Welcome to the wonderful world of dog kennels and dog cages.  If you are thinking that you know all there is to know about dog kennels you could be wrong.  Did you know that there are both indoor and outdoor dog kennels?  You can build the kennel yourself or buy a prefabricated one.  Most kennels are made from some type of metal, whether it be chain link, wire or steel rods, but there are indoor kennels that are made from heavy duty plastic.

There are a lot of dog lovers out there that might find it hard to imagine that there are some dog owners out there who keep their dogs outside, but it is a fact.  For those people the outdoor dog kennel is perfect for housing their dogs.  These kennels are typically made from chain link material or some other metal like wire or steel rods.  These kennels will have very high panels in order to keep the dog from jumping or climbing over the fence.  Some even have fencing over the top of the entire structure to keep those dogs that are masters at escaping (Huskies!) inside.

Usually outdoor dog kennels will be connected to a garage or shed like structure so that the dogs have safety from the elements.  If not there should be a dog house located within the kennel or else you are risking the safety and health of your pet.  The size of the kennel will depend on the amount of dogs you wish to house and how well they get along.  A dog run could also be an option and usually there is not much of a difference in the two.  A dog run might have more space to allow for more exercise for the dog.

An indoor dog kennel or dog cage is a very useful kennel indeed.  The main purpose of the indoor kennel should be to keep your dog safe when you are gone and to help house train.  If you use an indoor dog cage the most important thing to make sure of is that the kennel you use is the correct size for your dog.  The kennel should be only big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around and lay down.  If you allow for the kennel to be be too large then it will be near impossible to properly house train a puppy because they would be able to potty in one corner of the kennel and then move to the other side to avoid laying in its own waste.  A dog will avoid soiling its dog cage at all costs, but remember that a puppy should only be left for a maximum of four hours at a time until their bladder grows to accommodate holding its urine for longer periods.

In this installation I want to discuss the prefab dog kennel.  A prefab dog kennel is just what it sounds like, a dog kennel that comes in pieces that you have to put together, hopefully carefully!  There are many benefits to purchasing a prefab dog kennel versus building one yourself, but the most obvious benefit is the ease of just putting it up instead.  There are different types of prefabricated dog kennels: chain link, welded wire, and steel rod kennels.

The chain link prefab dog kennels come in two varieties.  There is the panels and the frame and stretch prefabricated kennel.  With the panel prefab, the chain link is already stretched around the frame in panels that only need to be screwed together and viola you have yourself a dog kennel.  The frame and stretch type requires much more work.  You must first assemble the frame and then stretch the chain link across the frame and attach it by wires for the set up to be complete.

The welded wire prefabricated dog kennel are panels that are comprised of a frame and wire fence material already attached.  Again, all one has to do is bolt the panels together and you have yourself a dog kennel.  These kennels are not chain link line many kennels, but instead made from wire and these kennels are rated by the gauge of the wire used.  You would definitely want to make sure you get a wire that is strong enough to contain your dog.

The third type of prefabricated dog kennel is the steel rod dog kennel.  This type is not necessary for you average everyday dog, but works best for large or aggressive dogs.  The steel rod variety is by far the strongest of the prefab dog kennels available.  Basically instead of wire mesh, the steel rod kennel will have steel rods 1/4-3/8 inch thick that make the fencing material.

Any dog kennel that is going to used outside should be treated to be weather resistant.  It will not do to have your hard work and money wasted by your kennel getting rusted and worn down by the weather much quickly than it would be if it were treated.  Rusted metal is also a health danger and care should be taken to get rid of it properly and quickly.

Prefab dog kennels are an easy alternative to providing your dogs with a great environment that can keep them safe and healthy for a long time to come.  Remember to always provide shelter inside the dog kennel in the form of a dog house or a shed type structure.  Make sure you supply ample water and food to your outdoor dogs, water being most important because being outside water will disappear quicker than if the dogs were inside.

If you own a dog, then you know what it is like to take the dog to the veterinarian.  This can be an easy task, but more often than not, this can be a trying task.  Many dogs will happily ride in the car and follow you into the veterinarian office on a leash without complaints, until they have been there once and realize how much fun it is not, then they might cause you some grief on future visits.  A dog carrier could be the perfect solution for you if you have a small dog.

Another time you might require a dog carrier would be if you were traveling.  Small dog carriers are a perfect solution to keeping your small dog contained and calm during travel.  Small dogs are allowed in the cabin of some airplanes and trains, while larger dogs are required to ride in the hold with the luggage in larger dog pens.

Dog carriers are typically made of a heavy plastic with a metal grate door.  Many people refer to them as cat carriers, but they can be used for both small dogs and cats.  The sides have plenty of ventilation holes around the sides, so no need to worry about Fluffy feeling cool and comfy inside.  It might be a good idea to line the dog carrier with a small pillow or blanket to provide the utmost in comfort.

