Dog Kennel Guide

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.

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.

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.

Just like humans all dogs need a bed.  They may appear comfortable enough lying on the floor but for a good quality sleep, a cosy bed is required.  Luckily enough there are hundreds of different beds out there to suit every size and shape of dog, from a huge Wolf Hound to a tiny Chihuahua.  However, some owners want more than just a place for their dogs to lie.  They want a statement.  Something which tells people about their dog and, if the dog is a female, then this will often be a pink dog bed.  There is a huge range of pink beds on the market and here we will discuss the different types and their advantages.

If your dog sleeps in a dog kennel then the bed may simply be a cushion.  To really make the kennel stand out a fluffy, electric pink cushion is your best option.  People will be able to see it in the doorway and it will give your dog’s home a luxurious feel.  However, if your dog sleeps in one of the rooms in your house or an open dog pen then something more substantial will be required.  Because the whole of the bed will be visible you will want to look at some really fancy dog beds and often the best place to look is an auction site on the internet.

Here you will find pink dog beds made from all different sorts of fabric and often you can select a bed with one colour on the outside and a different one for the inside.  Sometimes you will even be able to have the bed personalised with your dog’s name.  Another great thing about these sites is that often you can buy other matching items to create a whole ‘look’ for your pet.  You may want a bowl, collar and lead or even a dog carrier in the same fabric and style.

One thing that you do have to be aware of with these cute dog beds is that they are not always totally practical. Think carefully about which fabric will best suit your pet as a dog who moults a lot or often gets muddy would probably be best with an easy wash fabric.   If she spends a lot of time out in the wet or jumping in rivers then a waterproof or plastic bed will be the most sensible idea, but don’t worry that you won’t be able to find cool dog beds like this as they also come in a range of pinks!

So, if you want to make your little pooch feel like a special girl then look for a really luxurious pink dog bed for her to curl up in and enjoy a good night’s sleep.

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Though dogs love to play, run around and explore, they also spend a fair amount of their day either asleep or dozing.  If you want your dog’s sleep to be of good quality, which will help to ensure that he remains healthy, then you need to choose carefully when you buy his bed.  Though there are many different types and styles of bed available to buy for dogs, here we are going to discuss the features and advantages of a waterproof dog bed.

Waterproof dog beds have a high quality filling which doesn’t squash and go flat over time, covered with a waterproof polyester fabric.  This fabric can be cleaned by either hosing it down or simply wiping it with a damp cloth and is quite tough, making it difficult (but not actually impossible) for a dog to chew holes in it.

There are several reasons why you might want to buy this sort of bed.  Firstly, it makes an excellent outdoor dog bed for those whose pets spend lots of time in a dog pen.  Their very nature means that it doesn’t matter if there is a rain shower which has not been forecast as they will not be ruined by water, where other beds would become soggy and unusable.  Secondly, if you have a dog who spends as little time as possible in his dog kennel and instead uses his time jumping in rivers or rolling in muddy puddles then you will want a waterproof dog bed.  It won’t matter if he goes straight from a muddy puddle into his bed, you can just wipe the mud off with a cloth.

These beds are becoming so popular that you can now get loads of different varieties from a designer dog bed for a pampered pooch in fancy colours or patterns to an enormous bed that will perfectly suit the large dog kennel of a bulky wolf hound.  You can buy flat beds, which are basically just a cushion, or a basket style bed which helps to keep in the heat and keep a damp doggy warm and toasty.

Though a waterproof dog bed actually needs no additions, some people choose to buy the optional extra of a fleecy cover.  These covers will give extra warmth in particularly cold conditions or for dogs with fine coats and can be easily put into the washing machine if they get a bit dirty or muddy.  As fleece fabric is very quick drying there is no risk of your dog catching a chill.

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.

Dogs, just like their owners, enjoy nothing more than a good night’s sleep in a comfy bed.  The bed could be in a basket in the kitchen, outside in a dog kennel or in the corner of your bedroom, it doesn’t matter to them as long as it is cosy and comfortable.  Unfortunately as dogs become older they start to suffer from conditions such as arthritis and rheumatism, which means that good sleep becomes harder to come by.  Here we are going to discuss the benefits of a memory foam dog bed to help alleviate the problem of a poor night’s sleep.

Memory foam was initially invented by NASA to reduce the effects of impact onto seats during landings.  It was quickly realised that it had great potential within the medical industry to prevent bed sores in long stay patients as it evenly distributes weight.  It wasn’t long before it began to be utilised for all sorts of uses, including memory foam pet beds for people to use either in the home or within dog crates or kennels.

