Introduce the Topic
A dog run is an enclosed outdoor area designed to give dogs a safe space to play and exercise outside. Gravel dog runs provide a durable, low-maintenance surface that is easy to install and maintain. Gravel offers a number of benefits over grass, concrete, or dirt:
- Gravel drains well, preventing muddy conditions.
- It’s softer underfoot than concrete, making it gentler on your dog’s joints.
- Gravel runs are easy to clean – just hose down or rake to remove waste.
- Gravel is less messy than grass and dirt, preventing tracking into the house.
- It provides good traction for dogs to run and play.
With proper installation and maintenance, a gravel dog run is an ideal way to give your furry friend outdoor access no matter the weather or season.
Determine the Size
When planning your dog run, the first step is to determine the appropriate size based on your dog’s breed and activity level. As a general guideline:
- Small dogs (under 25 lbs) do well with runs approximately 10×20 feet.
- Medium dogs (25-50 lbs) need runs around 15×30 feet.
- Large dogs (over 50 lbs) require larger runs, ideally 20×40 feet or bigger.
Take measurements of the space where you plan to install the dog run. Make sure to account for items like fences, gates, and landscaping that will take up part of the area. It’s better to overestimate the size needed rather than making the run too small. This allows your dog adequate room to play, run, and relieve themselves comfortably.
Calculate Gravel Needed
The general recommendation for gravel depth in a dog run is 4-6 inches. This provides enough gravel for drainage while still being a comfortable surface for dogs to walk and run on.
To calculate how many cubic yards of gravel you’ll need, start by measuring the total square footage of the area you want to cover. For example, if your dog run is 20 ft x 10 ft, that’s 200 square feet.
Next, convert the depth into feet by dividing by 12 inches. For a depth of 6 inches, that’s 0.5 feet.
Then, multiply the square footage by the depth in feet to get cubic feet. For a 200 sq ft area at 0.5 ft depth, that’s 100 cubic feet of gravel needed.
Finally, divide cubic feet by 27 to convert to cubic yards. So for the example above, you would need approximately 3.7 cubic yards of gravel for a 6 inch depth in a 20×10 dog run.
Knowing the cubic yards needed and gravel depth will help you determine how much gravel to purchase for your project.
Select the Right Gravel
When choosing gravel for your dog run, opt for a small, rounded gravel that won’t hurt your dog’s paws. The best options are pea gravel or crushed bluestone. Pea gravel contains tiny pebbles up to 1/4 inch in diameter, providing a comfortable ground cover that won’t scrape paws. Crushed bluestone is another great choice made from small, crushed rocks that compact well but don’t get too hot in the sun. Larger gravel and rocks can be rough on paws and should be avoided.
Go with a 3/8 inch or smaller gravel size. Anything larger could poke and prod. Smooth, rounded gravel will be gentler underfoot. Angular, jagged gravel can dig into paws. Stick with a pea gravel or crushed stone for the best comfort and safety.
Additionally, smaller gravel sizes compact better and don’t get tracked around as much. Large gravel is more likely to get kicked out of the run onto surrounding grass or garden beds. A 1/4 inch pea gravel will stay neatly contained. Consider pouring gravel 2-3 inches deep to prevent paws from hitting the harder base underneath.
Take your dog’s breed into account as well. Smaller breeds with more sensitive paws may need a finer gravel, while sturdy working dogs can handle slightly larger pebbles. Visit your local home improvement store to view gravel options in person before deciding.
Prepare the Base
Before adding any gravel, it’s important to properly prepare the base underneath. This will create a solid foundation for the gravel to rest on.
Start by removing any grass, weeds or debris in the area for the dog run. Use a flat shovel or rake to scrape away vegetation down to bare soil.
Next, compact the soil. This can be done by renting a plate compactor and going over the entire area multiple times. Compacting gives a flat, even and stable base for the gravel to be placed on. If any low or high spots are present, fill them in or level them out.
It is also highly recommended to install landscape fabric over the compacted soil before adding gravel. Landscape fabric acts as a weed barrier and prevents vegetation from growing up through the gravel. This saves maintenance down the road from constantly having to pull weeds or grass.
With the soil compacted and landscape fabric laid out, you now have a prepared base ready for the gravel installation.
