Dog run fencing in Exeter
Professional dog run fencing services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£260-£510
Typical Duration
5-10 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Complete dog run fencing built from scratch - secure framework, predator-proof mesh, properly hung gate. Safe, enclosed exercise space where your dog can run freely.
Give Your Dog Their Own Safe Space
Want your dog to exercise freely without escaping? Need somewhere secure while you're at work? A proper dog run is the answer. Built right, it's a safe outdoor space they can use anytime.
💡 Pro tip: Dog runs aren't just for working dogs. Any dog benefits from secure outdoor space - especially if your main garden isn't fully dog-proof or you've got areas you want to protect.
Why Professional Construction Matters
Dog run fencing needs to keep your dog IN and everything else OUT. Half-hearted DIY jobs fail at both. Dogs escape through weak spots, and foxes get in through gaps.
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Strong frame with posts deep in ground | Wobbly fence, posts too shallow |
| Mesh buried 30cm+ underground | Dog digs out within days |
| Small mesh gaps throughout | Gaps big enough to squeeze through |
| Secure gate with proper latch | Dog pushes gate open, escapes |
What You Get
🔧 The Full Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Layout | Mark out run size, check ground conditions |
| Framework | Posts in ground, rails fitted, structure solid |
| Mesh | Wire mesh attached securely, buried underground |
| Gate | Hung properly with secure latch and hinges |
| Roof | (Optional) Covered section added for shelter |
📦 You're Left With
- Complete secure dog run
- Predator-proof construction
- Working gate with secure latch
- Safe space for your dog to exercise
Pricing Guide
| Run Size | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Small (2m × 3m) | 5-6 hrs | £260-£310 |
| Medium (3m × 4m) | 6-8 hrs | £310-£410 |
| Large (4m × 6m+) | 8-10 hrs | £410-£510 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Plus materials (typically £150-£350 depending on size). Covered sections add time and cost.
Perfect For Your Dog If...
✅ High energy breed - needs safe exercise space
✅ Escape artist - main garden not secure enough
✅ Training area - somewhere to practice recall safely
✅ Multiple dogs - their own space reduces conflict
Why Choose Us for Dog run fencing in Exeter?
Secure framework built to last
Predator-proof mesh throughout
Properly hung gate with secure latch
Optional covered section for shelter
What to Expect
Step 1: Site Assessment
I'll measure out the run size, check ground conditions (rocky? Boggy? Level?), and confirm exactly what you want - covered section? Double gates? Specific requirements?
Step 2: Build Framework
Posts sink into ground (60cm+ deep), horizontal rails fitted, whole structure built square and solid. This is the foundation - needs to be strong.
Step 3: Mesh & Gate
Wire mesh attached all around and buried underground to stop digging. Gate hung properly with strong hinges and secure latch. Covered section added if you want one.
🔧 DIY Tips
Considering building a dog run yourself? Here's how to do it properly:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Post hole digger or auger
- Saw for cutting timber
- Drill with wood and masonry bits
- Wire cutters and staple gun
- Spirit level and tape measure
- Concrete for setting posts
- Helper (essential - can't do this solo)
📏 Planning your run
- Calculate minimum size: at least 3× dog's length for turning
- Position: partial shade, good drainage, visible from house
- Check for underground pipes/cables before digging
- Plan gate position for easy access with wheelbarrows, etc.
🔨 Building the framework
- Posts: Sink 60cm minimum into ground, 2m spacing maximum
- Timber: Use 3x3" or 4x4" treated posts, 2x2" rails
- Concrete: Set posts in concrete for stability (especially corner posts)
- Height: 1.2m for small dogs, 1.5m for medium, 1.8m+ for jumpers
- Gate: Build frame first, hang gate last when everything's solid
🐕 Dog-proofing checklist
- Mesh buried 30cm minimum all around
- Mesh size 25mm or smaller (stops squeeze-through)
- No gaps at ground level or corners
- Gate latches securely (dogs learn to open basic latches)
- Check from dog's perspective - what would YOU try if you were them?
🌧️ Optional roof section
- Corrugated panels over 1/3 to 1/2 of run
- Gives shelter from rain and shade from sun
- Fix securely - wind gets under loose panels
- Overlap toward entrance so rain runs away
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Posts too shallow (dogs lean on fence, it falls over)
- Not burying mesh (dog digs out immediately)
- Mesh gaps too big (squeezes through or gets head stuck)
- Weak gate (first thing dogs test)
- No drainage (run becomes mud bath)
💡 Pro trick: Use weldmesh rather than chicken wire - vastly stronger and lasts years longer. Costs more upfront but worth it. And paint the mesh with rust-proof paint before installation - doubles the lifespan.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🐕 Size really matters: Too small and it's just an outdoor cage - miserable for your dog. They need room to actually run and play. Bigger is always better if you have the space.
Ground surface options:
- Grass: Natural but gets muddy and worn
- Bark chippings: Good drainage, comfortable, needs topping up
- Gravel: Drains well but some dogs eat it
- Paving slabs: Easy to clean but hard on joints
- Artificial grass: Expensive but stays clean and green
Shelter options:
- Covered section (roof panels)
- Kennel inside the run
- Large dog house
- Shade sail (summer only)
Water access: Your dog needs water out there, especially in summer. Either:
- Clip-on water bowl on fence
- Heavy bowl they can't tip over
- Automatic waterer if you're fancy
Enrichment: Dog runs can be boring. Add:
- Raised platforms for viewing
- Digging pit in one corner
- Hanging toys
- Agility equipment
Legal stuff: Planning permission usually not needed for small dog runs, but check if you're on boundaries or in conservation areas.
Multiple dogs: Make sure there's enough space for all of them to avoid each other if needed. Cramped multi-dog spaces cause fights.
Other jobs while I'm there? If you need chicken run extension, fence repairs, or other outdoor work done at same time, we can bundle it all together and save on the callout.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size dog run can you build?
Anything from small 2m × 3m runs for single dogs up to large multi-dog exercise areas. I'll advise on minimum size for your dog's breed and activity level - working dogs need more space than lap dogs. Rule of thumb is bigger is always better for dogs.
How do you make it escape-proof?
Strong timber frame, mesh buried underground to stop digging, small enough gaps nothing squeezes through, secure gate with proper latch. Height depends on your dog - small dogs need 1.2m, jumpers and climbers need 1.8m+. I'll advise based on your specific dog.
Can you add a covered section?
Yes - corrugated roof panels over part of the run give shelter from rain and sun. Particularly useful if your dog's out there for extended periods. Adds to the time and cost but makes a real difference to their comfort.
Do I need to provide materials?
I can supply everything - treated timber, mesh, gate hardware, roofing if needed, all fixings. Or if you've sourced specific materials already, I'll work with those. Just let me know when booking which you prefer.
What about ground surface inside the run?
Most people use existing grass (cheapest), some put down bark/wood chip (good drainage, no mud), others use paving slabs or gravel. Depends on your budget and whether you mind muddy paws. I can advise what works best.
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