my new dog run

[funkill]

I saw a photo posted by 3 Dog Nite of their dog run. It looked great so I ordered one; the bronze series (7 panels and one gate - plus extra 2 panels) from optionspluskennels. I am really pleased with it. Their customer service was amazing and rushed it to me so I would have it in time for my last trip. I assembled it with the 3'x4' panels in the tall position to get a final size of 6'x9' run. (It can be assembled with panel positioned 90 deg, with 3' high sides, and making it a lot larger - but my greyhound would have been stooping!) The first thing that I did was buy 24 wing-nuts (to replace the locking nuts) so that assembly would be easier/quicker. But it still took a bit more time than I hoped - maybe 30 minutes first time set-up. When I took it apart, I left 2 or 3 panels connected together, loosening the clamps enough to fold the panels. Then I used zip-ties to keep the panels folded. It will probably take less time to set-up next time. I thought about abandoning the clamping system all together and using zip-ties solely..... Hummmmm.... might work and be quicker in the future. Not a big deal at this point.

I also purchased a roll of shade cloth and tarp clips to secure to the top. That worked out pretty good. (The cost saved by not purchasing this component from the distributer/mfg allowed me to buy the extra two panels.) I also bought a couple rolls of plastic hardware cloth. I anticipated securing it to the bottom of the crate with zip-ties to prevent my pups from trying to dig out. In the end, I didn't bother with this - but I have the rolls in my trailer in case I want to try it next time.

Anyway ... I wanted to complement the company on a good product and really great service. I guess the entire run is somewhere around 80 lbs - but it's well worth the extra weight, IMO. It just displaced some firewood.

Laura

Here's a couple pics of it set up during my last trip.

[tallytwo1994]

Great idea, I'll keep it in mind.

Thanks for the info,
Carol

[3 Dog Nite]

Glad to hear it works for you funkill. The more you use it, the quicker set up is. I have 3 extra panels & can have it up with 3 homemade panels for under the MH in 23 minutes. I use a deep socket on a 3/8 rachet. You don't have to tighten the nuts too much as they are locking nuts.

Ricky