Thursday, April 30, 2009

Setting Up A Dog Kennel Fence Is Not Such A Bother Anymore

By Hilary Templeton

When you think of a building a dog kennel fence, the first thing to cross your mind is probably some chain-link fencing, posts that need to be erected in the ground, a hard foundation and other tidbits that go into making a fence. Advanced engineering, has now made building a fence for a dog kennel extremely simple and convenient.

Modular systems have caught the fancy of many dog owners as it comes in a prepacked condition. The wall and gate portions are easy to put together and you can install you dog house in minutes without wasting much time. Modular systems are quite economical and it would be wise to invest in one such system instead of trying to do it all yourself in the old fashioned way. Opting for a modular system can save on a lot of time and effort and the cost would almost amount to the same.

Do Some Research On The Internet

Spending a little time browsing through the various online resources on kennel fencing and pet associated websites will give you a fair idea about the types of fence systems available. If you already have some fencing available, you can even choose to pick up just the parts that you need to complete the existing fence, as modular systems are available in individual sections that can be purchased separately and fixed together. This way you get to save money and time and you can put up a fence that fits in well in your yard.

When it comes to dog kennel fences, pet-shop owner, Christopher Freville advises that one size definitely does not fit all. Look around for the right size that complements the size of your dog. This is extremely important when you are figuring out what type of a fencing you wish to put up as kennels can vary in dimensions based on the type and size of dogs and you have to select a fence that is of the appropriate size. It would help to note your dog's measurements and ensure that your pet has adequate space to walk or run around.

When you opt to use the modular system, you cannot only build a home for your pet in no time, but you also have the choice to modify it according to the needs of your dog. If your dog needs more space or if you get another dog which is bigger than the previous one, all you need to do is order in the fencing extensions required and conveniently remodel your fencing according to your needs and your dog's requirements.


Do You Need a Dog Kennel Fence?

By Andrew Bicknell

There’s nothing better then coming home from work only to find that your dog has gotten into yours or your neighbors trash and has scattered garbage up and down the street. Or even better is finding your favorite lawn chair or a pair of sandals all chewed up in the backyard. And there is no worse feeling then finding out your dog got out and either ran away or ran out into the street only to get hit by a car.

If you do not have a fenced yard or your dog easily escapes from your backyard then it may be time to install that dog kennel fence. Putting one together is not hard and will go along ways towards keeping your four legged friend safe. In fact if you have a big tree in your backyard you can build your dog kennel around it, giving your dog shade during the hot summer months.

Fencing for a dog kennel can be bought at any home improvement or pet store and is relatively inexpensive. When you take the plunge and start planning your dog kennel you will need to lay out the perimeter in your yard. Take measurements to figure out how much fence will be needed. Dog kennel fence comes in rolls starting at 50 feet up to 100 feet. You will also need to decide how high you want your kennel fence to be. If you have a small dog that doesn’t jump very high then a shorter fence will do. For bigger dogs 5 to 6 foot high fences are needed.

The other thing to think about when buying your material is how smart is your dog. There are dogs out there that can figure out how to climb a fence and get out of their yard or kennel. If this is something your dog has shown some ability to do you might consider a dog kennel fence with smaller holes or put a roof over the kennel. A dog kennel is of little use if your dog can easily get out.

The safety of your dog is the primary reason for building a dog kennel fence, but the peace of mind for you, his owner, knowing that he is safe when you are not home is also worth a lot.


Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Advantages and Factors in Choosing a Dog Kennel

By : James Hunt

One clear advantage in choosing a dog kennel to board your pet at whilst you are on holiday is that the staff are trained to find signs of illness that friends and neighbors are not. Some signs of illness are quite difficult to spot to the untrained eye. These include:

Of course, choosing a facility where staff members are knowledgeable of current dog health developments is important. Veterinarians are a good source of recommendations, and you can always contact the American Boarding Kennels Association to see if a pet care center is accredited with them.

Some tips in choosing your own dog kennel are...

Visit the prospective kennel. Is it clean, does it smell? Kennels should not smell, and they should not have any parasites, dirt, or a build up of feces. They should be disinfected regularly, preferably with professional disinfectants. This is particularly important as there have been outbreaks of an intestinal disease, called parvovirus, since the late 1970's. Vaccines are available, but the general dog population doesn't yet have an immunity to it. Sodium hypochloride bleaches at a concentration of 1:30 are effective in killing the virus, and a boarding facility should be using this type of cleaner during regular, routine cleaning procedures.

Some dog kennels have a policy where visitors are not allowed in the area where dogs are kept. This is generally in the best interests of the pets, as people can bring in diseases and bacteria because they don't follow the same stringent disinfecting that the staff are trained in. Another reason this practice is done is because some pets react in a fearful or aggressive way toward strangers. This can lead to a dog injuring themselves or developing intestinal problems. However, if a boarding facility has a 'no visitor' policy where the animals are kept, they should at least have a viewing window so dog owners can see where their dogs would be housed.

