What is a Suitable Dog Kennel and Run?
Not all dogs are inside dogs, and while perhaps the smaller toy breeds are fine to stay indoors, if you own a larger breed dog such as a Retriever or a Doberman you might find that they’ll be happier living outdoors–and you might be too!
However, even if a dog lives outside he needs to have good accommodations. Not only is it important for your dog’s happiness and well being, but also for his health. Clean, dry, properly ventilated housing is very needful if you want your dog to remain in optimum health.
Cleanliness: A dog kennel needs to be kept clean at all times. If not, it can house germs and bacteria, and can cause your dog to get sick. A raised wooden floor helps keep the dirt out of the kennel and is warmer than concrete or the direct ground. Make sure, if you provide bedding, that it is changed regularly as it’s a prime breeding ground for ticks and fleas.
If you have a cement run it is a good idea to have it slope gently downward to make it easy to hose off and keep clean.
Ventilation: Even though your kennel is outside, you need to ensure that it is well ventilated. Make sure, though, that it isn’t drafty as this can be as dangerous to a dog’s health as to a human’s.
Weatherproof: It goes without saying that whatever you decide to make your kennel out of, it should be weatherproof. Often insulation is put inside the kennels to help keep the kennel warm in winter and cooler in summer. Make sure the door to the kennel faces away from the wind, otherwise cold winds or rain will come in directly to the kennel.
If possible, it’s helpful if there’s some sort of shade over part of the dog kennel and run so that the dog can get some respite from the sun during the heat of the day.
Water: It’s important to make sure there is fresh water available at all times, during winter and summer. Some dog breeds, especially the larger dogs, need a lot of water and you’ll need to make sure to keep the water bowl filled up. One idea is to attach a water container to the side of the run, and have water constantly ‘on tap’ and filling up the bowl. There are many different varieties of these available on line.
