A Guide to Choosing the Right Dog Kennel

Posted on February 20, 2024

A dog kennel is a great addition to your home, giving your dog a safe and secure place to call his own. Like us, dogs enjoy having a place they can go, and enjoy a snooze, quiet time, or simply a place to be by themselves. Though dogs are inherently sociable creatures, they do also sleep for around 16 hours a day, and enjoy being able to take themselves off for a nap. A good quality dog kennel is an investment that will last the lifespan of your dog, so make sure you choose wisely. A dog kennel is ideal for keeping your dog safe and happy, whether you like to use it occasionally when you have visitors, or every day while you are out at work. Dog Kennels Direct are on hand to help you choose the best dog kennel for your needs.

Assessing Your Dog's Needs

Just like us, every dog is different, and our lifestyles are all different. An important element in choosing the right dog kennel is to assess what you are going to use it for, and what your dog will need. If you are planning to keep your two working German Shepherds in the dog kennel while you are at work, you will need a totally different set-up than someone who wants a dog kennel to put their nervous rescue dog in while they have visitors. So, make sure you think about how you are going to use the dog kennel for your dog.

Dog Kennel Size And Space Requirements

Remember that if you are buying a dog kennel when your dog is a puppy - it will grow! Choose your dog kennel based on your dog's adult size, so that it will last him for life. Our dog kennels and runs are compatible and adaptable, making it easy to add different elements if you add another dog to your family. A dog needs enough space to comfortably stand, stretch, move around, and sleep. However, if you choose a kennel that is too big your dog won't feel as safe and secure. Dogs like to be protected when they sleep, which is why they will often curl up in a corner, and like enclosed spaces.

Indoor Vs. Outdoor Dog Kennels

Both indoor and outdoor dog kennels have their place. Outdoor dog kennels tend to be better for larger dog breeds, where they are going to be left for longer periods of time. Whereas smaller, dog cabins can be better for a little dog, that needs a safe place to be left for a shorter period of time.

Material

Our kennels are built of high-quality materials that are designed to last for many years. We use pre-treated wood, with a galvanised steel frame, which gives a strong kennel that is sturdy and weather-resistant. Our runs are made of galvanised steel which is designed to be exposed to the elements. When you are choosing your kennel, make sure that the wood is always treated if it is to be used outside.

Safety Considerations

Any dog kennel that you choose should be safe for your dog. Always check your dog's kennel regularly for any signs of wear and tear. There should be no sharp edges or prominent screws where a dog could potentially hurt itself. The dog kennel should have good quality bolts and fastenings so that you can have the peace of mind of knowing that your dogs are safe and secure.

Ease Of Cleaning

Part of ensuring that your kennel lasts for many years is looking after it properly, this includes cleaning it. So, choose a kennel that is easy to clean. A well-designed kennel will be easy to clean, so make sure you choose one that has been well-designed.

Budget Considerations

We appreciate that a good quality kennel is an investment. However, a kennel is an item where it is worth paying for quality. A cheaper kennel won't last, or won't be strong enough, so it is worth investing in a good quality kennel. With our kennels, you can add on extra elements at a later date, so you could consider choosing the minimum space that you need and add on more space later when your budget allows.

Reviews And Recommendations

Wherever you choose to buy your kennel from, make sure you do your research! If something seems too good to be true, then it probably is. We encourage our customers to leave reviews and have a great 4.8 stars on Trustpilot.

Additional Features

We offer a range of different accessories to help create the ideal environment for your dog. From feeding stations to sleeping benches, we have a good range to help make your dog's kennel a home. Our products are compatible, so if you want to add further elements to your kennel in the future, you can do so. We also sell stand-alone panels, so that you can construct a bespoke kennel for your dog. This can be useful for gardens with odd-shaped spaces, or where you are constricted on space.

Let Us Help You Choose the Best Dog Kennel Today

With our extensive range of kennels and our experienced and knowledgeable team, we can help you choose the best kennel for your dogs. We know that choosing the ideal kennel can be challenging, which is why our team are always available to discuss your dogs with you. Whether you have gentle Great Danes or tiny ferocious terriers we will have the ideal kennel for your dogs. Take a look at our range of complete dog kennels here, or speak to our helpful team on 01942 316 431.