Dog kennels are usually designed for the larger breeds. Kennels are structures that you place or anchor in the yard or on a patio outside. These are not dog crates which are smaller cages that are kept in the house and used as an aid in house training and keeping the dog safe when everyone is away. A kennel is for leaving a dog outside and contained in an area where they can get some exercise, have a place to go to the bathroom and spend time outside safely when everyone is away. Here is some basic information for when you start looking around for one.
Outdoor kennels are large and in general made from either heavy steel wire welded to steel tubes to form walls or metal tubing as the frame with chain link fencing over it. Chain link is a good product used in fencing and will last a long time.
The sizes of these kennels or runs start at about 4 by 4 feet and go up from there. You will have to judge how high you want the walls to be. Any online store or local retailer should be able to help you with this choice as you are going to have to take into consideration how high your dog can jump and what breed.
The construction is a framing of steel tubing and constructed in wall panels so you can customize the size or add expansion kits. They are made so that they can be put together easily and quickly with household tools by a couple of people. Some have tops on them so no one can jump or climb out. Some of the kennels are designed so there is a small space at the bottom which is designed for when the kennel is on a patio the dog waste can be hosed out easily. Wood flooring is available as an add-on if needed. Most of these kennels are made to fit flush on the ground or some hard, flat surface. One panel will be hinged or there may be a door built into one side for easy access.
There is an accessory which is essential and that is a tarp covering or partial covering for shade. Some manufacturers include the shade tarp but most do not. Other accessories that can be had for addition costs are expansion kits, anchoring systems and flooring.
The kennels can be portable and move around the yard if sitting on the ground, although be careful with diggers. The prices start at around 300 dollars for smaller kennels and go for well over 1000 dollars for a large kennel with some accessories. They are a very nice addition to have especially if you have multiple dogs. If you are handy with tools you may want to hunt for some plans to build one. You may very well be able to find a used one locally or on the internet which would be a great bargain considering they are constructed to last.
One of my greatest passions is dogs and everything about them thrills me. Find lots of information from an owners perspective at http://alldogsguide.com For fun follow my exploits as I try to train our Chocolate Labrador retriever puppy Ellie at http://alldogsguide.com/ellies-blog/
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Tags: chain link fencing., dog kennels, kennels, outdoor kennels, shade tarp