Phone a boarding kennel first to see if they can take your dog. They may be overbooked, or they may not be able to take more specialized cases, such as very young puppies, or dogs on particular medications or feeding schedules. If a facility can take a dog on a special diet, they may ask you to bring in a supply of the food for the duration of your dog's visit. These sort of details will generally be covered before the time comes to drop off your dog. It's a good idea to give the kennel your vet's name and phone number.


Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Dog Kennels and Their Know How

By Noah Schettini

Dog kennels are fenced-in enclosures that keep your pet safely contained. Dog kennels may be equipped with a dog house if desired.

A dog kennel is usually situated outdoors. It is ideally an enclosure that keeps your dog confined, secured, and safe. Dog kennels are commonly square or rectangular areas enclosed by a chain link fence, and they keep dogs away from people and people away from dogs.

When building dog kennels, the first consideration should be the size of your dog. Obviously, the bigger your dog, the bigger his kennel needs to be. You'd like a lockable kennel that confines your dog in a certain area, while at the same time preventing him from jumping over or digging under the fence. A low or poorly-built fence defeats the purpose of building a dog kennel in the first place.

Keep in mind that the kennel's doghouse should provide your dog with good protection from the elements. It should be able to keep your dog comfortable and safe no matter the weather. This can be done by heeding the following guidelines:

First of all the doghouse should be well-insulated. It should have a dry and warm floor. It is advisable to cover the floor with wood shavings, sawdust or blankets in order to keep out cold and dampness. Raise the kennel or doghouse a few inches off the ground on a foundation of bricks or boards. This will protect your dog from water or snow going into his house, as well as preventing any water seepage coming from the foundation.

* Locating the kennel near a shady tree will keep your dog from being overheated during the summer months. Heat stroke can be lethal to your dog, so make sure to also keep his water pan full at all times during the summer months.

* Provide a windbreaker during winter to shield or deflect wind from your pet's kennel. During extremely cold weather it is helpful to place a heat lamp in the dog house to keep your dog warm.

Make sure to situate your kennel in an area where there is good drainage. This will keep water from pooling in the kennel, and dogs generally prefer to keep their feet dry. Select an area where natural shade is available, and avoid putting your kennel near the property line to minimize any unforeseen disturbance to your neighbors. Make sure that your kennel can be easily viewed from your house so that you can monitor your pet's condition.

The kennel that you select for your dog should be the biggest dimension you have space for. Dog kennels should be longer than it is wide to promote more exercise and activity - dogs need to keep moving in order to keep happy. Cramped living arrangements may develop resentment in your dog, especially if you don't let him out every once in a while. Measure your dog and try to provide space with a least dimension of about five times his length. Space is especially important if you intend to put more than one dog in the kennel.


Monday, April 27, 2009

Dog Kennel Training

By : Razak Haruna


There is great controversy about dog kennel training. Many believe that cages, kennels and crates are today’s answer to quick convenient punishment. Although not as much controversy as there is about dog collars that choke a dog and give them electric shocks. Many dogs find comfort in their own place and some find quite strange places to call their own- the washing basket, the tumble drier, the bottom drawer...

When dog kennel training you must ensure that you do not put your dog in there when he has been bad as tempting as it may be. Also dogs can’t be in the kennel for more than four hours due to the fact that they will need to stretch and need to the toilet. Many dogs start to feel uncomfortable

after four hours and then they begin to get anxious.

Sometimes the kennel isn’t the god-send some think it is. A lot of people aren’t using kennels properly and therefore end up with more problems then they had started with.

You firstly need to identify the problem that you are using dog kennel training for, it is for housebreaking? Chewing? Making a mess? Once you have identified the problem you then need to utilize the cage to your advantage. All dogs should feel at home when they enter their cage. Food and water should always be available to them and comfortable bedding. For chewing problems chew toys should be available in the

kennel and no where else and if he is caught chewing show him his chew toy instead don’t shout at him. Housebreaking is a little bit harder. Most dogs will not do their business where they sleep. So once you notice your dog start to get

uncomfortable in his kennel take him out and let him do his business, once he has praise him and continue to repeat. Dog kennel training needs a lot of attention and probably aimed at dogs that are very stubborn and hard to train.

You may think caging up a dog is cruel but in truth its not, what happened to us when we were small? We were left in our cot or playpen to play, that is what you are doing to your dog, nothing cruel or inhumane just practical. Kennels are a little bit expensive to buy so make sure that you want to follow dog training kennels methods to the end before purchasing one.


