If you don’t want your pet dog to sleep in the house as an indoor dog, the only alternative is to find an appropriate kennel. Some dog owners don’t like the idea of a kennel because they worry about creating the wrong environment. However, a well-made structure with a good design can act as a great den that your pets will enjoy sleeping in.
A Good Fit for Your Dog
There are some important questions to ask when searching for the best kennel for your dog. If you can find one that meets all of these criteria, you and your dog should be happy for a long time to come.
1. Are the Measurements Right?
This is an important place to start when choosing a comfortable, safe kennel. The capacity inside the structure must have the right measurements. This means:
You need to provide enough space for your dog to be able to stand and turn around in the kennel without any problems. Measure your pet and don’t just go by estimates for their breed. Also, don’t overcompensate too much and go too big. Smaller dogs may not feel so secure and may be less able to create a cozy den. Also, look at the shape and position of the doorway. Is it large enough and easy to access? Is there too much of a step for shorter legs?
2. Will it Provide a Comfortable Shelter From the Weather?
A kennel isn’t just a place to sleep. It is also a place where outdoor dogs can escape if they don’t want to be out in the current weather conditions. A good kennel should help to protect them from:
Look out for a kennel that has storm-proofing around the joins and the door. The last thing that you want is for water and cold air to blow in. A quality wooden kennel should have a waterproof coating to stop the panels from getting wet and warping. Some kennels also have raised floors to improve the temperature.
3. Is it Practical for Owners Too?
The comfort and security of the dog house are essential when trying to keep our dogs happy. However, they also need to be practical and human-friendly too. This all starts with the assembly process. Look at customer reviews for products to see if buyers have had trouble here. Then there is the maintenance and cleaning. You are going to need to be able to get inside that structure to clean it out now and then – or to retrieve items that dogs have smuggled into their little den. Some outdoor kennels are easy to clean with a wipe-clean floor and a removable roof. Others aren’t quite so practical.
4. Is it Built to Last?
On the subject of construction, it is also important to look at the durability of the materials and the potential life span of the product. Again, look at customer testimonials to see if people are talking about the following:
Some products aren’t able to withstand long term use. This is especially true if you have a dog that likes to chew. You don’t want to pay out for a beautiful, expensive soft wood creation and watch it get torn to pieces within a month.
5. Does it Look Good?
Looks aren’t really that important as long as the animal is secure. However, many dog house companies appreciate that owners want a nice looking structure in their garden. This is something that will be a prominent feature and that guests and neighbors will see. If you want to go for something attractive, there are some interesting products that have more detail in the carving and extra features. Some even have little porch areas and nameplates above the door.
In the end, you need to find a product that both you and your dog can agree on. You may find something beautiful with high-quality wood and weatherproofing. But, if your dog isn’t comfortable using it, it won’t do. Look for the perfect fit in a product with the right protection, a stable structure and enough practical elements.
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