The foam is generally encased in a waterproof cover to help protect it and reduce the likelihood of the cushion starting to smell.  You can simply put a cushion into one of the many cheap plastic dog beds on the market or can buy an entire foam dog bed with integral cushion.  The covers are usually removable and machine washable helping to ensure that your lovely memory foam dog bed will give you many years of use.

Though memory foam dog beds are more expensive than traditional dog beds the benefits far outweigh the cost and, in the long run you may actually find that your vet’s bills are reduced because your beloved pet is not suffering as much.  It is not just that there will be less pressure on aching joints, it will also help reduce muscle strain and other sorts of pain.  The fabric covering is made to be especially hardwearing so that it can’t be chewed to bits by your dog and comes in a huge variety of colours and patterns so that it will fit in with the interior decoration of your home.

All in all a memory foam dog bed is an easy way to help an aging dog regain some of its youthful exuberance and get a good night’s sleep.  The foam helps with conditions such as rheumatism, arthritis and muscle and joint pains.

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.

You may be about to acquire a new dog or else your current dog’s bed might be getting a bit worn.  Either way you will be searching the internet and your local pet shops for a new dog basket.  You will need to start by measuring the length of your dog in a lying position so that you can decide which size to look for.  If you are getting a new puppy then you would probably be better off buying a small one now and looking at larger baskets for dogs only when he’s fully grown.

If your dog lives in a dog kennel then you will need to make sure that the basket is, as near as possible, the same size as the living space.  This will ensure that no space is lost in gaps around the edges.  If, however, you are more of a fan of dog crates for your dog while you are away from home then this will not be an issue as there will be plenty of space to put a lovely wicker dog basket in the corner.

Of course dog baskets come in different types:

Plastic – these are the most popular due to their ease of cleaning and sturdy nature.  You can put a cushion in them to make them comfortable and these can simply be put into the washing machine when they get dirty.

Wicker – this is the most traditional style and also the most aesthetically pleasing though have the disadvantages of being harder to clean and easier to chew!

Soft – made of fabric, these can be bought to fit in with your home decor and are particularly warm and cosy.  New, waterproof versions have recently become available which are ideal for dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors, splashing in puddles.

Baskets are not just great for your home, if you travel elsewhere or put your dog into doggie day care during the day then they can have a little piece of home with them which will help them to feel more comfortable.

The final type, which most people don’t think of, is a bicycle dog basket.  These are ideal for smaller dogs who simply cannot keep up when you go out for a bike ride.  They enable them to ride safely on the front of your bike, enjoying the view and the outdoors.  These baskets are easy to fit and to remove when not in use.

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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.

Large dog breeds are becoming increasingly popular to have as pets.  They are known to be more even tempered than small dogs and are generally fantastic with children.  The only difficulty is that every dog accessory that you buy needs to be similarly sized, from large dog crates to collars which will fit round a wide neck and enormous dog beds which could happily hold a child!  And unfortunately the large size often leads to a large price tag so you will need to shop around comparing prices on the internet and in your local pet shops.  Though do remember that though the internet might be cheaper, when looking for specialist products such as these you might be best off being able to look at the actual thing to determine whether it is really big enough for your dog.

Luckily, buying a large dog kennel isn’t as difficult as it once was, due to the increased demand.  The main limitation these days is actually the size of your outdoor space.  If you have plenty of room then you can install a dog kennel – though it might resemble a summer house!  This type are built from wood and can have one or two rooms, depending on whether your dog is to spend the night in it.  You can even buy luxury versions with a porch for the dog to lie on and windows from which he can enjoy the views!

If your dog comes in at night time and you are more interested in him getting some exercise during the day without being able to use his large paws to dig up the geraniums then you might be better served by looking into large dog crates made from metal.  These are very strong and, if you buy one made from galvanised steel, will be resistant to weathering.  They have space for your dog to play and run but he won’t be able to escape the garden and terrorise the neighbours or get run over on a nearby road.  You can buy self build versions, which are astonishingly easy to construct yourself or, sturdier ready built types.  Most pet stores would recommend the modular ready built crates for large dogs as anything which isn’t particularly strong could easily be knocked to the ground by a big dog.

If you have an even bigger than usual breed of dog, such as a Great Dane, then you will probably need a more specialist provider to find yourself a good range of extra large dog crates.