Sunday, April 26, 2009

Dog Kennel Training Tips

By Juana Cruz

There are some talks concerning the safety of dog kennel training, and whether it's humane or not to make use of to punish our pets. Despite the fact that using kennels does not spark as much controversy as using dog collars, the fact is many dogs find comfort in the space which they can call their own, like the washing basket, the tumble drier, the bottom drawer.

So do you know how to effectively apply dog kennel training on your dog? are you interested in taking dog kennel training tips?are you going to apply dog kennel training as a way to train your dog? Read on for the following suggestions.

First you need to identify the reason why you want to use kennels to train and discipline him. Is there a problem he caused? Did he chew on on an unwanted again? Did he defecate in an appropriate place? Did he bark nonstop? Did he cause a mess? When you go to the root of everything it is now time to use the kennel to your advantage.

The kennel serves as your dog's den so you should provide him the things he needs and make him comfortable. You should make him feel welcome. Provide him with food, water and a bed. If your dog has chewing problems, provide him with chew toys. If you find him chewing on something else, distract him with his chew toy and you must not at all cost yell nor shout at your pet. Praise him and reward him with treats, that way he will realize that he should keep doing something right if he wants to be given treats. If you see him relieving himself in an appropriate place, on the other hand, observe when he's in the kennel for signs he shows before he defecates. Dogs don't defecate in their den. You should be aware of the common signs dogs show before defecating which include going around in circles, sniffing and scratching. If he shows these signs take him out and accompany him to the toilet area. Give him a reward if he relieves himself. Always reward him for him to realize the good consequence he will gain for displaying the right behavior. Dog kennel training needs you to pay attention to your dog often and is applied to stubborn dogs.

When you are training your dog using kennels do not keep him in that kennel for more than four hours. Why? Placing him there for such a long period of time will cause him to start feeling anxious. They need to stretch and move around, too. It goes without saying that he needs to defecate as well. While kennels can be of big help when when training a dog, they are not really a magic pill to your dog training program. They could lead to problems and lead your dog to display erratic behavior when they are not used the right way.

Some people consider dog kennel training to be inhumane, when in truth, kids experience the same thing in a way. They are placed in a playpen to play and have great time together. Dogs, when confined in a kennel, should be treated not like a prisoner but as a pet that needs proper training and effective disciplinary measures. Kennels are expensive, so make sure they will not go to waste by learning methods on how to train dogs using kennels first.


Saturday, April 25, 2009

The Benefits of Dog Kennel Training

By Andrew Bicknell

Dog kennel training is controversial in some circles. There are some people who believe that putting a dog in a kennel is type of punishment that no dog should have to endure. What many of these people may not realize is that most dogs need a safe a secure place to call there own. So instead of the closet corner, the bottom dresser drawer or a laundry basket full of clean clothes why not give them a place that is specifically theirs. As long as a dog kennel is used properly your dog will suffer little harm.

The first thing to understand is that when dog kennel training is to never use the kennel as a place you put your dog as a punishment if he has done something wrong. It may be tempting to do but you do not want your dog to become afraid of their kennel. It is also important not to leave your dog in a kennel for more then four hours at a time. Dogs, much like humans who work in a cube farm, need to get out in the fresh air, run around and take a potty break. Dogs will also begin to get anxious after about four hours cooped up in a kennel which will have the opposite affect of what you want to accomplish. The key to successfully kennel training your dog is doing it correctly.

There are many reasons to kennel train a dog. It is important to identify which behavior you are going to be kennel training your dog for. Does he need to be potty trained or is he chewing up things he shouldn't be? Once you the problem is known you can tailor the kennel training to fit your needs.

The idea is to make the kennel as homey as possible for your four legged friend. Make sure there is a warm comfortable pad or blanket to lay on and keep food and most importantly water available. You dogs kennel should be a place that he can go and feel safe and comfortable, this will make the training go much easier.

Let's look at two areas where dog kennel training works well; chewing and house-breaking.

You should keep chew toys available in your dogs kennel and no where else. If you catch him chewing something he shouldn't reprimand him firmly but do not yell at him. Show him his chew toy and put him in his kennel.

House-breaking can take a little more work, but using a kennel is a good way to break your dog of his house messing habits. If he claims his kennel as his refuge he will be like most all other dogs in that he won't go to the bathroom where he sleeps. When he is in his kennel keep an eye on him and when he starts to get restless let him out and take him outside to do his business. Praise him once he is done and repeat this process. He will soon learn that going to the bathroom is an outside activity.

Dog kennel training works well for stubborn or hard to train dogs. If used in the correct way it is a good way to train you dog to be a well behaved family friend.


Friday, April 24, 2009

5 Affordable Tips for Building an Outdoor Dog Kennel

By Jason Mann

Not all dogs are inside dogs. Some dog owners choose to let their pets live outside. Living outside without a safe, weather proofed, spacious living area is not only dangerous it can be down right miserable for your dog.