This mini dog kennel can also double as an indoor dog kennel for your pooch.  It is recommended that when you leave you dog at home alone that you leave them inside a kennel for their safety and your peace of mind.  This is the best way to ensure that your new puppy or mischievous hound does not chew up anything while you are away or have an accident.  A small dog will benefit from making a dog carrier its at home habitat instead of a larger dog kennel made for much larger dogs.  A dog kennel should always be just barely big enough for the dog to stand up and turn around in and no larger.  This ensures that your dog does not have enough room to potty in one corner and move off to another corner to avoid laying in it.  A dog carrier or kennel is perfect for house breaking!

One thing you should make sure is that your dog will not have a penchant for chewing on the plastic that the carrier is made from.  This could be highly dangerous and totally defeat the purpose of one.  Usually the carriers are made from very strong and thick plastic and the ventilation holes are not large enough to allow a dog to get his mouth through it to chew on it, but some dogs are just inventive enough or small enough to figure out how to chew on something, so just watch closely the first few times you leave them in it alone.

Outdoor dog kennels or dog runs are a great alternative for keeping your dog safe while you are away if you do not wish to have an indoor dog or indoor dog kennel.  Dog kennels come in all shapes and varieties, but outdoor dog kennels are typically made from chain link fence material or some other sturdy, weatherproof material.  Typically the chain link fence style allows for the greatest air flow through the dog kennel and the greatest flexibility for size and shape.

Many people consider building their dog kennels themselves.  This option is completely reasonable and might prove to be more reasonable for your pocket book as well.  Dogs are expensive to have and keep healthy and if you are handy enough, saving money by building your own outdoor dog kennel is a great way to ensure you have enough money for vet bills, food and grooming.  It is possible to keep your dog happy and healthy in an outdoor dog kennel, but it is important to make sure their protection from the elements is adequate and that you feed, water and show love to your canine on a regular basis.  Keeping the dogs in outdoor dog kennels will also allow for a cleaner house, trust me on this one, I live with three huskies and sometimes I wish I could have an outdoor dog kennel!

Before you begin such a big project, you need to ask yourself if you have the skills to build a dog kennel that is sturdy and durable.  You might also want to consider if you dog will enjoy staying in an outdoor kennel, because regardless if you save money, the health and happiness of you dog is the number one priority.  If you are confident that the answer to those two questions is yes, then carry on good friend and build that outdoor dog kennel!

You will first want to research the building materials and supplies.  Using local places for your supplies is the preferred method, but only if they have quality items and are trustworthy.  Also, make sure that the materials you would purchase would in fact actually be cheaper than buying a prefabricated dog kennel, otherwise what is the point?

If you are building an actual dog kennel and run, then this will be a larger size than just an outdoor dog kennel.  Dog runs tend to have enough room for the dog to run up and down and are usually reserved for true outdoor dogs, that never come inside.  An outdoor dog kennel should be more like a dog house, but that is kept securely closed when you are away.  If you are building a dog kennel, then make sure you build it large enough for the dog to stand up and turn around in, but not too large that it loses a lot of its insulation and body heat.

Building dog kennels is pretty easy as long as you have some experience with tools and building materials.  The kennel should be raised two to three inches above the ground which will stop the moisture from seeping through the wood floor (if you chose wood for your building material).  Otherwise you will probably have a concrete floor and do no need to worry.  If you choose a concrete floor, make sure your dog has straw to help keep warm.

The bottom line is keeping your dog happy and healthy.  Give them shelter if they will be spending a great amount of time outside in their dog kennels.

We have all seen the sign “Puppies for Sale” and have all been tempted to stop and many of us have and came home with a new puppy.  This is all well and good, but there are some of us who have got more than we bargained for.  Maybe we gave in to the kids whining about how they want a puppy or maybe it ws always our dream to have a dog, regardless some of us have made the decision of bringing home a puppy without really thinking it through.  The following information will help you to avoid that same mistake again when you see the “Puppies for Sale” sign.

A puppy grows up to be a dog just like a baby grows to be an adult.  Dogs are fantastic companions, but just like the person you choose as your partner, you should have the same consideration for the dog you bring into your home.  Each breed of dog has their own personality and requirements and you need to make sure those meet your lifestyle.  There are certain tools you will need to utilize, but possibly the most important to start with is dog kennels.  A dog kennel will be the most helpful tool when it comes to house breaking and keeping your puppy safe and you sane.

Let me just address the main issue people seem to have with dog kennels.  No they are not cruel.  No you are not locking your puppy up in jail.  Yes they will whine at first, but they will soon come to see the dog crate as their den.  It is important that you realize the dog is a dog and not a human.  Dogs will not soil in the place they sleep, so a dog kennel is imperative in house breaking.  It will also help your puppy stay alive by not chewing things they are not supposed to when you are not home.

The size of the dog kennel is extremely important.  You should purchase a crate that is going to be just big enough for the dog to stand up and turn around when they are full grown.  A quality dog kennel will come with an extra bit of kennel to block off the rest of the cage when the dog is still a puppy.  This is important to not allow the puppy too much room in the crate or else they will soil in a corner far away from where they sleep and it will not serve the purpose of teaching house breaking.