A dog kennel is a place where several dogs can live happily and safely. To be a good dog kennel, each dog needs to have room to run in a circle and have his own shelter. This is the healthiest type of kennel for outdoor dogs. Having the right materials---such as wood, wood chips and straw---can help you build a successful dog kennel space.
Metal, Wire or Wood Fencing Material
The entire dog yard, which will become your kennel, should be surrounded by wire, metal or wood fencing. Make sure the entire area is enclosed so that if a dog gets loose, he won't get out of the kennel. You can work on dividing the fenced-in area into enough room for however many dogs you have. Remember that each dog needs an area that amounts to a circle with a 10-foot diameter in order for them to get enough exercise.
Metal Poles
After you have divided your kennel into sections that are at least 10 feet in diameter, including room for dog houses, have a metal pole to put into the ground in the center of each circle. The poles should have a chain attached to them that will allow the dog to run in a circle around the perimeter of the area. Make sure your circles, poles and chains are spaced far enough so the dogs cannot reach each other.
Wood Chips
Each circle, and the entirety of your kennel, should be covered with wood chips. These can be purchased at a landscaping store. The wood chips keep the dogs dry when it rains and allow you to clean up after them better. Wood chips are also easy on the dog's feet and prevent grasses and weeds from growing in the circles. Replenish the wood chips each spring.
Wood
In each dog's circle, there should be a doghouse made out of wood. Wood is the best material with which to build a doghouse. This is because wood breathes with temperature. In heat, wood allows air to circulate and creates a cooler space. In cold, warmth coming off of the dog becomes trapped in the dog house and helps keep the dog warm. Solid wood is the best material to use, especially if the dogs will be in the dog houses for an extended period of time and especially if the dog will stay in the houses during different seasons. Cedar, pine and oak work best for solid wood dog houses
Paint
Each of the dog houses in your kennel should be painted. Choose a paint made for outdoor painting, because it will be less likely to chip and crack with weather. Painting the outside of the dog houses with weather-safe outdoor paint helps to maintain the structure of the wood and helps provide the weather proofing that gives wooden dog houses their ability to keep dogs both cool and warm depending on the temperature.
Straw
A good dog kennel will have plenty of straw available. The straw is used to put into the dog houses during cold weather. The dogs can make a nest out of the straw and stay even warmer.
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