How to Set up a Dog Run Cable Part 1

A dog running in a meadow.
  • 48 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 150-200
What You'll Need
Tree
A stable concrete or wooden post (if you dont have a tree)
Rope clamps
Stoppers
Expandable leash
Lead rope
Pulley
Level
Shovel
Concrete mix
Thick wooden plank or log (you will use as a post)
Water
Tape measure
Rocks
Turnbuckle
Strong cable
Eye hooks
Turnbuckle
Leash
Wire rope clips
What You'll Need
Tree
A stable concrete or wooden post (if you dont have a tree)
Rope clamps
Stoppers
Expandable leash
Lead rope
Pulley
Level
Shovel
Concrete mix
Thick wooden plank or log (you will use as a post)
Water
Tape measure
Rocks
Turnbuckle
Strong cable
Eye hooks
Turnbuckle
Leash
Wire rope clips

You can install a dog run cable in your yard to help train your dog. A dog run cable looks similar to a clothesline and allows your dog to run up and down the length of line. This is one of the easiest and best methods for securing your dog if you find it hard to put your dog inside your home or if the dog doesn’t feel like going into its dog house. A dog run cable can help make the dog feel secure, yet at the same time, allow your pet the ability to roam around its place.

Step 1 - Look for a Spot

The first thing you need to do is to look for the perfect spot for your dog. The ideal spot is one where you can install two stable posts and run a cable in between. These posts could be a tree, a stable wooden or concrete post. Anything that is strong enough to handle the strength of your dog. If your dog is big, you will have to use a thicker cable. If you don’t have any trees or any stable fence posts in your yard, you will have to make your own.

Step 2 - Dig Post Holes

After choosing a spot, use the post hole diggers to dig the holes for any posts that need to be installed.

Step 3 - Stand Posts Upright

Get crushed rock from your local garden store. If you have some large rocks in your backyard, you can also use those. Purchase 2 posts, or one if you have a tree properly positioned in your yard to be the second post. Get your tape measure and check to ensure that the hole is at least 1 1/2 to 2 feet deep. Put the wooden post in the center of the hole and add rocks around it to hold the post upright.

Step 3 - Mix Concrete

Follow the directions on the bag of concrete mix for mixing. You can mix the concrete in a wheel barrow or large bucket. When mixing the concrete, add water gradually (and not too much at a time). This will make working with the concrete mix easier and also result in a stronger mixture. Be sure to add sand in appropriate levels as well (if you are using ordinary concrete and not a quick set concrete mixture).

Step 4 - Pour Concrete

Once you are done, get your concrete mix and pour it into the hole. When pouring the concrete, try to make sure that the post remains as straight and upright as possible. You can use the level to help make sure the post is plumb. You may want to put some large rocks or other large objects around the post to keep straight while the concrete dries. The concrete will need to fully cure and dry before you continue; so, give the concrete about 24 to 48 hours to harden and set properly. Check out part 2 in this series here. It details how you insert the cable to complete your dog run.