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How to build a Puppy Pen

If you'd like to make a puppy pen, here are all the directions.

Shopping List - You can get these items at Lowe's, Home Depot, Builder's Square, or any store like them.

• (10 or 11) 10' pvc pipes, either 3/4" or 1/2". Make sure it says "Schedule 40".
• (24) corners
• (40) crosses *
• (8) T's
• (8) caps
• pvc pipe cutter (much better than a hack saw!)
• tape measure
• felt-tip pen for marking the pipe before you cut it
• pvc glue (optional - I don't use it, in case I make a mistake and need to take something apart)
• rubber mallet

STEP 1: Cutting the pipe.
I cut an equal number of pipes 35" and 46 1/2" to make one of my pens; you can make yours any size you want. Remember the addition of the corners will add approx. 2" to the length and width of your pen. Let's say you're making yours just like mine, so it will be easier for me to tell you how to do it. For each layer, you will need two 35" pieces and two 46 1/2" pieces. You will also need to cut a number of little connection pieces, 1 1/4" long (this is for 3/4" pipe - I'm not sure if it would be the same for 1/2" pipe). These will be used to connect the fittings, where they appear to be connected to eachother, rather than to your long pipes. You will need eight to attach the leg caps to the legs, and then sixteen for each layer (except the top).

STEP 2: Make one layer at a time.
Put a cross at either end of a piece of pipe, making sure they will sit on the floor evenly. On the opposite side of the crosses, put the connection pieces, and then tap the corners on with your rubber mallet. It is very important to make all your connections snug. Put connection pieces on the bottoms of your crosses, and tap on your caps. Your first layer is done! Repeat the process (except the caps) and then attach the second layer to the top of the first layer by putting connections pieces in the top of the crosses on the first layer. This is the only slightly difficult part of the project because you might have to do some finageling to get it to fit perfectly. If you have cut your pipes the same size, tho, it will fit.

STEP 3: You are almost finished.
Keep doing this until you get to the top layer. You can make it as many layers as you need to, depending on the size of your puppies. When you get to the top, you will use Ts instead of crosses. The Ts will be pointing down, to connect with the tops of the crosses in the lower layer.

STEP 4: You're done!
Cover the bottom with newspaper and add puppies, food, water, a bed, and toys. They will love having all the space. If your pen gets dirty, just wipe it with a washcloth you've moistened and sprayed with Windex. You can also use a bleach solution, if you need to disinfect it. It will look like new again.