Man’s best friend deserves the best and selecting the right kennel for your pup is a big decision. Keep reading to discover the benefits of dog kennels, different types you can choose from, and top features to consider before making your purchase. Plus, get tips to help your pup start using their new kennel.
Does My Dog Need a Kennel?
Dogs need plenty of time outside to be healthy and happy. They’re also den animals that prefer the safety and security of an enclosed space. Not only does a well-equipped kennel meet their physical needs, it also meets their emotional and instinctual needs. They can sniff, play, and roll around to their heart’s content without encountering hazards like traffic or other dogs.
With a quality kennel, you don’t have to worry about your dog destroying your house while you’re away or not having enough room in an indoor crate. There’s also no chance of them getting into anything poisonous or digging holes in your backyard out of boredom. With the right kennel, you can make sure your dog is safe and comfortable, no matter what you need to do or where you need to go.
Types of Dog Kennels to Consider
Traditional Dog Kennels
Our traditional dog kennels offer your pup superior protection from wind, rain, snow, and freezing temps. With spacious insulated boxes and fenced-in runs, dogs of all sizes will have plenty of room for both short and extended periods of time.
Choose from one of the following kennel types:
- 10′ by 24′ combination shed and kennel
- 8′ by 14′ double kennel
- 8′ by 16′ double kennel
- 8′ by 14′ kennel with or without feed room
- 4′ by 8′ kennel
- 6′ by 8′ kennel
- 6′ by 10′ kennel
- 8′ by 10′ kennel
- 8′ by 12′ kennel
Elite Dog Kennels
When your dog needs more than what a traditional kennel can provide, our elite dog kennels provide an innovative solution. These offer special features to keep Fido comfortable while you’re away, like a larger window, insulated door, and deluxe molded trim. Available sizes include:
- 8′ by 20′ combination shed and kennel
- 8′ by 16′ double shed
- 8′ by 10′ kennel
- 8′ by 12′ kennel
Commercial Dog Kennels
For breeders, boarders, and doggie daycares, we offer commercial dog kennels with 6 individual units to accommodate multiple dogs. Three of the units have a 3′ 4″ by 4′ insulated box and a 3′ 4″ by 5′ fenced-in run for puppies and smaller dogs. The other three have a 4′ by 4′ insulated box with a 4′ x 5′ run for larger dogs. This kennel also includes a 3′ feed room that extends the entire length of the kennel.
All of our kennels offer 30-year architectural shingles and multiple entry door, window, and shutter options that you can mix and match to create your own custom structure. Choose from:
- 6-panel pre-hung door
- 6-panel slab door
- Chain-link fence door
- Vinyl shutters
- Slat shutters
- Z shutters
- Vent-Lite windows
- 11-Lite windows
- 9-Lite windows
Top Features to Consider Before You Buy
Looking at dog kennels can be overwhelming with so many different options available. Ultimately, the best kennel is the one that offers your pup the most features for their specific needs. Be sure to consider these top characteristics before making a purchase:
Size
Kennels are truly the “Goldilocks” of the dog world. A kennel that is too small won’t give your pup enough room to move around, but one that is too big can make your dog feel unsafe and defeat the purpose of giving them a den-like enclosure. You need one that is “just right” for your dog’s size and length. For most medium to large size breeds, an 8′ by 10′ traditional structure is ideal.
Owners of extra-large dogs or multiple dogs should consider a 12′ by 16′ kennel with a larger play area. No matter what size you choose, your dog should have plenty of room between their sleeping and bathroom areas. A kennel isn’t a crate, which is much smaller and typically doesn’t let your dog turn around. Kennels, on the other hand, should offer enough space for both rest and activity.
Ventilation
It’s also important to consider how your dog will stay comfortable inside the den area. Many models come outfitted with a window that can either be opened for ventilation or used to install a window air conditioner or fan. An even better idea is to choose a model that will allow you to install a small ductless unit. This offers both heating and cooling in one, so you can switch from one to the other according to the weather.
Upgrades
Our kennels have several available upgrades that can save you time and make your dog even more comfortable. Depending on your budget and needs, we can include features like:
- Stainless steel automatic water bowls
- 40″ stainless steel drain
- Electrical connections
- Wall-mounted heater
- Air conditioning unit
Commercial dog kennels can also be outfitted with cabinets, wash down systems, a whelping area, ventilation and air exchange, automatic feeding and watering, lighting, and more.
Comfort
Finally, consider your dog’s comfort and how you can create a space they will find enjoyable. This is especially true if they will be spending an extended amount of time in their kennel or if your dog tends to get anxious or destructive if they are left alone. Make sure the kennel you choose can accomodate things that help your dog feel safe and cared for like:
- Favorite toys
- Pillows and blankets
- Access to food and water
- Items for chewing
Helpful Tips to Prepare for Installation
Before your new dog kennel is installed, it’s important to create a plan for where it will go and prepare the area beforehand. Make sure it’s in a place that is easy to get to from your house and where you won’t have to trim away brush all the time. There should also be plenty of clearance for the delivery truck around the area where the kennel will be.
Another thing to keep in mind is shade trees. While these can help keep your dog cool in the summer, they can also get bird droppings and sap on the roof of your kennel. This can be difficult to clean off and diminishes the appearance and value of your kennel. You should also avoid choosing a place with uneven ground or low points in your yard where drainage collects.
How to Introduce Your Dog to Their New Kennel
You can help your dog get comfortable with their new kennel by placing treats just inside the door and praising them for going inside. Wait to close the door or gate until the newness of the kennel has worn off a bit and stay nearby for the first several times to “practice” leaving them. Be patient and pay attention to your dog’s behavioral cues to sense when they may be ready to spend more time alone in their space.
Don’t let the search for the perfect kennel frustrate you. Contact Rooster’s Amish Sheds in Bunker Hill, WV today or stop by our location next to Patriot Fireworks and Ridgeway Self Storage to browse our wide selection of dog kennels at an affordable price.