In this article we'll discuss five ways to build your own outdoor dog kennel without breaking the bank to provide your dog with an enjoyable, safe, weather proofed, outdoor living area.
We have a lot to cover so let's dive right in...

Tip #1: Semi-Homemade Dog Kennel
Many dog owners have found it more cost effective to build onto a smaller pre-made outdoor dog kennel.

Think of it like an addition to your dog's house.
If you plan it correctly starting out with a smaller kennel then adding on by building on to the kennel can save you money in the long run.

Tip #2: Use Alternate Materials
As far as I know you don't have to use chain link or steel to build an outdoor dog kennel.
Other alternative materials are PVC, wood, and chicken wire.

Use your creativity and look around professional kennels to get ideas for your own kennel system.

Tip #3: Pre-plan for Space and Growth
Giving your dog enough room to move around and get some exercise during the day is essential to a good outdoor dog kennel set up.

Pre-plan and pre-define how much space you want to use so you know how much material you will need to effectively cover that space.
The best set ups allow the dog 20-30 feet of running room and are 10-20 feet in width.

Tip #4: Use Nylon Panels to Create Walls
If you decide to use chain link fencing to build your kennel getting some nylon panels for walls and a roof is an affordable weather proofing solution.

Nylon panels can be washed, they are breathable, and they provide protection from the sun and block the wind better than an open chain link design.

Tip #5: Designing a Cost Effective Roof
You will find there as many options for putting a roof on your kennel as there are for what to build a kennel out of.

Three proven roof solutions that are both effective and affordable are:

a) Plywood
b) Tarp
c) Canvas

In the end your outdoor dog kennel set up should be able to withstand the elements, provide your dog a safe place to sleep (adding a dog house is a good idea), keep your dog safe from strangers and other animals, and unable to escape. We don't want our best friend to get hit by a car or some other accident


Thursday, April 23, 2009

Dog Kennel Air Purifier

By Debbe Davis

Managing a successful dog kennel means providing the best round-the-clock care for your canine clients. Your human clients judge the level of care their dog will receive in the first few moments after they step inside your door. Here are three reasons that using a dog kennel air purifier will help you provide excellent care for the dogs, and help you make a great and lasting first impression with their owners.

Removes Urine Smell

Urine smell is probably one of the most offensive odors associated with a dog kennel. Using an air purifier with a filter that is specifically designed to target and remove urine odor will keep your kennel smelling fresh by constantly removing lingering urine smell from the air. This gives you time to remove the cause of the odor, clean and disinfect the area without the odor ever becoming overpowering.

Keeps the Dogs Healthier

Because of the close proximity of the dogs to each other in a kennel, many infections are spread easily through airborne contaminants. Using a high efficiency particle arresting air purifier (which by definition means removing pollutants greater than .3 microns with 99.97% efficiency) means that airborne pollutants such as dog hair and dander, mold and mildew spores, and bacteria and viruses that attach themselves to these particulates are removed before they have time to spread in the kennel and cause a problem.

Makes Your Kennel a Nicer Place to Be

Filtering the air in your kennel of odor, and high concentrations of allergy and asthma triggering pollutants typically found in the kennel like dog hair and dog dander make it a nicer place for dog owners to be. Making the owners feel comfortable in the space where they are considering leaving their dog means they are more likely to trust that you will provide outstanding care that they want for their dog; and the freshness, and cleanliness of your air will put you miles ahead in terms of the care you provide.


Dog Kennel Plans

By Jason Gluckman

While for most people, owning dogs is fun, it also poses many adjustments and careful arrangements. The challenge is even greater for those living in cities and urban areas. Dogs must be kept out of neighbors’ lawns and off the streets. The solution is a well-though-out kennel unit.


Planning the Kennel

When building or buying a kennel, keep in mind several important considerations that will ensure your dogs’ comfort and promote sanitation through ease of cleaning. You must have a plan that clearly outlines factors such as size of the kennel; where you will place it: does the location allow outside runs and exercises; ventilation and drainage systems; strength and kind of building materials; among others.

Size is an important consideration especially when you are keeping big dogs. The cage must be tall enough to provide considerable ceiling clearance as well as wide enough to allow the dogs to the sit or lay comfortably.

Location is the next thing important thing to consider. It will dictate the success of your project. If your main reason for building a kennel is to prevent your dogs form bothering your neighbors with their barking and smell, you must choose a location farthest from them. Tip: normally, you would not keep more than one dog in a cage to prevent aggressive or playful fights that will cause injuries to the dogs as well as noise. The kennel must also be able to open to a yard where you can release your dogs for exercise.