Making the decision to get a dog is very exciting.  Which breed will you get?  Will it be a puppy or a rescue dog?  These are the first things that you will be thinking about.  However, there are other more practical issues that also need to be considered.  To make your dog as comfortable as possible there are a variety of accessories that you might like to buy.  A dog kennel will make your dog feel secure and safe, as if he is in a den, and water and food bowls are a must.  On top of this you will need a lead and some toys and, very importantly, you will need to do some research into plastic dog beds.

Your dog’s bed needs to be made of a tough, durable plastic which can withstand a bit of chewing and is resistant to taking on doggy odours.  If you live in a very hot area, or else have a dog who gets particularly overheated when he’s done some exercise then you might want to buy a bed which has air vents in it or one that is slightly raised off the ground to allow air flow around it.  Owners of plastic dog kennels might want to see if they can find a bit which has been specially made to fit within the kennel as this will prevent wasting any space.

If your dog is mostly kept outdoors then you probably have a nice, insulated dog kennel for him.  Plastic dog beds will add to the insulating properties because they will add another layer between your pet and the cold ground beneath the kennel.  The bed will also help to keep the interior of the kennel clean as it is easily taken out and washed down.

The fact that they are plastic ensures that these are also waterproof dog beds.  This means that if you dog lies in it while he is wet that the water won’t end up all over the floor and can easily be wiped up.  If you have a young dog who is prone to little accidents that you will also stop your floor from being covered in urine!

Plastic dog beds generally come with rubber feet, to stop them slipping, as standard and a range of custom fit cushions to choose from.  They come in a huge variety of colours so you can choose one that fits in well with your decor!

Nearly all dog owners will at some time or another want to transport their dog in their car.  Though it may be tempting to just place him on the back seat this is not a practical or safe solution and you would be much better off buying a dog car cage or a specially designed dog kennel.  You won’t even need to apply your brakes very hard to throw the poor animal across the vehicle and a large number of dogs are killed or injured this way every year.  An extra danger would also be if this application of the brakes threw the dog into the back of the driver causing an accident.  Also, a loose dog may just take it into his mind to climb into the front of the car distracting the driver and again potentially causing an accident.

Of course it is not just unsafe.  Dogs are not always the cleanest of animals and are likely to bring mud and dirt into your car, along with piles of shed hair, which would make your seats most undesirable for the next human occupant.  All these factors make it vital to buy some sort of dog carrier in which to transport your pet.

If you are someone who doesn’t use their car very often to transport their dog then a dog car crate is probably not necessary and you would be better off buying one of the many plastic dog kennels available on the market today.  These can be secured to the back seat by a seatbelt and will keep your dog safely in place for your journey.

If, however, your dog travels with you more than once a week then you should consider purchasing a dog car cage.  These cages are specially designed to fit into the back of the car and the newer designs have a sloping side to solve the problem of dog car cages which can’t fit into hatchback cars.  The cages have plastic trays on the bottom to catch any dirt and hair, reducing the need to vacuum out the vehicle, and often come with dividers which can be inserted if you want to transport more than one dog.

All types of dog car cage have a door opening on one side but some also have extra doors to allow access from the vehicle by lowering the back seats.  This may be useful if you need to reach your dog whilst still in transit or in emergency situations.

There are a large range of accessories available for your dog crate and some of the most useful are dog crate covers.  These covers are made from nylon which makes them hardwearing and waterproof.  As one of the great disadvantages of a chain link dog kennel is that it doesn’t stop wind, rain or sun from getting to your pet you will find that a dog cage cover helps to solve the problem.

The covers are very adaptable and allow you to roll up one, two or three of the side panels at any one time.  People who show their dogs find this a particularly useful feature as it allows their dog to be observed from all angles.  It also allows the dog to see out of the crate as much as possible.  Alternatively you can put all the panels down if you have a dog who barks at everything that he sees when you transport him in his cage.

One of the main aims of a dog kennel is to keep your dog warm in the winter and cool in the summer.  With this in mind it is possible to buy reversible dog crate covers which have one silver side.  By putting the silver on the outside you will be reflecting the sun away on hot days, keeping the interior cool and by putting it on the inside the heat will be kept in during the cold winter months.

When looking to buy one of these covers you should ensure that it has adequate ventilation for your pet, even when all sides are rolled down.  Some of them also come with pockets in which you can store things such as dog brushes and leads.

By adding a cover to your crate you also help to create the feeling of being in a den which is so important when trying to make your dog feel comfortable in a new place.  This way the walls help him feel secure and reduce anxiety.

