Dog Runs and Kennels

Benefits of Instant Kennel Flooring

2009-11-15T03:22:00.000-08:00

I was recently really wow'd by something I saw, that looked terrifically handy to me. Instant kennel flooring. Yup, it is great for sitting down on the lawn inside of a chain mail fence for example, as it not only keeps the dogs away from direct contact with grass or dirt, but it also prevents them from digging around and trying to get out under the fence.

It is very simple to use, there are grommet holes along each side and you simply push a peg through those, one that looks just like a tent peg, and it anchors the kennel flooring to the ground. The nice thing about this type of flooring is that it's sturdy enough to use in a kennel even with pretty hefty or tough wearing dogs, and yet it is super lightweight and easy to manipulate and work with.

The other type of portable kennel flooring I have used is thick rubber mat squares, similar to the type of rubber matting you often see used for exercise. The main problem that I had with this type of flooring, however, was when I put it in a kennel with some young puppies. Unfortunately, the sides weren't all flat down and in the space of about an hour two of the pups got ahold of the square and chewed it up, then started on the other adjacent squares. I suppose if you were sure of laying them flat and you used them in a cage without chewers they would also be fine too.

Dog Cage, Anyone?

2009-10-29T08:40:00.000-07:00

Wondering whether or not you need to invest in a dog cage for your pet dog, even though you have a kennel? Well, believe it or not, dog cages are actually mighty good things to have on hand for all types of reasons.

One of their first uses, is to house train a pup not to do its business inside the house. I have very successfully house trained a couple of pups using this method, and have found that it worked really well. In fact, my pup was pretty much full trained within a week, though I was home all day at the time and I was really into it, making sure I took her outside often and kept her in view or in her cage if I couldn't be around for some reason.

Other good reasons for investing in a dog cage or dog crate are if you plan on traveling with your pup a lot, even in the car, it is really good to be able to temporarily restrain them inside their crate as opposed to having a young pup jumping all over you when you are driving.

They also provide your pup with a place he can call his own, a little refuge spot where he can run and hide from the busy world, and rest and relax. Pups generally end up really liking their dog crates, they love the security it gives them.

It's also great to have a place you can pop your puppy when you have to leave them in a room alone for a while, when you're going to the shop, or taking a shower or something like that. You really don't want to leave a young puppy unattended in a room, it's incredible the amount of damage they can do in a very short time! Believe me.

Blue Green Algae Hazard for Dogs

2009-09-28T00:08:00.000-07:00

Just read recently in an article by Robert Imrie, titled, "What's ugly, smells, kills dogs? Blue-green algae" about a current health hazard for dogs.

Apparently blue-gree algae that grows predominantly in waterways across the upper Midwest is responsible for not only sickening many people who come in contact with it, but also for killing dozens of dogs.

If you live in that area, beware of the potential problems you may have if you let your dog swim in or drink, or come in contact with this algae. It is especially serious if you let your dog drink from this water, but even swimming in it should be avoided. If your dog does end up coming in contact with it, be sure to rinse him off with clean, fresh water immediately!

Building the Outdoor Run

2009-06-18T23:55:00.000-07:00

Dog owners need to consider the whole picture before building the outdoor run as a permanent place for your dog to enjoy being outside safely. Permanent fixtures last longer than just a few years and should be planned with the future in mind.

Permanent dog runs should always be installed with your neighbors in mind. Future dog owners that might be considering the purchase of your house might not buy if their dog is noisy and the run is in a place that will bother the neighbors.

A permanent dog run that is erected without permanent shade can also equal a ‘no sale’ to house shoppers that are against using tarps on their pens. Some dogs enjoy finding creative new ways to chew on their tarps so that tarps become an expensive shade option.

Ideas For Your Dog Kennel

2009-06-17T23:48:00.000-07:00

Building the dog kennel and run can get complicated fast – unless you come up with a clear vision as to how you want the kennel to turn out before construction begins. In order to get that clear vision, you need to look at working dog kennels and modify those plans to your specific situation.

If you go online, you can find ideas for dog kennel from breed associations, particularly Greyhounds. The Greyhound racing industry usually houses their dogs in kennels. Not only to trainers and dog tracks use outdoor kennels, but so do Greyhound dog rescues.

And dog rescues are really the best places to get ideas for your dog kennel. Animal shelters are far more concerned with health and sanitation than commercial breeders.

What to Make a Dog Kennel From?

2009-06-16T23:45:00.000-07:00

Materials used to make a dog kennel
When a person loves dogs very much, they may find that they have to build a dog kennel to legally keep however many dogs they want. Perhaps you are like that. But do you know what to make a dog kennel from?

The easiest way to make a dog kennel is with a simple combination of wood and wire mesh. The wood should be cut long and thin, it acts as posts for the wire mesh. Nail the wire mesh to the posts and you'll have a simple kennel. Of course, you'll have to redo it every once in a while.

Materials needed to Build a Dog Run

2009-06-15T23:57:00.000-07:00

The quantity of materials required for building the dog kennel and run will vary depending on size and shape of the run.

The materials needed for a dog run, are 4x4 posts for the structure and concrete to secure the posts. Chain link fence is used to create the perimeter. The average height of a run is 5ft, however depending on the size and breed of the dog this may need to be increased.

Chicken wire can be used to prevent tunneling.

Lastly, a ground cover, pea gravel is sometimes used but can be damaging to a dog's feet, so wood chip mulch is preferable. Remember to create an area of shade if no natural shade exists.

Dog Kennel Flooring

2009-06-14T08:09:00.000-07:00

There are a variety of choices when it comes to dog kennel flooring. Cement floors are a bit more expensive to put in but they make clean up a dream and are great for more than one dog. Pea gravel is another choice for flooring. If not installed correctly it can start to smell over time. The cheapest product is wood, but it becomes a very hard to maintain flooring. It absorbs urine so it smells over time and dogs can get splinters from the wood. In the long run, cement floors last the longest and have the least amount of maintenance time.