Install Edging
Installing edging is a crucial step when building a gravel dog run. The purpose of the edging is to contain the gravel and prevent it from spreading outside the designated area over time. There are several edging options to consider:
Landscape Timbers – These are thick wooden beams, usually 6 inches tall and 2-3 inches thick. They provide a sturdy border that can be staked into the ground. Landscape timbers come in both natural cedar and pressure-treated wood. The benefit of landscape timbers is they’re rigid and heavy enough to keep gravel contained. The downside is they can rot over time.
Brick or Stone – Using brick, concrete masonry units, or natural stone is another excellent edging choice. This type of permanent border usually gets mortared in place. It provides a decorative look in addition to keeping the gravel contained. Brick and stone borders are more expensive but extremely sturdy and long-lasting.
Aluminum/Galvanized Steel – For a more industrial look, consider using sections of aluminum or galvanized steel as borders. These can be anchored into the ground using stakes or rebar. Metal edging won’t rot and stands up well over time like landscape timbers. However, metal can potentially rust or corrode.
When installing edging, make sure it forms a complete border around the entire gravel run. Leave no gaps where gravel could escape. Dig small trenches to sink the edging at least 2-3 inches into the ground if possible. Backfill soil on the outside of the edging to make the border flush with the ground level. The interior gravel level will end up a few inches higher than ground level.
Spread the Gravel
After the perimeter of the dog run is established, you can begin to spread the gravel across the entire area. It’s recommended to spread the gravel in 2-3 inch layers at a time, compacting each layer before adding more on top. This helps ensure an even and stable base.
Use a shovel and rake to distribute the gravel in an even layer across the run. Make sure to spread it evenly into all corners and edges. Avoid dumping large piles in one spot, as this can lead to an uneven surface. Carefully rake the gravel smooth after each layer.
Work systematically around the perimeter and across the entire run area. Compact each 2-3 inch layer using a hand tamp, plate compactor or by walking across the gravel before adding the next layer. Compacting provides stability and prevents shifting or indentation when the run is in use.
Continue spreading and compacting 2-3 inch gravel layers until you reach the desired depth for the base. This provides a solid and level foundation upon which to enjoy your completed dog run for years to come!
Maintain the Gravel
Proper maintenance will help ensure your dog run gravel lasts for years to come. Occasionally raking and redistributing the gravel can help level it out after repeated use. Rake up any low spots or areas where the gravel has been pushed aside. This will help avoid bare patches of dirt developing which can turn to mud.
It’s also important to periodically remove any weeds that sprout up in the gravel. Weed growth is common as seeds blow into the run. Pull these weeds out by hand or use a hand weeder tool to remove the entire root system. Leaving weeds in place allows them to continue spreading. A weekly weed patrol makes this easy work.
With occasional raking and weeding, you can keep your gravel dog run maintained for maximum longevity. This ensures your pup has a safe and functional playspace for years of enjoyment.
Add Finishing Touches
Now that the gravel is laid down, it’s time to add some finishing touches to make your dog run fun and comfortable for your pooch. Consider adding some agility equipment like jumps, tunnels, or balancing equipment to encourage exercise. You can also add dog toys like balls, frisbees, ropes, and chew toys to keep your dog entertained.
For additional shade and comfort, construct or install a small shelter or platform for your dog to relax on. Make sure it is anchored securely so it doesn’t shift or blow over in windy conditions.
Planting grass, trees or shrubs around the perimeter of the run not only makes it more visually appealing, but also provides shade and cooling for your dog on hot days. Just be sure to avoid poisonous plants and supervise your dog so they don’t dig or chew on the new plantings.
With the finishing touches added, your gravel dog run is complete and ready for fun! Just be sure to monitor it for weeds and debris, and top up the gravel periodically. Your dog will love having an outdoor space to play, train and just be a dog!
Enjoy the Completed Run!
After all the hard work of planning, preparing, and installing your DIY gravel dog run, the payoff comes when you let your dog loose in their new space for the first time. Watching your happy pup sprint, dig, and play in their own secure yard area makes the whole process worthwhile.
Your dog will get endless enjoyment and exercise from having their own dedicated run. It allows them to experience sights, sounds, and smells they don’t get cooped up indoors. A gravel dog run promotes your dog’s physical health and mental stimulation.
Be sure to start training your dog on using their new run from day one. Show them the entrance and exits, and reward them with treats for coming in and out on command. Set up playtime sessions where you interact with them in the run. Soon it will become their favorite place to play fetch, chew a bone, or just lie in the sun!
Having an enclosed gravel dog run is a great way to keep your dog safe while giving them room to play and explore. Your furry friend will get years of enjoyment out of this DIY project.