Choosing the Right Dog Kennels for your Pooch without Sweating It 

Every dog owner should shop for good dog kennels whether they’re taking care of a small puppy, or an adult dog. Dog kennels help you manage your pets better, especially during moments when you can’t keep your eyes on them. You can put them inside the kennel while you’re mowing the lawn or cooking dinner, and you won’t have to feel guilty about enclosing them in too small a space.

However, there’s no one dog kennel that’s suitable for all sizes and breeds of dogs. Below are things you need to ponder on before you purchase your dog kennel.

Measurements

As much as possible, you wouldn’t want to purchase dog kennels that are too small for your dogs, especially if more than one dog is occupying it. Consider the height of the kennel and the area it occupies. If your pooch is energetic, it’s advisable for you to purchase a longer kennel instead of a square one. This way, your pooch won’t be bored while you’re busy taking care of other things.

If you’re purchasing a kennel for a big dog, make sure that you tell the shop owner. Obviously, a kennel for a shih tzu won’t be big and sturdy enough for a hyperactive Labrador. If you’re buying modular or build-it-yourself dog kennels, make sure you’re getting one that’s advisable for your dog’s breed.

Material

While aluminum tends to wear off less easily than steel when wet, it’s not an advisable material for your dog kennels. Aluminum is lighter and weaker than steel, which makes it easier for your pooch to chew right through them. If you’re concerned about rust, especially if you’re putting your dog kennel outdoors, you should get one that’s made of stainless steel.

Look at the diameter of your wire meshes as well when you’re shopping for dog kennels. Remember, bigger dogs need stronger kennels, so make sure that your wire mesh diameter is at least 8cm if your pooch is small, and at least 14cm if you’re shopping for a larger breed.

Weather Protection

You can’t control the weather, so if you’re placing the kennel outside on the lawn, make sure that at least a part of it is covered. You can also place a dog house inside the kennel to be sure, but if your kennel is a temporary “play pen” for your pooch, temporary roofing could do.

Kennel Care

Even with the kennel around, you shouldn’t leave your pooch alone in it for too long. Puppies, especially, need to be attended to at least every 30 minutes. This is especially true if you’re still toilet training them.

As much as possible, take them out of the kennel whenever you see that they need to “go”. Usually, puppies need to be taken out of the kennel once that start walking around in one spot while sniffing the floor or grass. Some dogs bark or wag their tales too when they need to go out of the kennel to do their business. You just need to be attentive to your pet’s body language and you’ll train him effectively in no time.