Choosing dog kennels can seem like an intimidating endeavor. Living outside without a safe, weather proofed, spacious living area is not only dangerous it can be downright miserable for your dog. With a dog secured in a dog kennel, you can be certain that he won't get into something he shouldn't, run away, encounter other stray dogs that might jump your fence, or get hurt looking for trouble in any other way.
When choosing dog kennels, the dog should be able to move about freely and have plenty of room for sleeping, eating, and eliminating - all in areas away from each other. Generally, outdoor kennels are made of chain link fencing. These can be simple to install yourself. Most places that sell these kennels can answer any questions you may have about installation.
Some very important questions you'll need to ask are: What size will my dog be when he's fully grown? How many dogs will I be housing in the kennel? Do I need a portable or a more permanent structure? What size should the holes be in the wire (smaller dogs will need smaller sized holes)? What will the kennel be set up on – grass, concrete, etc? It might be wise to check with breeders or other owners who use an outdoor dog kennel to get some ideas on the proper size and for making your kennel escape proof.
If you do not have the time to build the kennel yourself, check with local builders who could build one for you. But make sure that you do your homework before hand to make sure that you get the kennel that your dog truly needs. An alternative to custom kennels is choosing dog kennels that are modular. These kennels are pre-made to specific standards. The sections will need to be assembled to form the kennel size you need for your dog.
Dogs need fresh water all the time so you will need to decide how you will deliver the water to the kennel. Will you be able to regularly refresh the water bowl throughout the day or will you need to purchase a system that delivers fresh water when the bowl starts to empty? When choosing dog kennels, you also need to think about security. You do not want people, especially kids, to be able to let your dog out without your knowledge. A dog kennel with a latching and locking door is an excellent choice.
Outdoor kennels also should be fitted with both at least a partial roof and somewhere for your dog to get out of the elements. A roof over the kennel can prevent the dog from climbing or jumping the fence and roaming free. Also a partial solid roof or tarp will provide shade during the heat of the day. A dog house with a flap over the door will provide an escape from rain, wind and snow. During cold weather, you may need to add blankets or other sleeping material to the dog house for insulation from the cold. Outdoor kennels should always include toys to relieve boredom.
Choosing dog kennels can seem like an involved task, but a properly outfitted kennel is a great way to give your dog a secure way to enjoy the outdoors.
