Dog Kennel Guide

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.

Everyone knows that dogs need walking.  Their age, size and breed will determine how much walking they need but all dogs will need to be taken out at least once per day (unless they are ill or extremely elderly).  Of course for many people part of the attraction of owning a dog is to take it on lovely long walks in the countryside but in the modern age of everyone in a family working, often long hours, it is not always practical or possible to do this.  If you are someone who finds it hard to fit in dog walks on the days that they work then you should consider paying someone for their dog walking services.

Leaving your pet in his dog kennel all day is not just boring for him, it is also unkind.  Dogs like to run around and sniff at new and interesting discoveries.  If you leave him in the same place all day he is likely to develop behaviour problems and to become unhappy.  Even an outdoor dog kennel, which gives him access to outside space will soon become tiresome for him if he doesn’t get to go out as well.  Luckily there are many people up and down the country who are advertising their dog walking services.

Look on the internet or in the local papers for people advertising as dog walkers and then ask for references from some other people who are using them.  These people will come to your home as many times in a day as you would like, collect your dog and take him out for a walk for however long you have specified.  Often they will have more than one dog to walk and so your pet will be getting some social interaction and company as well as some much needed exercise.

You will need to make sure that they have specific instructions such as whether he can be let off the lead, any fears he may have and whether he should be returned to the house or his dog kennel.  It is also very important that they know whether he is disturbed by other dog or children as you won’t want them to get him into a situation where he ends up in trouble.

You may also find that someone advertising dog walking services is also willing to do some pet sitting for you if you need to go away for a night or maybe even longer.

Buying a new puppy is an exciting time for a family.  They are cute, cuddly and lots of fun.  However, as part of all the fun and games you need to make sure that you start to train your puppy from the moment you bring him home.  Jumping up, getting under your feet and chewing your slippers may seem sweet when he’s tiny.  It’ll be less amusing once visitors are being knocked down by a full grown dog and all your soft furnishings are in tatters.  Start as you mean to go on as it’s much harder to break bad habits once your dog has got set in his ways.

First ensure that you have all the equipment needed to train your dog.  A dog kennel, collar and lead, lots of toys and a dog play pen.

A kennel will become his own little dog house where he will feel relaxed and happy.  Kennel training starts by putting a comfortable bed and some nice toys inside and encouraging him to go in for gradually longer periods.  Once he is happy in there then you can use his outdoor dog kennel as a place to put him when you have visitors nervous of dogs or you want some space to get jobs done.

A dog play pen can be used in the early days to allow a puppy to be in the same room as the family without being able to get into mischief.  He will be able to run around and play and have a good look at what is going on without being able to destroy anything.

Another useful feature is that by putting their dog kennel inside it you will also be helping to house train them.  This is because dogs don’t like to soil an area that they consider to be their den and so they will hold on until you take them outside to do their business.   Just make sure that you take them outside regularly or otherwise you are setting yourself up for little accidents.

A final use of a dog play pen is to take it out into the garden so that it acts like a dog run.  The pens are usually lightweight and easy to fold up, making moving it from place to place an easy job.  Your puppy will be able to experience the outdoors, before he’s even had his jabs, without risk of escaping the garden.  He will love all the new smells and sounds and everything won’t seem so strange when you take him on his first walk.

Though there are hundreds of different styles of dog kennel on the market they can generally be subdivided into 3 main construction types: plastic, metal and wood.  For many people the only types that they would ever consider are traditional wooden dog kennels.

A wooden kennel is aesthetically pleasing and blends in much better with a garden surrounding than, say, a metal dog cage.  Also, as long as they are made from wood from a sustainable source, they are much more environmentally friendly.  There are several important features of an outdoor dog kennel that wooden dog kennels fulfil admirably.  One is that a dog who has to sleep in it during winter weather or overnight is kept nice and warm.  Wood is a very warm material and, with good insulation felt fixed to all internal surfaces, will keep the kennel well insulated against the cold.  Another feature is that it must be hardwearing, both to withstand being exposed to the elements and to endure the not so gentle attention of its occupant.  Luckily if you buy a dog kennel made from good quality wood and make sure that you weatherproof it with wood stain or varnish every year then it should last easily as long as its resident.

Many people are very specific about the features that they want for their dog house and if you feel that you can’t find exactly what you would like either online or in a pet store then your best bet might be building a dog kennel yourself.  You may at first think that this would be too difficult, but if you make sure that you do some research first and then draw yourself a detailed plan then all but the most hapless ‘Do It Yourself’ enthusiasts should be able to build a very passable kennel.

