Dog Kennel Guide

Having cats and dogs and other types of domestic pets has been popular with people for thousands of years.  They are known to help you de-stress, are loyal and loving and, if you own a dog, can help to keep you fit.  However, it is only in recent years that they have really started to be considered as one of the family and many have now become little pampered pets whose every need is seen to and whose comfort is considered as highly as the rest of the family.

Spoiling their pets comes in different forms for each family.  For some it involves giving them fresh foodstuffs to eat rather than tinned or dry pet food while others buy clothes such as dog sweaters or dog jackets to keep their pets warm and dry in the winter months.  How you decide to treat your pet is entirely up to you and, luckily, as with all new trends there have been numerous establishments set up on the internet to satisfy your every desire.

By searching out a pampered pets shop you will be able to see all the accessories available to buy.  Often these are designer articles with price labels to match but you shouldn’t be put off as there are also plenty of bargains out there.  The ultimate in pampering for most people is a luxury dog kennel.  These tend to be very large with several rooms, windows, large beds and sometimes even a front porch on which the dog can lie and watch the sun set!  It is even possible to buy a doggie spa pool for next to his kennel where he can soak away the stresses and strains of his day.

For some people it is not just about pampering their pet when they are at home with them, they even want them to be looked after to the highest standards when they leave to go on vacation.  These owners consider a standard cat or dog boarding kennels to be too harsh for their pampered pet and so instead employ the services of a pampered pets hotel.  Though similar in many ways to a normal kennels or cattery the runs are much larger, the animals get a lot more individual human contact and there are regular treats given out during the day.  On top of this you can book extra pampering for your pet such as grooming and clipping, a dip in a hydrotherapy pool or extra individual play time with a member of staff.

So, if you consider your pet’s needs above your own then don’t worry, their every whim can be catered for by looking online.

Years ago giving your dog exercise was easy, you either opened your front door so that he could go out for a wander on his own or else you just went out for a walk with him, letting him roam as he wished.  However, with the huge increase in traffic in recent years it has simply become too dangerous, both for the dog and car drivers, to allow your dog out alone or even to let him walk with you but out of your control.  Not only that but if you let him out on his own he is likely to be reported as a stray and picked up to be taken to a dog kennel and then re-homed.  As well as the danger posed by traffic many non dog owners really dislike the idea of dogs who aren’t under the control of their owners as they feel that they pose a risk to their own safety.  Answers to this range from using harnesses to a small dog collar to keep your dog in check whilst out dog walking.

Of course there are dog collars available for all sizes and breeds of dogs but there are certain features of collars for small dogs which need to be considered if you own one of the tiny breeds such as a Terrier or a Chihuahua.

Firstly it is possible for even small dog collars to damage the neck and spine of a small dog if the owner pulls too hard and so the collar needs to be very fine and gentle.  Mostly they are made from nylon or leather as these materials are the least harsh.  The collars often have quick release, plastic fastenings so that if you do accidentally pull too hard the collar will simply come undone rather than cause harm.  Though some people bypass the use of collars altogether by buying puppy clothes with integral harnesses this is not actually necessary as long as you are careful about not pulling too hard on the leash.

One of the nice things is that even if they are very small it is still possible to buy stylish dog collars in tiny sizes.  They are often brightly coloured or have fancy patterns so that your little pet can look cool while out for a walk.

As you can see, buying a small dog collar will stop your dog from getting run over or from running off and getting lost.

In this day and age pets have become big business.  This is because people today tend to view them as an extension of their family and so they get many perks and treats that would never have been dreamt of in past years.  Animals are insured so that, should they become ill, the best health care can be provided.  Special diets are catered for by pet food suppliers so that everything from diabetic to aging animals are receiving only the best food that money can buy.

On top of this the number of pet accessories on the market is just staggering and stores can sell you anything from a luxury dog kennel to a dog life jacket for dogs that spend some of their time on a boat with their owners.   While some accessories are mere fripperies there are others which are extremely useful and one of these is a large dog harness.

