Understanding The Basics Of Dog Kennels

Dog kennels are enclosed spaces which keep dogs safe. They can be simple or complicated in structure. The main uses of kennels are to house, train, and breed dogs.

Importance

• They keep the dogs safe
• Keeps them from putting the lives of others in dangers especially if the dog is aggressive.
• Choosing to tie up your dog can be dangerous since they could strangle themselves to death as they try to find a creative way to escape. Therefore it is important to keep your dogs in a kennel rather than chained up.
• Restricts the movement of your dog. This is important because it prevents your dog into getting into fights with other dogs hence getting injured, poisoned, or diseased.
• Kennels help dogs to have some free space for movement and fresh air.

Different Types Of Kennels

There are diverse kennels. They may be four-sided or circular. They may be chain link dog kennels surrounded by chain link or welded wire fence to keep the dogs from harming people.

1. Custom made dog kennels-are made to suit your needs. They can be any size and shape that you choose. Usually more expensive than ordinary kennels, but you are sure to be happy with them.
2. There are portable kennels. This is appropriate for those who like travelling with their pets. These are usually widely available in pet stores in most towns. If your dog is extra big. You might need to make a special order for it. They are usually easy to set up and pull down. They come with a screen for blocking the sun
3. Permanent kennels-are made from aluminium and metal posts holed into the ground. You can either have earthen or cement floors. They should be very strong since the dogs will be running, jumping and playing around in the kennels. These are the best type of outdoor dog kennel that you can buy.

How Big Should Your Kennel Be?

• The first step is to consider the size of your dog. A kennel should be big enough for your dog to comfortably stay in. The length of the kennel should be longer than wider. This is to help your dog exercise and keep fit. If your dog kennel is too small and cramped up, your dog will become resentful due to the stress. This will be made worse if you do not take the dog out for regular exercise. The best thing to do is to determine the length of your dog then make a kennel that is five times as big as your dog.
• The kennels should be big enough for your dog to be able to stand up, turn around, and sleep in.
• It should be big enough to house your dog. If your dog is still a puppy, you should buy a kennel in anticipation of how big he may grow up to be.

Also the number of dogs that are going to stay in the kennel is important. The more dogs, the bigger the kennel should be

Where To Locate Your Kennel

• The best place to locate your kennel is outdoors.
• Place the kennel in a place where it is out of the way of the regular household traffic, but near enough for the family to allow family members to interact with the dog.
• Choose a good place for the kennel to be situated. Preferably away from an open space. This is because weather elements such as the sun can affect the dog through heat stroke during the hot season. Get a windbreaker for the dog house during the cold season.
• Your dog kennels should be situated somewhere in your line of sight from your house. This is to enable you to keep an eye constantly on the dog, so that no harm befalls it
• Avoid keeping it along your fence if possible. This is to prevent disturbance to your neighbours.
• Keep the kennel in an area with good drainage to prevent water from accumulating in the kennel.

What To Look For When Buying A Good Kennel

Choose a kennel that is sturdy and firm.

• Think about how big your yard is or wherever else you intend to keep the kennel. If you have a good deal of space, then you can buy a big kennel, but if your space is limited, you will have to buy a smaller kennel.

Maintenance

You have to clean the kennel on a regular basis. Remember to get cleaning supplies and equipment for the kennel.

Tips

• The dog kennels should be warm and comfortable enough for your dog to stay in. it should be insulated let’s say by sawdust or wood carvings on the floor.

• If your kennel is situated outside throughout, it would be a good idea to have a dog house indoors. This is so that your dog can have the option of staying indoors some of the times during the day.

• The kennels should be able to protect your dog from natural elements such as the weather, other animals, and people.
• The kennel should be raised a few inches from the ground to prevent water seeping through into the kennel. Dogs like keeping their feet dry.

If you are not sure how to choose a kennel, you can take a friend or relative along with you to help you pick an appropriate kennel.