You will need to make a decision as to whether you want a flat or pitched roof and how many rooms you will require.  Some people who like to pamper their dogs will have them living in nothing but luxury dog kennels with both a bedroom and living room and a heated pet bed to keep them warm when the temperature drops.

Of course wooden dog kennels, like all other types of kennel will need certain accessories to ensure that your dog it comfortable.  A large water bowl so that he always has a supply of fresh water and a comfortable bed to lie on are essential but a good selection of dog toys to keep him occupied will also be much appreciated.

For most people buying a new dog the decision to buy a dog kennel is relatively easy.  They only need decide on whether it will be made from plastic, metal or wood depending on their circumstances and then they have hundreds of choices both online or at their local pet store.  However, if you have a large dog then you will need a large dog kennel.   It is not nearly as easy to buy a dog house for a Great Dane, an Irish Wolfhound or a Newfoundland as it is for a Bassett or a Collie.

Of course these large dogs will require an outdoor dog kennel as no-one is going to design a lightweight plastic kennel for a very large dog.  It would probably get chewed to pieces in a matter of minutes!  Though there is not as much choice there are still plenty of large dog kennels out there for sale, though you should expect to pay a premium price as the quantity of timber required is reflected in the price.  Some people are willing to spend a small fortune on their large dogs and will buy them luxurious accommodation which can look more like a gazebo or summer house.

If you decide that rather than buy one you are more than capable of building a large dog kennel yourself then ensure that you make detailed plans first.  Think about where the kennel will be situated as though it’s possible to place small dog kennels almost anywhere, a large one could obstruct your view in certain places.  The minimum size for a kennel is a length that would allow your dog to lie stretched out, taller than head height and broad enough that he can turn a full circle.   Remember that once you have added insulation felt with wooden panels on top that the dog kennel will be made smaller inside.

Make sure that you use good quality timber as the structure will be exposed to the elements and will soon start to deteriorate if you use cheap wood.  Good quality wood also tends to be stronger and so will withstand the weight of a large dog barging around in it much better than its cheaper counterpart.

If you have more than one dog then you will of course need an extra large dog kennel, possibly with a dividing wall so that they can sleep separately.  Many people also build runs attached to the kennel to give their dog somewhere to exercise when they are not out on a walk.

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When you get your first dog you may be overwhelmed by the range of kennels available to house them.  You can get everything from portable kennels used to transport your dog or to use when travelling to whelping kennels for people who breed dogs.  However, by far the most popular style is the traditional outdoor dog kennel.

An outdoor kennel is nearly always constructed of wood and generally has either one or two rooms.  The number of rooms is usually dependent on how much of the day the dog spends in it.  For a dog who sleeps outside at night then an outdoor dog kennel with 2 rooms is preferable as then he can have a room which is not exposed to the elements to sleep in and another to rest and chew a toy or bone in during the day where he can see what is going on around him.  Sometimes galvanised metal cages are advertised as kennels though in reality they are somewhere between a kennel and a run.  They tend to be big enough to move around quite freely but don’t have the comfort factor of a nice confined kennel.

If your garden is not particularly secure or there are lots of lovely flower beds which could be destroyed then you might want to have a dog kennel and run formation so that he can exercise in safety.  The dog house should be put into one corner so that it doesn’t impede your dog from running the length of the run and should be under cover of shade so that he doesn’t overheat in warmer weather.

If you are going to leave your dog in an outdoor dog kennel for any length of time during the day or night then there are certain dog kennel accessories which you should buy.  The first is a good heavy water bowl which cannot be easily tipped up.  Regular drinks of fresh water are essential for the wellbeing of any animal and you wouldn’t want your dog to get thirsty.  Another thing that will be appreciated by your dog is a nice, comfortable bed to rest and sleep on.  If he spends the night in the kennel and you live in an area where the temperatures can drop quite low then you might consider a heated dog bed.

The last vital ingredient to make your pet love his dog kennel is a range of different toys.  Balls to chase, rubber toys to chew and a bit of old rope to carry around or play tug ‘o’ war with when you are home.

There are a variety of situations when you might need a dog kennel and they come in several types to suit their purpose.  The most common type is the traditional outdoor dog house, then there are indoor and portable dog kennels and, finally kennels for several dogs.

Outdoor dog kennel

These dog houses need to be weather resistant and able to withstand extremes of high and low temperatures.  They also need to be strong, both to endure daily rough use by your pet and to protect him from any animals that live in your vicinity which could cause him harm.  Most of these dog kennels are made from wood as it retains warmth in the winter and remains cool in the summer months.  Sometimes they have 2 rooms so that the dog has a completely isolated place to go and sometimes they are combined with a pen to make a dog kennel and run.

