Dog Kennel Guide

If you are the owner of one of the many outsize dog breeds such as an Irish Wolf Hound or a Great Dane you may occasionally despair of the fact that it’s not always easy to find the dog accessories that you require for your pet.  Something as simple as a collar with a large diameter can take weeks of research to find and so something of an even more niche character such as large dog cages can be even harder to find.

They are hard to find because dog cages for big, powerful animals need extra design features that are not required for a standard cage.  For a start they need to have so much extra space to allow your dog the freedom to turn around, lie down at full stretch and stand up in comfort and this requires a lot more metal.  Secondly, that metal needs to be of a strong, reinforced nature as otherwise it runs the risk of being destroyed by any occupant who has the desire to chew on it or batter its sides.

However you don’t need to despair as, though it is more difficult to source this type of dog kennel it isn’t impossible by any means.  The best place to look is the internet as you can simply put in a search something along the lines of Extra Large Dog Cage and it will come up with a whole host of companies producing just what you are looking for.

Before you click ‘BUY’ make sure that you have measured your dog so you know exactly which size you need (the sites will often have a size guide to help you choose the correct one).  Also think carefully about which use you are going to put the cage to as there are a variety of different types.  Some people simply want a cage to put in the car to allow them to transport their dog safely from place to place, while others want one to put in the garden so that their dog has somewhere safe to be while they are out at work.  By and large these cages tend to be bigger as they need to be able to encompass a dog basket and some toys as well as the dog himself.

So, if you are a large dog breed owner don’t despair of ever finding yourself a large dog cage for your pet.  There are plenty out there if you search for them and many companies will even do free delivery.

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.

Are you thinking of buying your dog a new bed?  Well there are simply thousands to choose from in a variety of different designs.  You might want a durable, easy to wash plastic bed, a fancy fabric bed, a classy wicker basket or a waterproof bed for those dogs who have a tendency to jump into bed while still soggy from their latest dip in a stream.  However, one of the newer varieties of bed out there is called a Coolaroo Dog Bed.

These are basically raised dog beds where a steel frame, powder coated with zinc to give longevity, is covered with a tough, fabric top.  These beds are particularly useful in certain situations.  If your dog spends his day in a dog pen then there is a chance that he could start to get quite hot on a sunny day.  However, the breathable fabric of these beds ensures that your dog’s body heat can escape and that fresh air can easily circulate around him.  Of course, it’s not just the heat that you want to protect your dog from.  If the weather is very cold then a basket that is placed directly onto the cold ground will soon pass that chill onto your dog.  By being raised off the ground this ceases to be a problem.

Another great reason to buy a raised dog bed is if your dog is elderly or suffers from any kind of joint problems.  By having a bed that is off the ground your dog does not need to bend as much when lowering itself into bed and it is not such an effort to get up either.

One reason that Coolaroo dog beds are great dog accessories for any dog at all is that they are resistant to mildew and also, unlike traditional dog cushions, can’t be infested with mites or fleas.  The fabric is also very easy to keep clean by hosing down and dries very quickly in the fresh air.

These elevated dog beds are also particularly popular with dog owners who really like to pamper their pets. Often these dogs have a dog kennel the size of a summer house with loads of very human touches such as curtains and rugs.  Of course, these beds look a lot more like human beds than a basket and so fit in well with the general feel of the dog home.

A Coolaroo dog bed is also very easy to construct and quite cheap to buy in comparison to other types of dog basket.  They generally come with a warranty and spare covers are easy to get hold of.

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.