Check with your city planner to make sure you do not need a building permit for this. Some areas may require one and you don't want to have to pay a fine because you forgot!

There are many things to consider when building a kennel for your outdoor dog. This is, of course, after you have considered if your dog should be kept outside in the first place. Some breeds cannot tolerate certain climate conditions and this would prove to be an inhumane thing for them. Also, keeping in mind that just because you have a kennel and they are getting fresh air, this does not in any way excuse not spending time with your dog. Always keep in mind that a dog is a pack animal and leaving a dog by itself in a kennel without attention is very upsetting to the dog. In all truthfulness, the dog would rather be beaten than to be left alone in a kennel for days or weeks on end.

Material factors to consider are:

1. COST: Before getting started, make sure you have the money/funds to do this. You might want to consider the finished product so that there are no surprises. Poured concrete, chain link fence, dog house, watering system.
2. PLACEMENT: Scan the yard for a place that would be appropriate. Although on a cool day, a dog loves to lay in the sun...constantly being in direct sun is NOT healthy for the dog and can result in sunstroke. Under a shade tree, in a quiet location of the yard works best. Also consider the wind factor for the winter months, and the elevation in the yard (not building it in an area that floods easily). Also, you will not want to build directly over an area where gas or utility lines run for obvious reasons. If running a self maintaining watering system, make sure it is close enough to the water source or this could add on a lot of money to extend it. If you live in a northern climate, freezing pipes or hoses need to be considered as well.
3. SIZE: Depending on the dog, you will want to make sure that the dog has plenty of room to stretch its legs and move around. You will also want to consider the height of the chain link fence if the dog has an inclination or could develop an inclination to jump.

Once these things have been considered carefully, you are ready to continue.

Once the placement has been determined, the first step is to prepare the foundation. You must first choose what kind of foundation you will use:

1. Concrete poured slab. There are many advantages to using a concrete slap but this will add on more cost to the kennel. One reason is that a dog cannot dig through concrete and is less likely to escape by digging a hole under the fence. The slab can be the full size of the kennel or one half the size of the kennel, usually raised up slightly above ground level.
2. Chain link fence. This would be the same link fence that the sides are made of but the grass and dirt can show through. The downside to this is the dog can still dig and also has a chance of hurting it's paws or mouth.
3. Open ground bottom. You could leave the bottom open, but this will end up with it's own kinds of problems. This could end up getting very unsanitary as the dog will likely use it to go to the bathroom and after a while, it could get rather nasty.

I vote for the concrete bottom as it is easy to clean with a hose and very durable. With a dog house placed in this, the dog will have a place that is off the concrete to sleep and with an old rug, the dog has a place to lay down without being directly on the concrete and it can be washed rather easily.

A good type of fence for your pet's safety and well being is a good old fashioned chain link fence. You can purchase it in many heights, but for the safety of your dog, I would go at least 8 feet if possible. Not only are you trying to keep your dog from escaping, but you should consider that other things may want to try to get in where your dog is. The fence can be placed around the parameter of the cement foundation if this is what you chose to use.

If you wanted to get fancier, you could do half in a wooden privacy fence and half in a chain link fence but this would likely be more for your sake or for appearance. You might have a neighbor's yard that you are setting this up near and you might want to keep the dog from always barking when the neighbors come outside.

And of course, don't forget the door. You will want easy access to the kennel for cleaning, feeding, and accessing your dog.

Many 'do it yourself' stores actually carry plans to make a nice kennel and house for your dog. Menard's, Lowe's, Home Depot...check them out! There is always a couple of people available to help with special region needs or any questions you might have.

Some great things to add once the parameter of the kennel is finished.

1. Rug or blanket to lay on. This is especially important if you built a concrete foundation. Laying on the cement for a long period of time can be hard on the dog's bones but with a soft item to lay on, this will make Fido more comfortable.
2. Dog House. This is essential. You might be gone and a storm could happen through. If you are spending the time and money for a kennel, obviously you care about your dog. Give the dog a safe place to go should bad weather approach. Sometimes a nice layer of straw, if the dog doesn't eat it, is a nice helper with insulation. The more insulated the dog house, the more comfortable the dog will be. If you add a flap to the door with durable material, this can help stop some of the wind, too.
3. Common sense. In extreme weather, very cold below zero and very hot with high humidity...please be kind and let your pet in the house or garage. The hardier breeds can withstand these temps but not for long. If you would not be comfortable out there...neither would the dog.
4. WATER! WATER! WATER! Please do not forget about this one essential need. In states that experience temps below freezing, there are some really nice set ups you can purchase where Fido will have a constant source of water. This is worth the investment. Having a continuous wanter feed is also beneficial in warmer states, too. The bowl can be tipped over, played with if Fido got bored...all kinds of things. At least if there is a water set up that is attached to the side of the kennel, there will be a source of water that is constant for the dog.
5. A chew toy that is not dangerous to the dog. If Fido is going to be kept in the kennel for a couple of hours during the day, please give him something to chew on. This can help alleviate boredom.

There are some great websites if you just do a search for "dog kennel". I did this and found the ones listed here.

http://doghouseplans.com/

http://www.all-about-dog-houses.com/docs/free-dog-house-plans.htm

http://lowchensaustralia.com/diy/doghouse.htm

Also, check out your local DIY (do it yourself) stores.