Indoor dog kennel

This type of dog house is often used when people want to isolate their dog in their home.  Sometimes this is because a dog is nervous or aggressive around strangers or because you want to keep them from under your feet.  Some dogs also just like a safe bolthole!  What you should always remember is that dog should never be shut in for more than 2 hours and, if you are shutting your dog in because of behavioural problems then you should seek proper help instead of locking him away.  These kennels are often made from plastic, as this makes them light, portable and easy to clean.

Portable dog kennel

For most dog owners, their pet is one of the family.  This means that when they go visiting or on holiday that they want to take him too.  However, some dogs have a tendency to roam in the car, giving the seats a nice, hairy cover!  Also, the person that you are visiting may not actually want a dog wandering round their home.  For these situations, a portable dog kennel solves the problem.  They are often in a cage like form, to give the dog good visibility or are constructed from fabric, so that they are easy to fold away.

Multiple dog kennels

This type of dog kennel is used by people who own several dogs.  They are always made for keeping outdoors and have panels to separate the dogs.  If the dogs get on then a wire panel is sufficient, but if they have a tendency to ‘argue’ then a solid wooden panel is the best option.

Dog owners love their pets and, most of the time, are happy to have them in the house with them.  However, there are times when a sheltered outdoor space for your pet can come in very useful.  You may have guests who are nervous of dogs, your dog might not like young children who are visiting or you may just have things to do and not want your beloved pet beneath your feet.  In these situations you need a dog kennel.

If your dog has to stay outside for a period of time then you will want to ensure that he is safe and comfortable, protected from the elements.  This way he is much less likely to get stressed and start howling and making a fuss about being left outside.

Luckily for us, building dog kennels is not too difficult a procedure if you have the time and inclination.  First you need to decide on the style of dog kennel that you would like.  Will it have one room or two?  Will the roof be pitched or sloping?  Will it just be a kennel or a dog kennel and run? Then you need to ensure that your dog house is an adequate size by carefully measuring your pet.  In height it will need to be high enough for Rover to sit up straight and it will need to be long enough for him to lie down with his paws stretched out in front and behind.  The width should be gauged by seeing how much space is taken up when your dog is lying on his side.  Dog houses need to be large enough to be comfortable and by considering all these measurements you will make sure that it is.  Make sure that the entrance to the kennel is not too large as you don’t want to lose heat from it, shoulder height is about right.

The next part of the procedure is to gather together supplies that you will need: a tape measure, saw, nails, roofing felt and, of course, wood!  Remember that an outdoor dog kennel is constantly in the weather and so needs to be able to withstand heat, cold and rain.  It is therefore important that you use a good quality, treated wood. Shiplap is a popular option.

The final stage of your dog kennel build is the construction.  First build a frame and fix it to your base, then add the side and back panels and the front entrance.  It is a good idea to have a hinged roof so that it can be opened for easy cleaning.  Cover it with bituminous felt or some other covering that will be rain proof.

When you have decided to acquire a new dog you then need to consider all the different aspects of dog care that will make your new pet come to love his new home.  One thing that is recommended by all dog behaviour experts is to have a dog kennel.  This is because dogs need to have a place that they consider a safe haven to go to if they are ever feeling anxious, stressed or just tired.  By having this little bolt hole you will help to prevent any unwanted behaviour, such as barking, jumping up or shows of aggression.

Where possible it is best to start dog training when your dog is still a puppy.  This way he has never known anything other than his kennel.    You need to make the training as low key as possible.  It is probably best to start the training in the evening, as your dog will be tired and, hopefully, quite relaxed (it is no good trying to get him to try the house when all he wants to do is run around!)  Start by putting the dog home into the room with your pet and putting some items that you know he enjoys, such as a favourite toy or a bone, or even an item of your clothing so that it smells of you, into it.  Leave the dog alone and hopefully he will venture into it and realise that it is a nice, peaceful place to be.  You can then encourage him to go there whenever he wants to rest or sleep.

Dog kennels should then be used for various occasions so that your pet does not think that it is only for ‘going in the car’ or ‘when nervous guests arrive’.  Otherwise you may have trouble getting him in at other times.

If your dog shows no signs of wanting to investigate his new dog kennel then you need to be firm and insist that he enters.  Leave him there only for a couple of minutes on the first occasion and then gradually begin to increase this, giving him praise for trying it out.

It is important that you make the dog training fun and enjoyable and never use it as a form of punishment.  If you shut your dog up in his crate for a misdemeanour then he will come to associate it with bad things.

Once your dog is completely comfortable with his new home you can move him to an outdoor dog kennel or a portable kennel with a minimum of fuss.