Guide to Picking a Kennel for your Dog

Your dog needs a way to keep contained and protected from hazards if they enjoy spending time outside. An excellent choice might be a fenced-in area or an electrified fence. Nevertheless, you might also buy them a dog kennel. A dog kennel is a terrific place to train your pet in addition to being a movable enclosed space for them to play outside the house. A kennel can also serve as a dog’s comfortable home. They can feel secure and at ease in their own private place.

Dog kennels come in a wide variety of designs on the market nowadays. Finding the ideal one for your dog can be difficult at times for this reason. But don’t worry; we are here to assist you. For advice on choosing a kennel for your dog, continue reading.

Important Attributes when Choosing a Dog Kennel

The ideal option for people who intend to leave their pet dogs unattended for a little period of time is a dog kennel. For instance, if your dog exhibits destructive behavior, you can kennel him when you go for work each day. They can be useful if you take your pet on vacation. You must take into account a number of factors while choosing a dog kennel in order to make the best decision. These are a few of those attributes:

1. Material

The durability and rust resistance of dog kennels will vary depending on the material used. Stainless steel, galvanized steel, and other sturdy materials are some of the most popular ones used to build dog kennels. In addition to those, dog kennels have various materials for keeping dogs safe inside of them. Chain-link fencing, metal, wire, and robust plastic are examples of this. To add, he ideal one is one with well-ventilated wire mesh sides so you can easily watch your dog from any location in the room. You should take into account a dog kennel constructed of high-quality and durable materials if your dog is a master escape artist. 

2. Size

Dog kennels are also available in a wide range of sizes. The size you choose will depend on the size of your dog and the number of dogs using the kennel. Make sure your dog will have adequate room to play and move around in the dog kennel you purchase. You should also think about the furniture or accessories you will put in the kennel, such as a bed and a bowl for food and water.

Measuring your dog’s length—from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail—while it is standing—will help you establish its exact size. You will also need you dog’s height, which is measured from the top of its head to the floor. The ideal dog cage size is then calculated by adding 4 inches to the dog’s measurements. Measure the area of your home where the crate will be kept once you’ve determined the size of crate you require.

3. Locking Systems

Moreover, you should consider the dog kennel’s locking mechanism, particularly if your dog is a master escape artist. Dogs can also readily circumvent many locking systems. You can find dog kennels with dog-proof doors on their own. On the other hand, some situations demand the employment of padlocks.

4. Flooring

The majority of dog kennels have open floors. Your dog can easily escape the kennel by burrowing through the dirt floor, though, if it is a digger. As a result, you must search for a dog kennel with flooring or digging bars that sit on its edge.

5. Coveted Roofs

There are enclosures for small animals that have different-material covered tops. There are several that have roofs made of materials like canvas, tarp, and weatherproof fabric. Additionally, there are dog kennels without roofs. If you plan to put your dog in a kennel, make sure to pick one with a roof so that your pet is protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays as well as from rain and snow.

6. Weather Resistant

Make sure the dog kennel you purchase is robust and weather-resistant if you intend to leave it outside for an extended amount of time.

7. Number of Doors

You should think about how many doors the dog kennel you’re buying has. Additionally, many doors give your dog constant access to the crate, which is beneficial for elderly dogs who may have movement concerns. For tiny dogs and young pups, a top door is ideal since you can quickly reach in and pick them up when you need to clean out their crate. Check the size of those doors to ensure your pet may enter and exit the kennel without risk.

8. Easy to Clean

Making the cleaning process as simple as you can is important because kennels can become very dirty easily, especially during the potty training phase when messes are more frequent. The easiest kennels to maintain are made of metal and plastic. Additionally, pull-out trays on foldable wire kennels reduce cleanup time.

What Kind of Dog Kennel Works Best for Your Needs?

little dog in the airline cargo pet carrier

  • Plastic Dog Kennel

Pros: Portable, lightweight, simple to clean, hard to escape, low airflow can assist insulate from cold air; top can be removed to convert to dog bed, low visibility for dog (excellent for shy or reactive dogs).

Cons: Some lack appeal, can’t be folded flat for storage, and have insufficient airflow, which can lead to a dog sweating in warm weather. Additionally, plastic degrades over time and gives dogs poor eyesight since some dogs feel more stressed if unable to see their surroundings.

A small dog cage for living in the house

  • Metal Dog Kennel

Pros: High ventilation, open view for your dog if they prefer to be able to see their surroundings, optional kennel coverings if your dog needs more privacy to unwind. May or may not have accessible partition panels to suit growing puppies, and folds flat for simple storage are all features of this crate.

Cons: Made of metal that can corrode over time, easier for a determined dog to escape, difficult for dogs who require privacy without a crate cover, and potentially dangerous to the dog’s teeth if they gnaw on the kennel.

Dog sitting in his transporter

  • Fabric Dog Kennel

Pros: Lightweight, affordable, portable, and quick to set up.

Cons: In particular for dogs who prefer to chew on or paw at their crates, it is not particularly sturdy, easy to escape from, and difficult to clean.

Cages for dog or animals made from stainless steel put on black background

  • Heavy-Duty Dog Kennel

Pros: Incredibly difficult to escape from, impossible to chew or bend, and best for crash protection when traveling by car. 

Cons: Heavy, pricey, difficult to move, and not as appealing for interior design.

house for small dog

  • Fashion Dog Kennel

Pros: Fits the decor, saves space, and serves as furniture.

Cons: Expensive, difficult to clean, certain dogs enjoy gnawing on wood, and some models don’t include a door as usual.

Conclusion

We hope that the ideas we offered will assist you in locating the ideal dog kennel for your pet’s requirements. Make sure to check these features – material, size, locking systems, flooring, coveted roofs, weather resistant and number of doors. For sure, you’ll be able to find the perfect one for your fur baby!