I am thinking of constructing some runs in the garden for my dog(s) to use during the day when I am not there, would separate runs be best or allow a communal run for them all to play in? I have never used runs before but I am considering getting a bitch as company for shadow and for breeding. Any advice I would be grateful. (They would only go in there when i was out, two big dogs in the house may cause havoc)

i got one big inclose run with a 6foot high fence,which is 40ft wide by 60ft length.in the run i have two seprate kennel with enclose run joining the kennel, so the bitches can be apart from the males while in season.plus a shed for all the equipment and groom table.which as power to the shed and lights round the run,for the winter months,all laid on concerte,and stones,easy too wash down,daily.all this ia sep from the garden,which in the winter is a mud bath with 5 dogs on.if you live in the south you could come and see what we have done.but the big but the dogs do not use it alot,when iam out incase someone pinch them,so they are in the house when i go to work/and out.

how big is your property!!! my garden is large but not large enough for one that size unfortunately, do your dogs resent going in there or do they like it? Should I put any new dogs in there from day on to get them used to it and does it encourage barking nuisance.

Unless you are particularly secluded from neighbours and passers by, it will encourage nuisance barking. After all there is no-one there to tell them to be quiet, so they will bark at every visitor to your house and probably adjoining properties, as well as people in their gardens, especially if it gets them attention, or they have a high guarding instinct.

I have a Double Kennel and run, with a 10 x 12 foot run attached, whose door is always open, as the only time the run is in use is when I have pups. the girls sleep two per kennel, but are always in the house (kitchen), with the radio on if I am out.

I have often walked my dogs past houses where there are, dogs left out, and they always bark, so probably do at everyone that comes by, not conducive to good neighbour relations.

yes noise may a problem as my garden adjoins a carpark for the local shop, I may have to build a bigger kitchen. Shadow doesn't bother with the people or cars next door, he's a very laid back shepherd, I only hope the newcomers follow his lead, but it only takes one of them to start it off!