about your property. Then the enclosure will come in handy if the animal suddenly gets sick or when it is expecting offspring.

Note! Don't forget to leave room for games. On the territory of the enclosure there should be not only a sleeping place and bowls. If an animal is locked up for a long time, it needs space to move.

Rectangular enclosures are in great demand. This shape will easily fit into any room. When installing, you need to remember that there should be no battery or other heating or electrical devices nearby. It is not recommended to place the enclosure in the kitchen and bathroom.

Location in the apartment

DIY dog enclosure

Despite the huge selection of enclosures, many dog ​​owners make their own cages for their beloved pets. This way you can take into account the wishes of all family members and ideally fit the indoor booth into the interior. It is important to take into account the size of the dog, assessing how much space it needs to spend time comfortably. For example, it is not difficult to make an enclosure for a Spitz or a Chihuahua in an apartment with your own hands. Representatives of these breeds are small, so there is no need to build too large a fence.

To make a cage or enclosure for dogs, you will need:

• material to assemble the frame;
• wire;
• metal grid. Chainlink should not be used, as the cells are highly mobile, which can lead to injury to the pet;
• pliers;
• awnings with fastenings;
• loops;
• locks.

The frame is usually made of metal or wooden beams. In the first case, they can be twisted together with wire or welded, which will be much more reliable. Wooden parts are nailed together. You can connect them with self-tapping screws and special mounting angles. The result should be a parallelepiped. Next, you need to stretch the mesh; it serves as walls, floor, and, if necessary, roof. You need to leave space under the door, that is, do not tighten one side.

Note! You need to put plywood on the floor and cover it with a soft cloth to make your pet warm and comfortable. Lying on a wooden surface is extremely uncomfortable; the dog is unlikely to love his booth.

Canopies are used to secure the door. A lock is installed on its other side. The door will need hinges to close.

Instead of metal mesh, you can take wooden bars. They are made into something like a fence, attached to the assembled frame. Leave a small distance between the slats or place them closely. If a whole board or sheet of plywood is screwed to a wooden frame, completely covering the wall, then it is better to make a window in it, especially if the booth is planned to have a roof. The resulting hole can be covered with a metal mesh.

How to make a home aviary

Metal enclosure for a small dog
Cage or kennel-type structures designed for long-term use are usually made of metal or wood. The placement of the toilet and other devices must be thought out in advance, based on the size of the enclosure and the animal itself.

Frame covered with mesh

This is an easy-to-implement option, the manufacturing process of which is similar to the construction of a frame house. It is important to choose the right mesh. It should not have defects or breaks. The chain-link is not suitable for this design, since its moving cells predispose to injuries. The frame itself can be made not only from metal profiles, but also from timber or polypropylene pipes. For the door you need to buy hinges and locking hardware. The frame is assembled in accordance with the drawing. It is covered almost entirely (except for the place where the door is mounted) with mesh, not forgetting to fix it. Then the door is installed. On the floor you need to place a special pillow or simply a thick fabric folded in several layers.

Plywood or slats construction

An enclosure made of plywood for a nursing bitch with puppies.
Its assembly is also carried out according to the frame principle, with the base being made of timber, and the cladding is slats (for the floor - a plywood sheet). All wooden elements are sanded to avoid any sharp parts. Self-tapping screws and metal corners are used for fastenings. When screwing in, you need to make sure that the pointed parts do not stick out from the inside.

Before assembly, it is worth considering in advance the location of feeders, drinkers and other containers. It is advisable to fix them to the floor of the enclosure so that the animal cannot knock them over. This especially applies to drinking bowls, since water has a bad effect on the condition of the wood.

Tools for assembly will require a hacksaw and a screwdriver. The walls and ceiling of the frame are sheathed with slats with a pitch of 7-10 cm between them. The door is attached to fittings. In addition to the floor, you can also cover the back wall with plywood.

Comfortable enclosure

The enclosure should contain more than just the animal’s bedding and bowls. It is important that there is room for free movement and play. The dog should feel comfortable, it is bad when a limited space restricts its movements.

Note! It is better that bowls, especially those with water, are attached to the wall. By running and jumping, the dog can knock them over and stain everything around.

Bowls are secured in a spacious enclosure

How to accustom an animal to an enclosure

The animal must be accustomed to the enclosure gradually. First, just open the door and show the playpen to the dog, let him know about its existence and understand that he can enter there. Then, during the game, throw your pet’s toy there and ask him to bring it. When the dog completes the task, you must praise him.

Important! Under no circumstances should you scold an animal if it refuses to obey, or force the dog every day to be in the enclosure, to which it will gradually become accustomed.

You can go in there with your dog and spend some time and then close the door. For the first time, it is enough if the dog spends about 5 minutes there. The main thing is that she doesn’t get scared. Rush in training will only alert the animal and you will have to start all over again. Soon it will understand that it is safe in an indoor pen, and will remain there for as long as the owner needs.

An enclosure for a dog in an apartment should be equipped with comfort, because this is the pet’s room where he should spend time with pleasure. Therefore, you need to take care of choosing a place for the playpen and making sure that the dog is comfortable there.