If you have a large dog exercise pen then you will be unlikely to find a cover which will cover the whole pen but will instead be looking at dog crate covers which simply cover the roof.  They have ties at each corner for fixing the cover to the top of the pen and stopping it from simply blowing away.  These covers will keep off the worst of the rain or give shelter from the heat of the sun but won’t be much use in stormy conditions.

If you are searching the internet for dog crates then one name that you will encounter time and again is Vari Kennel by Petmate.  These crates are extremely durable being made from heavy duty plastic and so will last you and your pet a very long time.  This style of dog kennel has 3 main uses:

House Training

If you have a new puppy who is not yet house trained then vari kennels are a great option.  A dog will always try to keep the place where it sleeps and rests clean and so by making the kennel a fun place to be, by adding interesting toys, your puppy will want to spend time there but will try and hold on.  You do need to make sure that you take him outside regularly to allow him to go to the toilet somewhere suitable but he should gradually be able to go for longer and longer periods between going out.  The great thing about these kennels is that they are plastic and so very easy to clean and anti-bacterial and many versions have a gutter running round the edge of the floor so that if the puppy does happen to urinate he won’t have to sit in the wet.

Transporting

Most people need to put their dog in the car at some point or another.  Either to take him to the vets or a dog boarding kennels or when visiting friends and family.  A vari kennel is ideal for car travel as it has a handle on the top (up to medium sized kennels) for carrying it and a hole to pass a seat belt through which will make the journey much safer.  Strong wire mesh doors have easy opening latches for easy access to your pet.

Airline Travel

A petmate vari kennel is one of the few kennels which is airline approved.  This means that, unlike with many kennels, the kennel is allowed to transport dogs on a plane.  This is because it has plenty of ventilation so that the dog can breathe easily in the hold and special side bars which ensure that the kennel cannot lie flat against a wall reducing ventilation.  It is also possible to clip a water bowl to the door or floor in a deluxe vari kennel so there is no risk of your dog going thirsty on a long journey.   The final advantage is that they are one of the few kennels that vary in size from very small to large enough for a Doberman or Great Dane.

Many people would argue that dogs are made for walking and that the phrase ‘walkies’ brings about a huge amount of excitement and bouncing around.  However, for some dog walking isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.  It may be that your dog is old and arthritic and, though he still loves to be outdoors, he can’t walk any distance any more.  Or it may be that you have a smaller dog but often go for very long walks which he can’t manage with his little legs.  In these cases you would be well advised to look into buying a dog carrier.

Believe it or not there is actually a large and varied range of dog carriers on the market today.  Most people are well aware of the dog crates which are used when carrying a dog to the vets or a boarding kennel.  These are made from plastic with a grate at the front to stop the dog from getting out.  If you are proud of your green credentials then a cardboard eco-carrier made from mostly re-cycled materials will stop you panicking about the amount of plastic you are using.

If you have a particularly petite pet then a small dog carrier in the form of a hand bag is all you will need.  These specially designed bags have reinforced handles which are slightly longer than those on a normal handbag so that the dog can sit up and poke his head out.  The bag is also well ventilated so that your pet is able to breathe even if the bag is done up.

Modes of transport for babies have also been used as a model for various types of dog carrier.  It is possible to get a front pouch style carrier for dogs up to about 20lbs.  These have padded bottoms and a lead and collar fastener at the top to stop the dog from escaping.  They also have lots of useful pockets for the dog owner to stash his or her belongings.  The other type of carrier is in the form of a stroller only the seat is completely flat and padded with a mesh front to stop the dog from jumping out.

The final type of dog carrier to discuss is a collapsible carrier.  These are made from a light metal frame which has a nylon cover stretched over it.  These are incredibly light weight and fold down very small and so don’t take up much space.  This type of carrier is ideal for journeys in the car.

So, next time you think that you will have to leave your pet at home in his dog kennel while you go out for a walk, think again!

Amidst the excitement of thinking about the arrival of a new puppy you will also be considering the puppy accessories that you will need to buy to make his new life as comfortable and fun as possible.  One of the accessories that is thoroughly recommended by dog experts is a puppy play pen.  Here we will discuss the different types which you could buy and the benefits of owning one.

There are three main construction materials used for making puppy play pens: metal, plastic and fabric.  The type of puppy pen that you decide to buy will depend on what you will mainly be using it for.  Most people use them to help keep their newest family member confined to one place so that he can’t get himself into dangerous situations, say by chewing wires, or inadvertently destroy household objects.  By using a pen he can be in the same room as everyone else, feeling like a member of the family, without getting into mischief.