If you own a breed of dog known for its large size, such as an Irish Wolfhound or a Great Dane then you may find that taking him or her for a walk can be a bit of a strain.  If your dog doesn’t have the manners to walk peacefully by your side then you probably get dragged along with the dog actually more in control than you are.  However, there is a solution to this problem.  Initially for little dogs such as terriers a small dog harness was designed to protect their backs and fragile neck bones however, someone then had the bright idea to try designing one for larger dogs.

Large dog harnesses give the control back to the owner because the straps fit over your dog’s chest putting you in a position where you can exert enough power to pull even a very large dog back.  This is because the weight of you pulling on the leash is spread over a much larger area of his body.

There are a variety of harnesses to choose from those which your dog stands over and then you lift it and clasp it over his back to a martingale style.  You can also choose between a leather or soft dog harness though leather is recommended for very large dogs as it is much stronger.  You can even get a dog harness for car which is designed to attach to the seat belt to keep your dog safely secured during journeys.

As you can see, a large dog harness is ideal for keeping control of a large dog when out for your daily walk.

Most people, until the buy their first dog, are blissfully unaware of the huge variety of collars available to buy for their dog.  Not only are there lots of different styles but there are also different materials from which they can be made.  No matter which type you choose you will want something a bit stylish and unusual to make your dog stand out from the crowd.

Designer dog collars are made specifically to be practical so that you can train, show or just go for a walk with your pet but also with design in mind.  When looking to buy a collar start by going to your high street pet store and looking in the dog accessories department.  This will give you an idea of the types of collars available and the range of prices for them.  Once you’ve done this go online and have a look at the choices available there too.

Though in the past people used chain slip collars for training which tightened on the dogs throat when they pulled both these and electronic dog collars, or no bark dog collars, have had a bad press in recent years and trainers have started to use head collars instead.  These look a bit like muzzles but are designed so that when a dog pulls, his head is pulled sideways making it uncomfortable for him and gradually discouraging him from pulling.

Because some smaller dogs can damage their necks or backs by their owner pulling on their lead many people have started to use harnesses instead.  These strap around the chest area and so spread out the force.  For winter weather it is even possible to buy dog sweaters with inbuilt harnesses that will keep your dog warm and safe.

Designer dog collars and leashes can come in pretty much any colour with a huge range of patterns.  Though nylon is very popular as it is relatively cheap and yet still strong the best material is actually leather as it is less likely to cause rubbing.  You can even get stylish Harley Davidson dog collars made from leather with metal studs all over them!

Clasps for the collars tend to be either a buckle or quick release fastenings.  If you have a strong dog or one who tends to pull then you will be better off with a buckle as quick release fastenings can undo if put under too much pressure.

As you can see, there is no need for your dog to be embarrassed to come out of his dog kennel to go for a walk.  Designer dog collars are easily available and needn’t cost you the earth.

As we all know, dogs come in all shapes and sizes and, depending on the breed have many different types of fur.  Some dogs have long, fine hair while others have short, wiry curls.  If you live somewhere in the world where the temperature drops for at least part of the year then you need to be aware that dogs with short or fine coats will almost certainly benefit from wearing dog sweaters and coats.

A dog sweater will act in exactly the same manner as a human one, holding in body heat and helping to keep core temperature up.  The severity of the cold and the degree to which your dog suffers from low temperatures will dictate the type of sweater required.  Large, chunky sweaters are great for extreme cold but will make your dog sweat unbearably should the temperature rise.  However, if it does get really cold then a sweater with a hood or pieces which cover the top part of the legs as well will ensure that your dog remains snug and warm.

These items of clothing are easily found in the dog accessories section of most pet stores but if you have an exceptionally outsized pet you may need to look on one of the many websites dedicated to dog clothing for particularly large dog sweaters.  Due to lower overheads these online stores can cater for more niche markets and so are more likely to be able to fulfil your needs.

Sweaters aren’t just useful for when you take your pet for a walk.  If your dog spends his nights in a dog kennel then the extra layer of warmth that they give is invaluable in preventing your dog from getting too cold in bed.  Another occasion where your pet might be exposed to the elements is if one of your hobbies is boating and you like to take him with you.  High winds can cut through a dog’s fur coat and really make him chilled but a sweater will prevent this.  However, you will need to make sure that his dog life jacket will still fit safely over the top of the sweater.

