Outdoor Dog Kennel

The Safety of Using an Outdoor Dog Kennel 

Man’s best friend deserves the same comfort and convenience that the man does. Some dogs are outdoor types and others prefer the indoors. If your dog is an outdoor type than you are either constantly letting him out or walking him. Walking is good for both of you but there is a limit. So the alternative is an outdoor dog kennel. The same applies if you have more than one dog.

The outdoor kennel should be a safe haven for your dog and also for your neighbors. To start with, a kennel should be built with the size and energy of the dog in mind. A good start is the enclosure which should be high enough so that it does not make a convenient escape route for the dog. If you have a large (tall) dog than the enclosure should be at seven feet high, a smaller dog would not be able to negotiate a six foot enclosure.  The enclosure should be made of a sturdy chain link with links close enough to keep the dog from attempting to climb it.

Keep in mind that dogs are energetic and need to run and play. Some dogs are more energetic than others and the outdoor kennel should be designed so that the dog can exhaust that energy before it comes back indoors. As an example: if you have a Jack Russell Terrier than you need a kennel with a dog run to allow the dog a chance to run. Jack Russell Terriers need to run. If you have a larger dog with less energy than a smaller enclosure to make up the kennel is fine. Whichever outdoor dog kennel you decide to build or have built be sure it suits the dog.

Choosing the perfect spot for the kennel is often a problem. You do not want to have an outdoor kennel that will have the sun beating down in on it all day so, a place that is both sunny and shady throughout the day would be ideal. If such an area is not available then the kennel should have a partial awning or other shade device built on to it. An area such as a shed, built to the size of the dog, at one end of the enclosure would be best suited. If that cannot be done than a doggie door for access into the house should be arranged to give the dog an opportunity to escape weather that is too hot or too cold or inclement. If you choose not to have the dog in the house than a comfortable dog house within the kennel should be built The dog house within the kennel should have easy access for the dog to be able to run, rest or play in the kennel.

Some people like to use electric fences as a form of outdoor dog kennel to keep their dog from straying. These are fine to keep your dog in but other animals will gain access and your dog will not have a convenient escape route. The dog is perhaps the best security system a home and family can have. The more secure and happy a dog feels in its environment the more protective it will be toward that home and family. It is therefore, up to you to see that the dog’s environment is comfortable and secure. You will be amply rewarded.