| Dog kennels are fenced-in enclosures that keep | | | | * Locating the kennel near a shady tree will keep |
| your pet safely contained. Dog kennels may be | | | | your dog from being overheated during the |
| equipped with a dog house if desired. | | | | summer months. Heat stroke can be lethal to |
| A dog kennel is usually situated outdoors. It is | | | | your dog, so make sure to also keep his water |
| ideally an enclosure that keeps your dog confined, | | | | pan full at all times during the summer months. |
| secured, and safe. Dog kennels are commonly | | | | * Provide a windbreaker during winter to shield or |
| square or rectangular areas enclosed by a chain | | | | deflect wind from your pet's kennel. During |
| link fence, and they keep dogs away from people | | | | extremely cold weather it is helpful to place a |
| and people away from dogs. | | | | heat lamp in the dog house to keep your dog |
| When building dog kennels, the first consideration | | | | warm. |
| should be the size of your dog. Obviously, the | | | | Make sure to situate your kennel in an area |
| bigger your dog, the bigger his kennel needs to | | | | where there is good drainage. This will keep water |
| be. You'd like a lockable kennel that confines your | | | | from pooling in the kennel, and dogs generally |
| dog in a certain area, while at the same time | | | | prefer to keep their feet dry. Select an area |
| preventing him from jumping over or digging | | | | where natural shade is available, and avoid putting |
| under the fence. A low or poorly-built fence | | | | your kennel near the property line to minimize |
| defeats the purpose of building a dog kennel in | | | | any unforeseen disturbance to your neighbors. |
| the first place. | | | | Make sure that your kennel can be easily viewed |
| Keep in mind that the kennel's doghouse should | | | | from your house so that you can monitor your |
| provide your dog with good protection from the | | | | pet's condition. |
| elements. It should be able to keep your dog | | | | The kennel that you select for your dog should |
| comfortable and safe no matter the weather. | | | | be the biggest dimension you have space for. Dog |
| This can be done by heeding the following | | | | kennels should be longer than it is wide to |
| guidelines: | | | | promote more exercise and activity - dogs need |
| First of all the doghouse should be well-insulated. It | | | | to keep moving in order to keep happy. Cramped |
| should have a dry and warm floor. It is advisable | | | | living arrangements may develop resentment in |
| to cover the floor with wood shavings, sawdust | | | | your dog, especially if you don't let him out every |
| or blankets in order to keep out cold and | | | | once in a while. Measure your dog and try to |
| dampness. Raise the kennel or doghouse a few | | | | provide space with a least dimension of about five |
| inches off the ground on a foundation of bricks or | | | | times his length. Space is especially important if |
| boards. This will protect your dog from water or | | | | you intend to put more than one dog in the |
| snow going into his house, as well as preventing | | | | kennel. |
| any water seepage coming from the foundation. | | | | |