Just like the human versions, they can be made from wool, nylon or cotton and each type has its own benefits and disadvantages though the main decision tends to be based more on the style and look of the sweater than anything else.

So, if your dog gets cold easily due to his short coat or lack of body fat then a sweater is almost certainly the answer.  Little dogs are especially prone to the cold but there are plenty of small dog sweaters available to keep him toasty and warm.

We all know that dogs make fantastic pets.  They are faithful, devoted and loving companions who give years of pleasure to millions of owners throughout the world.  However, one thing they aren’t is particularly clean.  Unless they have very short fur then they tend to shed wherever they go and they carry bits of mud and dirt into your house or car or anywhere else they go.  There are all different dog accessories that can be bought to help deal with this problem and one solution, for your car at least, is to buy a dog hammock car seat cover.

A dog car hammock is a clever invention that prevents dirt and hair from getting onto your car floor and seats.  Basically it is a large piece of heavy duty, puncture proof fabric which has loops to hook over both the front and rear headrests, forming a hammock in between over the rear seats.  The fabric is water resistant so it won’t matter if your dog is a little damp after jumping into a puddle or stream.  It is also machine washable and so once there is a build up of dirt you can simply pop it in to wash.

A better quality dog car seat hammock will also have holes for seat belts to fit through so that you can still attach your dog to a seat belt to keep him safe in case of an accident.  If you are someone who likes to ensure their dog’s safety by putting him into a dog car cage in the boot then you can fit a dog hammock within the cage quite easily so that your boot space is protected from build ups of dirt.

The fabric of these covers is breathable so you can be sure that your dog won’t end up sweating away on the back seat, smelling your car out!

Though most hammocks advertised are for cars, you can also get dog bed hammocks which can be used in the house, a dog pen or even a dog kennel.  These are made from a low metal frame, which can be taken apart for ease of transportation, with a strong nylon top.  These are ideal when visiting as they take up very little space when taken apart and yet give your dog a far more comfortable place to sleep than simply lying on the floor.  They also keep him up out of the way of floor level drafts and stop the cold from the floor making him feel chilled.

With so many pets these days commanding almost equal standing in a family as everyone else there has been an explosion in the number of shops (both online and on the high street) providing services and products designed specifically for dogs.  The upper end of this market is mostly supplied by upmarket dog boutiques who sell ranges of designer dog clothing and accessories.

If you want to be able to buy an item for your dog which you know is of high quality, stylish and made from superior materials then a designer dog boutique should be the first place that you look.  These places have a huge variety of accessories and so take away all the hard work of researching different, good quality shops for different things.  They sell everything from designer dog jackets to plush beds and, if you become a loyal customer, will sometimes even source more unusual items especially for you.

Buying from a dog boutique will help to ensure that the accessory that you buy is comfortable, well made and, very importantly, chic.  By purchasing from them you will pretty much be getting everything that you look for in a good fashion or furniture shop when buying items for yourself.  You don’t even need to worry that your dog is too large for accessories sold in most pet stores as you can shop in a specialist big dog boutique who understand what owners of larger breeds such as Great Danes and Wolf Hounds need and want for their pets.

Items sold can be divided into several categories:

Furniture – This includes things such as a dog kennel and dog beds.

Clothing – Including practical day wear, evening wear and fancy dress outfits.

Feeding – Not only food and water bowls but feeding mats as well.

Toys – Not just your standard balls and chewy toys but more interactive and unusual toys also.

Walking Accessories – As well as your usual collars and leads you can get harnesses and dog carriers.

Grooming – Brushes, combs, clippers and all the shampoo and body wash you could want.

On top of this some boutiques also sell doggy treats, ID tags and spa treatments.

You may feel that you would prefer a shop that you can visit when buying some of these items but dog boutiques online have very good returns policies if you find that you don’t like something when it arrives or it doesn’t fit your pet.