Your kennel must also allow convenience in carrying out sanitation procedures. It must have proper drainage for waste water and animal wastes. Ventilation is very important especially in hot seasons. There must be sufficient airflow to cool the dogs. But in colder seasons, you must shelter your pets form the harsh winds.

When planning a kennel, always put both your pets’ comfort and your convenience foremost. Build the kennel with considerations you would keep in mind when building your own house.


A Backyard Dog Kennel - Your Dog's Safe Place

By Scott Jackson

A backyard dog kennel will keep your dog out of trouble while keeping trouble away from your dog. You will take comfort in knowing that your dog will not be wandering onto your neighbor's property and is safe from neighborhood dogs, animals or traffic. When keeping your dog in your backyard kennel, there are no worries about coming home to find that your dog has torn through your or your neighbor's trash, leaving a trail of garbage up and down the entire street. There is no need to worry about your dog running out in front of a moving car or attacking the mailman when the dog is secure in its kennel.

If you are a dog owner without a fenced in backyard you are usually faced with one of two choices. You either trust your dog enough to let them run free as you go on with your business or you chain them to a post or tree. I think it's safe to assume that most pet owners would be much more comfortable with the chain, especially if you live near a busy road or the woods. A backyard kennel can also be a fitting alternative. Your dog will not be restricted by a chain and can run freely within the kennel. A kennel is easy and relatively inexpensive to construct. Just find a decent spot in your yard. A spot that is sizable enough for your dog to run carefree. A playful, healthy, active four-legged friend is a happy dog. Also look for spots that provide plenty of shade for hot summer days. Many people will put their kennel around a large tree in their yard to give their dog a cool spot under the shade.

You can find fencing at any local home improvement or pet store. You will need to take proper measurements to know exactly how many feet of fence will be needed (usually anywhere from 50 feet to 100 feet) and how high the fence should be. If your dog is known to be a high jumper, you may want to avoid a short fence. A bigger dog will usually require a five or six foot high fence. You should also consider whether you own your home or you are renting. A homeowner may want to install a more permanent structure in their yard while someone renting their property may want a temporary kennel that is easy to dismantle and relocate.

More and more people are opting for a backyard dog kennel when it comes to providing their dog with a safe place, in essence, a home outside of home.


Wednesday, April 22, 2009

How To Build A Dog Kennel

By Jason Gluckman

Building your own kennel unit is probably better than buying a ready-built one. By constructing one on your own, you can easily incorporate the necessary specifications that your pets need. This is not to say that commercially-available units are not equipped to handle your dogs. But if you have the right skill and knack for building things, then all you need to do before you begin constructing is know some important tips.

Building a Dog Kennel

A dog kennel must be designed in a way that it follows the principles of convenience for you and comfort for your pets. These considerations will guide you through choosing the right construction materials and the layout and design of the kennels, and designing the ventilation and drainage systems.

With convenience in cleaning and maintaining the kennel in mind, you will be able to design the unit that will allow for ease in carrying out sanitation procedures. For example, you will choose steel wires instead of wood or plastic material for flooring. Steel is easier to clean and disinfect. It also does not splinter, causing injury to your pet.

Concrete may also be used for multi-tiered kennels. It is good, strong material that is also easy to clean. The only disadvantage is that insects and other parasites may live in the cracks that will form in time.

You can also customize the kennel to slope in an angle that allows better drainage. This way, you can just conveniently hose down dirt from the kennel compartments and not have to wipe or mop them clean. You can eliminate odor or keep it at minimum with more frequent disinfection.
With a customized kennel, you can choose any location that you want. Location is important in maintaining a kennel. Your dogs must not be in direct sight contact with people or moving objects to prevent them from barking and making noise that will disturb your neighbors.


Tuesday, April 21, 2009

4 Tips for Choosing a Dog Kennel

By Jason Mann

Today more than ever it is important to provide our canine companions with a safe living environment regardless of where we live. Many states and cities require dogs have proper housing both inside and out.

Neighborhood associations are jumping on this bandwagon and requiring that dog owners keep their dogs confined to their yards using outdoor kennels that are surrounding by fences.

Whatever your thoughts on the subject providing a nice kennel set up for your dog is a great way to give them a secure way to enjoy the outdoors or for keeping them out of trouble during the night in your home.

We have a lot to cover so lets jump right in shall we...

Tip #1: Location, Location, Location.

If you are planning to put the kennel outside you will require a different set up than if you want to set the kennel up in doors.

Indoor kennels are bit smaller and are made of either wire, chain link, or plastic.

Outdoor kennels are usually larger and are made of chain link fencing. Either way you need to know where you want to put the kennel before you decide on what kind of kennel you want to buy.

Tip #2: Size.

Kennels both indoor and outdoor should be big enough for the dog to move around in.

