Dog Kennels

Dog kennels come in many designs and sizes, 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 animal's size, if your dog will live there all year round, whether the kennel is to 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 may suffer psychological damage, and become highly aggressive. A chained dog does not even make a good guard: a burglar may easily avoid a chained dog but will be disinclined to enter a house containing a free-running dog.

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.

Dogs may hang themselves on their chains or become tangled and unable to reach food or water. Rescue workers found many dead dogs at the end of chains after Hurricane Katrina.

Kennel Roofing & 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. A dog house should be raised a few inches above the ground to keep it damp-free and allow air to flow underneath.
Kennel Size If the kennel is too small your dog will be uncomfortable and may do itself permanent damage if it has nowhere else to sleep. If it's too large he won't be able to heat it with body ambiance and may freeze in cold weather. So measure your dog before buying a kennel and choose one which allows him room to turn round, plus a few inches extra. If he's a growing dog then your kennel should have removable panels to keep pace with his size. Having control over 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 using his kennel. However, the owner should remain 'top dog' and exclude the animal periodically from the kennel. It should be made clear this isn't punishment but, rather, the human owner asserting his legitimate rights over all the dog's territory. Such exclusions can be combined with cleaning and repairs. Once the kennel is ready the dog can be rewarded and allowed re-entry. A kennel should not be used as punishment. The dog should associate it with safety and comfort, not somewhere he goes when in disgrace.
Multiple Occupancy Kennels Large kennels are available for more than one dog. If the dogs don't get along then a partitioned design can be chosen so each animal has its 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 dog house 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 can also 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.	* I wish I'd stayed in my beautiful kennel *
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