Which Kennel?

Dog kennels come in many sizes and designs, from $25,000 ‘pooch palaces’ modelled on the owner’s house, to sturdy all-weather structures for a working sheepdog or rescue animal.

The type of dog house you choose depends on climate, the size of the animal, if your dog will live there all year round, whether the kennel will be used for whelping, and if a number of dogs will share the same structure. You will also need to decide whether to buy a kennel ready-made or, if your craftsmanship’s up to scratch, obtain or draw plans and build one yourself.

Chaining a dog to a kennel

A dog should never be chained to a kennel except for short supervised periods. Dogs are social animals, genetically determined to live as a group. A chained dog will suffer psychological damage, and may become highly aggressive. A chained animal does not even make a good guard dog: a burglar may easily circumvent a chained dog but will be disinclined to enter a house containing a free-running animal.

A chained dog, unused to human interaction, is liable to attack anyone without warning: a child wandering nearby, the postman, other animals. When he feels threatened he may attack immediately because the chain prevents the normal fight-flight response: he’s forced by the chain to fight.

Kennel Roofing and Ventilation

A peaked kennel roof makes an ideal space for wasps, hornets and other types of insect or animal to build their nests, while a flat roof, with a slight incline to allow rainwater to drain, solves those problems and gives the dog somewhere to lie when it’s hot or he’s on guard duty. The roof should be removable for ease of cleaning.

Dog houses should be raised a few inches above the ground to keep them free from damp and to allow air to flow underneath.

Kennel Size

If your kennel is too small a dog will be uncomfortable and it may do itself permanent damage if he has nowhere else to sleep. If it’s too large he won’t be able to heat it with his body ambiance and may freeze in harsh weather. So measure your dog before buying a kennel and choose one which allows him room to turn round, plus a few extra inches.

If he’s a growing dog then your kennel should have removable panels to mirror his growth. To control of the size of the internal space is also important if the kennel is to be used for whelping. There should be room for mother and (growing) puppies, together with space for her to turn round.

Kennel Psychology

A dog is naturally territorial and will feel protective towards his kennel. Children should not be permitted to crawl inside, and should be taught to respect the dog when he’s in his kennel. However, the owner should always remain ‘top dog’ and periodically exclude the animal from his dog house. It should be made clear this isn’t punishment but, rather, the human owner asserting his natural rights over all the dog’s territory. Such exclusions can be combined with cleaning and repairs. Once the kennel is ready again the dog can be rewarded and allowed re-entry.

A dog house should not be used as punishment. The dog should associate his kennel with safety and comfort, not somewhere he goes when he’s in disgrace.

Multiple Occupancy Kennels

Large kennels are available for more than one dog. If the dogs don’t get along a partitioned design can be chosen so each animal has his own stall.

Conclusion

A well designed and maintained kennel is a must for a working dog which normally will not enter the owner’s home. It will protect him from heat and rain, and appeal to his den and territorial instincts. But a house pet may also appreciate a kennel for similar reasons. On hot nights he may prefer to sleep outside, and when the family is in the garden his kennel is somewhere for him to retreat, away from noisy children and younger dogs.

Kennels also can be beautiful and a welcome adornment to garden or yard. They represent a traditional aspect of country living and many humans take pride in a well turned-out kennel.