OP, sorry uncle is behaving like such a jerk. The run you are building sounds great. If the yard is accessible to the dog, or any dog, you might consider using electric poultry netting around your run or a few strands of hot wire. That will deter any dogs that attempt to break in. And a whole list of other nasty critters as well, very easy to do and very effective. Good luck. Oh by the way, the Uncle really needs a few zaps of the hot wire too for his crummy attitude!