You’re probably wondering, how do I choose a kennel that’s right for my dog? Here are a few tips that will help you get started.
Bigger is Better
Giving your dog plenty of room to move around will promote the health and well-being of your dog. You might quickly regret the decision to purchase an outdoor dog kennel for your dog that ends up being too small. On the other hand, very few kennel owners complain about a puppy kennel that is too big.
If you just purchased a puppy, think about how much bigger your dog will be in a year. Also, will you be adding any other dogs to your family within the next few years?
Go for Low Maintenance
A kennel for your dog that looks good now may become a maintenance headache within a few years if a few precautions aren’t taken. Here are some things to look for.
- Is the exterior crafted with low maintenance materials? While low maintenance wood siding is available, it will still eventually need to be repainted. One way to reduce maintenance is to select a quality vinyl siding with metal trim. And any exterior floor boards should be low maintenance PVC or equivalent.
- Are interior elements protected from chewing or staining? This may include covering wood with glass board or protecting edges with metal chew guards.
- Does the kennel have features that make routine cleaning easy? Options may include a port to hook up your garden hose, a washbasin, or an electrical package. This is especially important in a commercial dog kennel.
Keep it Comfortable
Just like you spend lots of time in your house, your dog will most likely be spending a lot of time in his or her new home. Look for features that make your new kennel for your dog more comfortable including the following. Here are some tips to help you choose a kennel that will be comfortable for your furry friend:
- An insulated dog kennel
- A climate-controlled space with heat and A/C
- Softer rubber mats for the floor
- Tenderfoot wire for the exterior portion of the kennel.
Check out the Quality
When it comes to long-lasting durability, small details are important when you choose a dog kennel for your dog. Talk to your dog kennel builder about how your dog kennel is built. Here are some questions to ask while doing you are trying to choose a kennel.
- Is all lumber that comes in contact with the ground pressure treated? Pressure-treated wood is treated with a preservative that prevents wood rot and decay.
- If you’re looking at a wood dog kennel, are floor joists, wall studs, and roof rafters 16” on center? Some manufacturers try to cut costs by increasing the distance between these components to 24”. This compromises the structural soundness of the kennel.
- Is the exterior siding and trim approved for exposure to the elements? If the siding is wood, check for rot and warp resistance. All non-pressure treated wood used on the exterior should be sealed with paint or stain.
- Is the roof installed following industry standards? Roof shingles or metal should be rated for 25 years or more. The drip edge should be installed around shingle roof edges and shingles should be installed over a layer of felt paper. If these options don’t come standard your Amish dog kennels manufacturer can usually add them for a small fee.
Don’t forget about looks
Your new choose a kennel that doesn’t have to be an eyesore. Find a manufacturer that can design an outdoor dog kennel for your dog that meshes well with its surroundings or matches the other buildings on your property.
While cost is a factor that should be considered, it should not be the biggest factor. Remember the following words of wisdom that have been attributed to Benjamin Franklin:
“The bitterness of poor quality remains, long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten”.
Whether you’re looking for a large dog kennel, or just need a home for one or two dogs, you’re well on the way to choosing a kennel that meets your needs. Go ahead and get started!