Outdoor kennels should offer plenty of room to move around in so the dog can move
from one side to another easily and have plenty of space for resting as well.

Indoor kennels will be a bit smaller but should still offer your dog plenty of room to move around in so they don't have to lay in their own mess or if the water spills they won't get soaked to the bone.

The final size of your kennel depends on how much room you have and how big our
dog is.

Tip #3: What is the kennel made of.

You will find dozens of different materials used in the creation of kennels but the more durable and tough the material the better.

Indoor kennels made from plastic are easily destroyed by some dog breeds. Wire kennels offer more freedom of sight and are stronger than their plastic counterparts
but some dogs can still escape from them.

For indoors wire, chain link, and plastic are options but I would suggest you go with a wire or chain link indoor kennel before you go plastic. However, if space
is an issue the plastic kennels are an option.

For outdoors chain link is the most popular choice. You can get custom kennels made by some companies the prices for those are quite a bit more than a regular
chain link kennel.

Tip #4: Comfort.

If you are going to put up an outside kennel be sure to provide a roof or some cover from the elements.

Putting an igloo dog house with a flap over the front will give your dog a nice place to seek shelter in bad weather and putting a top on the kennel will shield your pooch from the sun.

In the end, there is more to a dog kennel than some fencing and a dog. Put some thought into your set up to ensure your dog has a secure, happy, home to live in.


Monday, April 20, 2009

Choosing the Right Dog Kennel

By Susan Westingham

Choosing the right size and style dog kennel and run is important for the contentment of your dog. Unless your dog is going to be an indoor dog, you will most likely want to build or buy outdoor housing, a kennel, for your dog. Even if your dog is primarily an indoor dog, you may still want to have a kennel outdoors as there are times when you may want your dog outdoors such as when you have visitors who are allergic to dogs, or if you'll be away all day and don't want to leave your dog inside while you are gone.

Primary considerations when deciding on your dog kennel

The two main factors, when deciding on what type of dog kennel you need are:

• The size of your yard
• The size of your dog
The size of your yard: Obviously, if you do not have a large yard you wouldn't want the entire yard taken up by a dog kennel and run. However, if you do have a decent sized yard, and your dog will be primarily an outdoor dog, it is best to at least provide a good sized run for your dog. A dog that is cooped up all day may become very bored. Bored dogs tend to have behavioral problems such as incessant barking, digging, whining or other destructive behavior. I have seen a dog tear apart their wooden dog kennel piece by piece when left tied up too long. (It was a Golden Retriever and they are notorious chewers!)
The size of your dog: It goes without saying that a smaller dog does not need a gigantic run. In fact, oftentimes smaller dogs are indoor dogs and in that case you would only need to build or buy a kennel, there would be no real need for a run.

The Kennel and Run

The kennel is a house for your dog, where they can go in and find shelter from the weather (either the heat and sun, or the rain and cold) and safety and security. It should be large enough for your dog to turn around in, and to lay stretched out in comfortably. It should also be deep enough to provide shelter and safety. Ideally, it should be high enough for your dog to stand up in without him having to lower his head below his shoulders.

The kennel should be weather proof, and that any metal parts are rust proof.

A run is attached to a kennel, and not always weatherproofed, often there is no ceiling to the run. They are usually, made from heavy mesh attached to the kennel. The floor of the run can be cemented although it doesn't have to be. Of course, if your run is not cemented chances are that the ground will get muddy and the grass will die after some time. There's also the possibility of your dog digging out under the mesh perimeter too, if your dog is a good digger. Cement floors are easier to clean, but you may want to cover it with a sealant as normal paint can peel and look ugly after a while.

Whatever you decide for your dog, remember that a happily housed dog is a content dog and content dogs generally behave much better than bored, or uncomfortably housed dogs. Don't be afraid to invest well in your dog's kennel and run, as the investment will pay off.


Sunday, April 19, 2009

Building Outdoor Dog Kennel

By Simon Oldmann

If you want things done, do it yourself. This cliché can go out to dog lovers. They love their canines so much that dog kennels sold in pet stores are not good enough. Some dog-lovers opt to build their pets kennels themselves.

Maintaining a dog can be very expensive especially in your wallet. As a dog-owner, dog food cost is not the only concern. You need to have money allotted for vet bills, salon and shelter.

An outdoor dog kennel can keep your canine healthy and happy. You do not have to share your living space with your dog 24 hours a day and seven days a week. If you do, this will only mean cleaning up after your pet's muddy footprints.

You will also have to constantly monitor your flooring and your carpets. Check whether they have already been chewed on. If you and your dog keep on arguing because he keeps on messing up furniture that cost your fortune to get, just go for the dog kennel.

Buying an outdoor dog kennel is expensive. Building your own is only half of getting one at the pet store.