A lot of people also put a dog kennel into their puppy pens so that their pet has somewhere comfortable to go for all the naps that a young dog needs.  A kennel will also help with house training as a dog will not want to soil an area that it considers its own territory and so will try his best to wait until you take him out of the pen and kennel.  Make sure that you take him outside frequently and give him lots of praise for going to the toilet in the right place.

If you will be taking your puppy to visit lots of friends and relatives then your best option is a fabric puppy play pen, which will weigh very little and can be collapsed down to fit into a car or when it’s not in use.

A plastic dog pen will probably suit someone who doesn’t have a lot of space or who only intends their puppy to be in it for short periods of time, say when they leave the room.  They tend to be a lot smaller than metal pens and to have special carpet protecting corners.

A metal puppy play pen is likely to be larger and more sturdy and you can also use it as a room divider or door gate to keep the puppy in a certain area.  They are still very light and easy to move from room to room but take up more space.  The advantage of a metal pen is that as the puppy grows older you will be able to put it in the garden to make a run for his outdoor dog kennel.

If you have to be away from home for any length of time each day then one of your main considerations should be the comfort and happiness of your dog while you’re not there.  There are numerous things that you can do to keep him entertained, safe and exercised from employing a dog walker to investing in a dog exercise pen.  Here we will discuss the uses of a dog pen to stop boredom.

Dogs are energetic animals which need plenty of exercise each day.  If they are cooped up all the time then they will start to display unwanted behaviour such as whining and barking or damaging furniture and other belongings.

Dog exercise pens are large, generally metal, structures which safely keep your dog in one place while allowing him to run around and play.  They will also protect your garden from being dug up and save you from having to block every hole and gap in your fence.  If your dog is a bit of an escape artist then you may want to invest in a pen with a roof and many people also put a dog kennel within the pen so that their dog has somewhere comfortable to sleep or just relax.

You can train a dog to use one of these from a very young age and many people invest in a puppy exercise pen so that their dog becomes accustomed to playing in it right from day one.

There are several important dog accessories which you will need to add to your dog exercise pen to ensure that your dog enjoys his time there.  One is a large water bowl which can’t easily be knocked over.  This way he will always remain well hydrated even in hot weather.  The other is a range of dog toys.  These should include toys that can exercise his jaws, such as hard, chewy toys, toys for running around with, such as balls and interactive toys.

Do remember though that a dog exercise pen is not supposed to replace proper exercise such as a long daily walk. So if you find that you are working such long hours that you can’t take him out daily then you might want to employ a dog walker or alternatively look into doggie day care.  This way your dog won’t come to view his pen as a cage as he can look forward to going out for a walk.

When you first start to think about buying equipment for the time when your puppy is ready to come home you should seriously consider a dog pen.  Dog pens are versatile and extremely useful for a variety of reasons and you will still find use for it once your dog is fully grown.

When your puppy is young you will use it mainly as a dog play pen.  A place where your puppy can run, play and be part of the family.  You can move it to whichever room the family is in so that the puppy feels like he’s joining in while not actually having access to things which he could damage, such as wires.  The pens are made of very lightweight metal so that they are easy to move around without risking hurting your back.

Another use is for house training your puppy.  If you place a small dog kennel within the dog pen then your puppy will consider all this area to be his ‘patch’.  He will, therefore, do his best not to do his business in the pen or kennel.  You will need to take him outside very regularly and give him lots of praise whenever he goes to the toilet in an appropriate place.  Always make sure that he is taken out of his pen about half an hour after a meal or else you’re just asking for trouble!

Dog play pens can also be used in slightly different ways.  Some people use them as a gateway across a door opening so that the dog is kept within a certain room but has free access to the room itself.  Once your dog gets bigger the pens can double up as outdoor dog exercise pens.  This will allow your pet to enjoy the sounds and sights of the outdoors without risk of escaping or digging up the garden.  Of course, unless it is a galvanised dog run it will need bringing indoors during bad weather or overnight as otherwise it could rust.  The galvanising process helps to protect metal from corrosion and so if the metal has been treated then the pen is safe to leave outside in all weathers.

If your dog is to spend any length of time in his pen then it is best to keep a dog kennel in it.  This way he can escape bad weather and also has somewhere to go when he just wants to lie down and relax.