One market that has expanded almost beyond recognition in the last ten to fifteen years is the market for dog accessories and clothing.  This is partly due to people having larger disposable incomes, which they enjoy spending on their loving, loyal friend. It is also partly due to the fact that most people in first world countries now have access to the internet and so can shop from the comfort of their armchair in stores located far away for their own position.  Though things such as a dog bed or dog kennel are favourite accessories, the most popular single item of clothing always has been and remains, dog jackets.

There are several different types of dog jacket available depending on your need:

Dog Coats – These are designed primarily to keep a dog warm on cold winter walks.  Though most dogs have nice, thick coats that will keep them warm in most situations there are also a lot of dogs with fine or very short fur designed for warmer climes than that in which they live.  Very young, elderly or unwell dogs will also suffer from the cold more than a mature, healthy dog does.  They are made from snug fabrics such as wool or fleece and can cover just the body or also include legs and a hood.

Dog Life Jacket – Though not something that you would instantly think of when contemplating dog jackets a life jacket is an essential piece of clothing if you ever take your dog on board a boat.  Dogs may swim very well but, like humans, if thrown overboard into cold, rough water are unlikely to survive for long without a swimming aid.

Raincoats – Differing from the traditional coat in that its main aim is to keep the dog dry, rather than warm, raincoats are very popular in countries with high rainfall.  Many dogs are not too keen on going for a well needed walk if they know that they are going to get drenched and soggy doggies tend to smell the house out on their return.  A waterproof coat, with or without a fleecy lining depending on the temperature, will protect most of your pet from getting wet.

No matter what your need there will be a variety of dog jackets suitable for your pet.  You needn’t even worry about size as you can get everything from very small to large dog coats and so it won’t be necessary to put your little dog into his dog carrier when you go out in cold weather or to get rid of your big dog’s bed after he has lain in it all wet and muddy.

One of the newest and most innovative areas in dog accessories to surface in recent years has been in the production of dog clothing.  Though it has long been possible to buy dog coats that will keep a dog with fine fur or low levels of body fat warm even in the coldest temperatures, there has recently been a surge in places where you can buy a huge variety of different types of clothes.  These range from quirky witches’ outfits for Halloween to an ever practical dog raincoat for those days when the sky seems to be permanently open and any trip outside is risking a drenching but you don’t want to leave your poor dog in his dog kennel.

Waterproof dog coats have many special design features to make them perfect for keeping your dog clean and dry even in the heaviest downpour.  When searching for a coat to buy for your dog the following are features that you should look for:

• Easy fastening buckles so that you can put on and take off the coat quickly and adjust the size to fit your dog exactly.
• Reflectors to ensure safety.  After all, if it’s raining then visibility is likely to be quite poor.
• Breathable fabric.  Though it’s quite possible to buy cheaper dog raincoats they are generally made from non-breathable fabric and so your dog will sweat and become uncomfortable.
• Taped seams.  If the seams aren’t taped then they will soon start to let in the water and render the coat useless.
• Easy care washing instructions.  The coat is likely to get muddy from splashing through puddles and so you want to be able to pop it into the washing machine to get it clean again.

During particularly cold weather you may find that you need more than just a dog raincoat for your pet.  Though the material will help keep your dog warm by keeping him dry and stopping the wind from getting through many people use fleece dog coats beneath them to add an extra layer of warmth.

As well as looking for the special features that make the dog raincoat a good one you will need to be very careful to check that the coat fits perfectly, with plenty of space for movement without letting it flap about.  Not all coats have a chest panel but this is essential if you want to protect your dog’s chest and abdomen.

There are a few situations where a dog raincoat wouldn’t be recommended.  One is if you are hiking over very rough ground where he is needing to climb and scramble as you wouldn’t want him to get caught and he needs to be able to move as freely as possible.  The other is if you are on board a boat.  Though it might be tempting to put one on him whenever you put on your slicker, in stormy weather you will need to be able to put his dog life jacket on as quickly as possible.

You may or may not be lucky enough to get your dog for free but either way the real expense starts from this point.  There are so many things that need to be bought to keep your dog happy and healthy and even if you search carefully for cheap dog accessories you will find yourself spending quite a lot of money.  Some things need to be bought immediately while others can be collected over time.