But ask yourself this: do you have previous carpentry work? It may let you save but ask yourself whether what you are building can benefit your dog in the first place. Will it be durable for him? Will he enjoy staying inside it?

Research on the building supplies you will need. Ask around for referrals. Go to people you trust the most. A majority of the expenses from building an outdoor dog kennel yourself is the materials. You have to calculate - get materials that are cheaper than what the over-all total would have been if you have purchased an outdoor dog kennel instead.

Most of the kennels that are sold in the market are of standard size. If you have a smaller or larger dog (the average dog being the basis), the size of your dog kennel can be a problem.

If you are building an outdoor dog kennel yourself, you have to make it large enough so your dog can comfortably lie or turn around. However, make sure that it is not too large. Make the size enough for the dog to retain his body heat and for self-insulation to take place.

Building your own outdoor dog kennel is relatively easy work, as long as you can say you are an experienced carpenter. Most dog-owners who held hammers and nails before prefer to customize their outdoor dog kennel.

The kennel must be raised a couple of inches above the ground. This will stop the moisture from seeping through the wood flooring. When you're shopping for plywood that you will be using, make sure that it is exterior grade and not pressure treated,

Before you lock your dog up in an outdoor dog kennel, make sure that your pet does not have the habit of chewing - especially wood. You're not sure what chemicals were used in order to treat the exterior grade that you bought. This could cause harm to your canine.

Building outdoor dog kennels involve being concerned to the doghouse's size, the type of wood you would be using, and the height that the kennel is lifted above the ground. When it comes to the basics of the building, you can do whatever you prefer. You may even be inspired by your canine's personality, therefore giving him the best outdoor dog kennel.


Saturday, April 18, 2009

Building a Dog Kennel in Less Than One Day

By Russ Hines

Building a dog kennel is not difficult if you put your mind to it. In fact, you can build an awesome kennel in a couple of hours if you follow a good quality building guide. This article provides you with some homemade dog kennel ideas, and helps you get the ball rolling.

Dog Kennel Sizes And Styles

There are typically 3 main types of dog kennels:

- A medium, single dog house. These are obviously best for small or mid-sized dogs, like Dachshunds or Jack Russell's. These kennels tend to get pretty hot inside, so you'll probably need to include some kind of extra ventilation.

- A large, single dog house. This kennel is larger than the previous, and will house big dogs like a Doberman or Golden Retriever. If insulated properly they will stay cool in summer and warm in winter.

- People who own more than one dog might like to opt for a duplex dog kennel. These are great if you've got a pair of dogs who enjoy each others company. With a duplex dog house, you can include a removable wall so your pets can sleep together if they like.

Extra Dog Kennel Tips

After deciding on a size and style, it certainly pays off to keep the following tips in mind:

1) Many dog house plans come with a "pointy roof" design. I definitely don't recommend this type of dog kennel, as the "point" tends to attract wasps and hornets to build their nests there.

2) If you live in a particularly wet area, it's important to build an easily draining roof. There are plenty of schematics on the internet that show you how to do this.

3) The dog kennel should be elevated about 2 or 3 inches from the ground. This will keep your dog cool, and will allow for any water to flow freely underneath the kennel.

4) Include some hinges on the roof. This will make cleaning an absolute breeze, and you won't have to actually climb inside the kennel to get out all the dog hair!

5) Measure your dog before cutting lengths of timber. Most plans can be easily adjusted depending on how big your dog is.


Friday, April 17, 2009

Building a Dog Kennel - Instructions and Tips

By Scott Byers

t's obvious if you have a dog, you probably care a great deal about them. You want them to have the best of everything, including shelter. When considering whether or not you even want to take on the ask of building your own dog kennel, you have to ask yourself if you possess the skills and knowledge to do so. Although building your own dog kennel isn't a job for a rocket scientist, it does still involve some handy work.

Now that you have decided to take on the task, you must remember a few things. It's good to build a large-sized kennel, even if your dog isn't very big, giving it lots of space to move around and be comfortable in. One thing to remember when building your kennel is that pressure-treated timber is terrible to use on any parts your dog might chew. It contains preservatives that may be poisonous or unhealthy for your dog's body.

Your dog kennel must be designed in accordance with the convenience and comfort of you and your pets at heart. Considering these things will be crucial in dividing what materials and designs to use when building your dog kennel. Also keeping the cleaning aspect of a dog kennel in mind, it will better prepare you for designing one that will make it easier for you when it comes to sanitation. It's important to make decisions that will make things easier for you and also safer for your pet.

Drainage is another important thing to take into consideration. You might want to build your kennel at an angle so it slopes, making for easier drainage. This is one of the many benefits of creating your own kennel.

