Many times when people think of a commercial dog kennel, they think of “puppy mills.” Puppy mills have developed a bad reputation over the years. The owners of these establishments have been guilty of raising dogs in very undesirable conditions and have rightfully come under scrutiny for their irresponsible practices. It is, however, important to remember that not all commercial dog owners and breeders come anywhere close to running a puppy mill. There are plenty of dog owners who make it their business to care for their dogs well.
An important part of caring for multiple dogs is providing an outdoor dog kennel that meets high standards of quality and functionality. We will highlight 6 essential features that should be found in any commercial dog kennel.
Dogs Need a Clean Kennel
Kennels for dogs should, first and foremost, be clean. Having dogs sleeping in their own feces or drinking filthy water is not acceptable. A filthy kennel is a sign that the dogs are not in good hands and that the owner doesn’t really care about the health and well-being of the dogs.
The exterior floor may include a “toilet area” made of wire where dogs can relieve themselves while keeping their space relatively clean. A wire floor is acceptable only if it’s designed in a way to reduce the danger of leg injuries by slippage or entrapment. In addition, dogs should always have the option of getting off the wire floor onto a solid surface if they want to do that. A section of a well-designed wire floor in the exterior section of the kennel can enhance the comfort of the dogs by keeping their space cleaner.
Dogs in a custom dog kennel should always have access to fresh, clean water. There are several different ways to achieve this which include stainless steel automatic watering bowls and water nibbles for pets.
Dogs Need a Comfortable Kennel
A clean dog kennel helps to make it more comfortable. Keeping dogs comfortable is an important feature of a large dog kennel. There are several ways to do this beginning with the surface of the floor. What is the interior floor made of? A rubber mat on the floor can help to increase traction, making it easier for the dogs to walk and providing a softer surface. If a rubber mat is not present then epoxy or stainless steel is a good option because it’s easy to keep clean. The kind of floor to avoid is bare wood or dirt since those surfaces are difficult to clean and trap odor-causing bacteria and other hazards for dogs.
The same principle applies to the wall surface. Except in the case of a wire divider, the walls should be PVC or glass board which makes cleaning easy and helps to protect the dogs.
A comfortable large dog kennel for outside is big enough to allow dogs to move around freely without being too restricted. A puppy kennel should not be so small that dogs can hardly move without bumping into things.
Dogs Need a Climate-Controlled Kennel
A third feature to look for in a commercial dog kennel is climate control. This has to do with controlling the temperature and humidity so that the dogs stay comfortable year-round. One of the most important features is that the dog kennel is insulated on the floor, walls, and ceiling. In addition, your insulated dog kennel should have a reliable heat source (such as a radiant floor heat system) in cold climates and a cooling source in hot climates. The kennel should include a space to retreat out of harsh weather conditions into a dry and protected space.
Maybe you’re a commercial dog kennel owner or thinking about finding a dog kennel builder. Here are some features of a large dog kennel that will help to make your job as the owner easier and more rewarding.
You Need a Convenient Kennel
Caring for many dogs can be a lot of work, especially if you’re concerned about the health and happiness of your dogs. However, there are features in a quality outdoor dog kennel that can make the job a whole lot easier.
Your dog kennel should have a hose port for connecting a hose which can be used to quickly and effectively wash away dirt. Along with that, the interior floor should have a drain to carry the water away. Another convenient feature is a washtub for washing hands, feeding bowls, and just about anything else.
You will want to equip your dog kennel with an electrical package. This will ensure that the interior of the kennel has reliable and convenient lighting and will allow you to utilize power tools and appliances as you care for your dogs.
You Need a Durable Kennel
When you invest in a dog kennel you should be thinking about how long your investment will last. A professional dog kennel that houses multiple dogs should be durable and able to withstand a significant amount of wear and tear on a daily basis. Here are some features to look for that will extend the life of your kennel.
- Pressure-treated wood foundation
- PVC decking on runs
- Epoxy, stainless steel, or rubber interior floors
- Walls covered with PVC or glass board
- Stainless steel feeder and watering bowls
- Plexiglass dog doors w/ stainless edging
You Need a Beautiful Dog Kennel
Last but not least, look for a quality dog kennel with a beautiful design. While this may not directly affect the health and happiness of your dogs, it will affect how your clients and others view your business. You should purchase an Amish dog kennel that blends in with or compliments the surrounding buildings and landscape. This involves choosing color combinations that blend well and a design that is attractive.