All dogs will need a water and food bowl, collar and lead and somewhere to sleep before they even step through your front door.  Many people will also choose to buy a dog kennel to give their pet the feeling of being in a nice, safe den.  Another essential is a dog comb or brush so that you can keep his coat clean and tangle free by brushing at least once per week.

Of course the type of things that you will need to buy will be somewhat dependent on the size of dog that you own.  If you have one of the tiny breeds then you will need some small dog accessories such as a harness, rather than a collar and lead, and a dog carrier for if you decide to go on walks that are too far for his little legs to carry him.

Big dogs also have their own needs.  Any dog pen that you decide to buy will need to be very large and strong enough to withstand a battering from him.  What with the pen and the large dog kennel that you will have, you had better have plenty of space in your back garden to fit it all.

As well as the essentials there are other items that many people buy their pets simply to give them a bit of luxury.  Dog clothes and accessories fall into this category as t-shirts, hats and skirts become increasingly popular purchases for dog owners.   Though of course there are also plenty of practical clothing items such as sweaters and raincoats which many see as essential.

Nearly all these items can be bought easily in your local pet store though if you want something slightly more unusual, or designer dog accessories, then you are far better off looking online.  Here you will find lots of little doggie boutiques selling all manner of cool and unusual things in a far wider range of colours, patterns and designs.

For many years the traditional way to keep control of a dog while out for a walk has been to use a collar and lead.  While this is still the most popular method of handling a dog, there is a relatively new piece of equipment used by many pet owners.  This is a dog harness.  If you are the owner of a small breed, such as a terrier, who generally uses a dog carrier so as not to put undue strain on the neck of your little pet then you will benefit particularly from a small dog harness.

In its most basic form a dog safety harness is two rings of fabric (a smaller one for round the neck and a larger one for around the torso) joined together by two more fabric bars.  The main advantage of this over a collar is that it stops all the pressure from being put onto your dog’s neck and spine by spreading it out but it also reduces the likelihood of choking and makes it more difficult for a dog to escape by slipping out.  They are also particularly useful for training and for controlling boisterous dogs so that you will no longer need to leave them in their dog kennel as you will be able to put more of your weight into pulling the dog back without throttling him.

Because of the increasing popularity of the small dog harness the producers of dog clothing now often put a reinforced button hole into the clothing so that a lead can be threaded through and attached to it.  Another option is to actually buy a dog harness vest.  These are prettily designed dog vests which also double as a harness when it is time for walkies.

Of course it is not just small dogs who use these harnesses.  A large dog harness is often worn to give owners more control of a particularly strong dog or by assistance dogs such as guide dogs.  These generally give the owner a handle to hold so that they have a more sensitive feel of their dog’s movement.

One final type of harness is for securing your dog within your car.  The harness is plugged into one of the seat belt sockets and has extra padding so that, in the case of an accident, your dog will be safe.

So, no matter what type of harness you need to buy, from a car harness to keep your dog safe to a small dog harness so that your little dog doesn’t get a squashed throat, you will be able to find just what you want.

One of the biggest areas of growth in dog accessories is dog clothing.  Some of this is due to more people buying practical dog wear such as jumpers or coats for cold weather or a dog life jacket if their dog spends lots of time on the water with them.  However, the main area of growth is in designer clothing with even puppy clothes being sold in ever greater quantities.

When looking into buying puppy dog clothes it is vital that you measure your dog accurately so that the outfit looks its best.  Make sure that you measure not just the length of his body but his body and neck girth and overall weight.  This way, when you look at puppy clothing websites you will be armed with the information necessary to decide upon which size you need.

The most popular items of puppy clothes are puppy coats, which come in a huge variety of fabrics, patterns and styles.  These are ideal if your dog has a very short coat, which makes it feel the cold, or if you live in a particularly cold area and they spend a lot of time in their dog kennel, as they help to keep in most of the body heat.  It is also possible to buy more unusual items such as pyjamas, T-shirts, hats and skirts.  There are also plenty of outfits designed for specific holidays or occasions such as Christmas, Halloween or weddings and a dog dressed in a cute, seasonal outfit will get lots of attention from everyone who sees him.