The dog kennel is placed on a concrete slab. You will place posts in concrete to support the rails. The posts and rails create a frame that keeps up the chain link. Dig at least six inch holes in the ground to place the support poles that will connect it all together.


Building A Dog Kennel

By Simon Oldmann

Should I get into Dog Kennel Building?

Anyone who owns a dog as a pet will tell you that maintaining one can make a considerable dent in your wallet. The expenses of keeping a dog includes dog food costs and vet bills. Some pet owners find these costs over whelming and as a direct result many dogs end up in animal shelters. Genuine dog lovers often refrain from getting a dog for themselves, simply because the costs of owning one are too high.

However, there are several ways of cutting down on unnecessary costs and to keep your pet happy and healthy at the same time. For example, if you want a kennel for your dog, buying one can turn out to be an expensive affair. Building your own dog kennel cuts this cost half.

Many dog owners share their living space 24x7 with their pets. This can result in a lot of hassles like cleaning up after your dog leaves muddy footprints on your floor or spending precious time vacuuming fur off carpets, sofas and other furniture. For those who like to give their pets their own cozy home, a doghouse or a kennel is the way to go. Now the best part about dog kennels, especially for do-it-yourselfers, is that you can build one your self.

Although, you will still need to bear the costs of building supplies as well as give your own labor input, the biggest advantages here are that costs are a mere fraction of those incurred when purchasing a ready made dog house and that you can customize the kennel to suit your puppy’s needs. Most of the kennels available on the market are of a fairly standard size and if you have a particularly large or small dog, this may pose a problem. Building a dog kennel means you will have to make one large enough so that your pet can comfortably turn around, but at the same time not too large, since it helps retain your dogs body heat and allows self-insulation to a degree.

Dog kennel building is a fairly easy task if you have even the tiniest bit of experience in carpentry. When building a custom doghouse, make sure the kennel is raised a few inches off the ground to prevent seepage of moisture into the wood. Also, when shopping for plywood, make sure to purchase exterior grade plywood instead of pressure treated plywood. At the same time, ensure that your dog is not in the habit of chewing wood because the chemicals used to treat exterior grade plywood may be harmful to your pet.

When building dog kennels, keep these three factors in mind. That is, the size of the doghouse, the right type of wood and the height at which the kennel is raised from the ground. Once the basics are in place, you can do what you want in terms of design and building. You may even design the kennel according to your pet’s personality, giving it the ultimate designer home.


Thursday, April 16, 2009

All About Dog Kennels

By Kelly Marshall

A dog kennel is a great way for your dog or dogs to spend time outside without chains or tied but still secure and safe. This allows your beloved pets to see what is going on around them while still giving them plenty of room to run about and move around freely. A kennel keeps your pet safe and out of danger as well as keeping them from endangering others even if they are aggressive. This gives the owner peace of mind. Dogs are great escape artists and even with a completely fenced yard, they sometimes find ways to escape. Tying a dog up is a worry because everyone has read of incidents where they accidentally become tangled up or hang themselves, which is a frightening thought. Dog kennels also reduce your dog's change of getting into a fight with another dog, contacting diseases or being poisoned. Unlike a cage, where the dog has very little room, dog kennels provide your pet with enough space to exercise, see the sights and enjoy some fresh air safely.

Here are some important precautions and guidelines to follow when building a dog kennel that helps keep your pet safe, healthy and happy:

·A dog kennel needs to provide shelter for your pet from the outside elements, such as extreme heat, rain or snow. If the dog will be outside for more than twenty minutes, provide shelter such as a doghouse or even indoor access.
·There should always be fresh water available, even if they are only outside for five minutes.
·Provide your dog with a comfortable place to lay or sit, such as a blanket, dog bed or even a piece of carpet.
· Kennel floors made of cement hold both heat and cold. Provide your pet with a place to stand that protect your dog's paws from this.

Portable dog kennels are great for people that travel or visit a lot and love taking their dog along. Pet stores and large department stores usually carry a wide selection of dog kennels, normally in standard sizes. If you have a very large dog, you may have to ask them to special order one for you, that is big and secure enough. Portable kennels are quick and easy to set up and take down. Some come with a screen, to block the sun.

Permanent dog kennels are usually constructed of metal or aluminum screens and steel posts set into the ground. Often the floor is cement but some people prefer earth floors. For a dog or dogs that spend a fair amount of time outdoors in their dog kennel, some owners add a dog run to give their pets more room to play and exercise. Permanent dog kennels are sturdy enough to withstand a dogs jumping and pushing, without collapsing.
Custom made dog kennels are fabulous as you decide what shape, size or special items you want. Designed to your specification, some cost a bit more but are certainly worth the money. Many people have and enclosed area added to allow their dog to get out of the elements. Usually the company or people working with you on designing your pet's kennel, install them also.