Choosing Dog Kennels

"When It Comes To Choosing Dog Kennels Where Do You Start?"

Outdoor Dog Kennels

Although your dog may sleep indoors in a normal dog bed, he may benefit from having an outdoor kennel too - that way he can get plenty of fresh air and exercise in the garden rather than being stuck indoors all day!

Dog kennels are available in many different styles, sizes, materials, and prices to suit all budgets.

The more practical, and therefore more popular, are made from wood, plastic, and rust-proof steel wire.

You may prefer a simple, functional kennel (similar to a small dog house) or you may choose one of the larger kennels - large cages or dog pens made with open wire mesh and wooden frames.

Access is usually through a door (which may be locked or bolted) and it may also contain a dog run. In one corner of the kennel there will be a small dog house - dog houses provide shelter for your pet.

These types of kennels are very popular for larger breeds of dog to allow them to exercise and get a good run up, and down the yard.

Some of the more spacious kennels can be as large as a garden shed and can also be quite expensive.

However, if your budget is limited you can still find a good selection of well-made, cheap kennels online if you look hard enough.

Whether you build your own kennel or buy it ready-made, a well-constructed kennel, made with quality materials, will ensure your Cocker Spaniel gets lots of fresh air and exercise as well as protection from the elements - keeping him warm and safe.

What Size Of Kennel Should I Choose?

The size of kennel you choose will depend on your dog's size, or their sizes, if you plan to house more than one dog in the same kennel.

The right size dog kennel will allow plenty of room for your pet to stand, sit, turn around comfortably, lie down and stretch out fully.

To make sure you select the correct size of kennel, measure your dog from the tip of his nose to the base of his tail and then add 30 cms (12") - that should give him the space he needs.

If you're housing a puppy, buy a kennel to suit the size he'll eventually grow to as an adult dog.

To avoid your puppy using one end as a sleeping area and the other as a toilet, you can section off the kennel with cardboard so that it 'fits' your puppy. As he grows you can gradually increase the size of his living space by moving the cardboard.

Buying A Kennel For Your Cocker Spaniel

Before making your choice, we recommend you consider the following points:

• What type of climate do you live in?

  If you live in a hot climate your pet may be better suited to a kennel with open sides, or a wire kennel, to allow the air to circulate and keep him cool.

  If you live in a cold climate, perhaps wood would be a better option as it will help to keep your dog insulated against the cold.



• Whilst dog kennels with a pitched roof can look cute, the underside of the roof is a perfect home for a wasps nests.

  Instead, we recommend a kennel that has a flat roof with a slight pitch to allow any rainwater to run off.

• Check to see if the roof of the kennel is detachable, or at least hinged, as this will make it much easier to keep clean and bacteria free.
• Ideally, the kennel should be placed on blocks to raise it a couple of inches off the ground. This will allow the air to circulate underneath the kennel and will help to stop a wooden base from rotting.
• Don't allow children to play in the kennel. Dog kennels are meant to be a safe retreat for our pets and, as dogs can become territorial, a child playing in a dog kennel could very easily get bitten.
• Never use a kennel as a punishment for unwanted behaviour as this will only lead your dog to associate his kennel with punishment.
• Never chain your dog to his kennel unless you are there to supervise him - accidents can and do happen, particularly when you least expect them to.

  Better still, make sure your garden or yard is safely fenced off, that way you won't feel the need to tie your dog up!

If you're going to be busy for a couple of hours or are unavailable to supervise your Cocker Spaniel, it will be much better for him if he's able to run free in a secure, well-fenced garden, rather than being stuck indoors.

If you're not confident about the security of your garden, you may like to consider using a dog pen or dog run to allow your dog the freedom to exercise safely.

An outdoor kennel will allow your dog to get lots of fresh air and exercise, but if outdoor kennels are not for you (or should I say, your dog) a good quality indoor dog bed or a dog crate may be just what you're looking for!
Return to top of page - Choosing Dog Kennels

Titles In The Dog Kennels And Dog Houses Series

Choosing A Kennel For Your Dog

Cheap Kennels - you can find them if you look hard enough!

Dog houses give your Cocker somewhere safe to retreat to!

Dog pens give you peace of mind!

Dog runs offer your dog fresh air and exercise

'Dog Runs - How To Build A Dog Run'