Though, by and large, most pet stores only sell jackets and jumpers for dogs, the internet has allowed the creation of many ‘dog boutiques’ selling unusual and designer dog clothing for dogs of all breeds and sizes and, if you search hard enough, you will be able to find pretty much any item of wear that your imagination can come up with.

Though you may be criticised for owning a pampered pooch, puppies’ clothes are a harmless bit of fun and your dog won’t mind wearing an outfit at all, as long as it fits comfortably and doesn’t restrict his movement.  However, do be warned that these outfits don’t come cheap and so you may want to only buy a few for very special occasions.

The final downside to buying puppy clothing is that puppies, like children, grow and so any outfit that you buy may well not fit him in a few months time.  If money is an issue then you might need to wait until he has reached full size as then there is no risk of an outfit only being worn a few times.

There are many people up and down the country who love nothing more than to spend all their free time on board a boat be it a canal boat, yacht or cruiser.  Large numbers of these people are also dog owners and many of them, rather than leave their dog at home in his dog kennel, have their pets accompany them on their boats.  Though most dogs can swim rough conditions, cold water and strong currents could put the dog at risk and very young or elderly dogs may struggle if they find themselves in the water.  A dog life jacket is a practical solution that will give its owner valuable time in which to rescue it should it fall into the water and will prevent the dog from tiring too quickly.

A dog life vest is one piece of dog clothing which is a necessity for those who are going to spend any length of time on the water with their pet and there are certain features that you should look out for.

Firstly, all good life jackets are made from high visibility fabric and contain some reflective strips so that a light would reflect off the surface if you were searching for a pet who had gone overboard at night.  Some dog life jackets have handles on the top for ease of removing the animal from water from the safety of the boat and others have a chin support so that a dog who has become tired from spending an extended time in the water doesn’t drown even whilst wearing his jacket.

It is not only dogs on board boats who sometimes have a need for a pet life jacket.  Some dogs are overly confident about jumping into bodies of water, often paying little heed to whether or not it is safe to do so.  If you have a dog like this then you may want him to wear one when you are near to a river or lake and, if you employ someone for their dog walking services then make sure that they always use it too.

Basically a dog life jacket will be required by all dogs who spend time on the water with their owner.  All it would take is a strong gust of wind, a slippery deck or a rough sea to send a beloved pet overboard and it may be that all there is between him surviving or not is his dog’s life jacket.

When you first hear the term ‘Dog Clothing’ you may think that it sounds like something dreamed up by a crazy person with too much time on their hands.  However once you start looking more closely at the ranges of apparel available you will realise that most of it is of a very practical nature.

Dogs are now kept as pets in many areas of the world where they did not evolve naturally.  On top of this, with modern breeding techniques, there are large numbers of dogs who don’t have the thick coats of dogs bred for particularly cold climates or else are clipped over certain parts of their body.  If this is the case for your dog then you may want to look into the kinds of clothing available to keep him warm.

It is all very well having an insulated dog kennel but, in severe winter temperatures, a dog sweater will give him an extra layer of protection.  Small dog clothing can look a lot like children’s wear but it has been specially designed so that it fits their longer bodies and has holes for all four legs.

As well as practical clothing items there are also clothes which help to keep your dog safe. For anyone who takes their dog on boat trips with them is a doggie life jacket.  Though it is well known that dogs are good swimmers, even they would struggle in rough waters or if they had to spend a long time in the water.  Another great item is a reflective jacket or bandana so that your dog can be seen by drivers on dark nights or in poor weather conditions.

If you work long hours and so put your dog into doggie day care or employ someone for their dog walking services then you may wish to provide a waterproof dog coat so that he will be able to join in with all walks, no matter what the weather.

Though most dog clothing and accessories are of a practical nature, to keep you dog warm and dry, designer dog clothing is becoming an every larger market with everything from diamond studded designer dog collars to cashmere sweaters available for the furriest member of the family.

You may think that large dog clothing will be the most difficult to acquire but there are plenty of companies out there who cater specifically for bigger dogs and so a bit of research on your part will soon come up with results.