Which kennel size should I choose for my dog? This is an essential question to ensure the daily well-being of your pet. It is important that the shelter be adapted to the needs and size of your four-legged companion.
Why have a dog kennel?
The kennel is a place that is dedicated exclusively to the dog. He must feel comfortable and protected there! Indeed, your four-legged companion needs a place of his own where he can rest in complete serenity. As soon as he arrives in the house, generally when he is still a puppy, he must feel that he has his place in the family. The kennel represents, in a way, his “home”. If the kennel is adapted to his needs, that is to say, with dimensions corresponding to his size, he will stay there for long hours. It is even likely that he will take his toys there to chew on them in peace and quiet. It is important to understand that even if a dog is faithful and tends to be with you often, he needs a shelter that he doesn’t share with anyone.
Indoors or outdoors?
A kennel can be placed as much inside as outside the house, it just needs to be set up according to the daily life of the family and the dog. If you wish to install it inside, it is advisable to put it in a quiet and not very busy place, for example, avoid the kitchen which is often a busy place to live. It is better to prefer a corner of the living room, preferably against a wall, to help your companion rest. Since the kennel represents his place, it is important not to place him in the center of a room or high up. The dog might think he is the dominant one in the house when this is not the case. Setting it back also makes learning easier. When he does something wrong, especially during the first few weeks, teaching him to go to the basket means putting him away for a while, so he needs to calm down. It is advisable not to put him in a draughty space.
For outside, it is best to place it in a corner, preferably in the shade and sheltered from bad weather so that it does not suffer too much heat on summer days.
There are many materials available for a dog’s kennel, it is best to choose the model according to the size of your companion but also according to the location of its space.
Choosing the ideal kennel
If it is outside, you can take a niche made of wood or resistant plastic. These models are resistant and last many years. They are perfect for animals spending a lot of time in the garden. On the other hand, it is strongly advised to take good quality for your outdoor kennel, for example, insulated wood, PVC or resin. Do not hesitate to place water and kibble bowls next to the opening. Your dog will feel more comfortable having everything he needs nearby.
For inside, there are plastic, fabric (or wooden kennels with a flat roof), they are comfortable and require little maintenance. You can also add cushions with edges to make him more comfortable. It is advisable, especially for young dogs, to choose solid materials, especially if they like to chew everything they have nearby. To get him used to his new kennel and make him understand that this is his space, you can accompany him and encourage him to go. You can encourage him with a toy or his favorite treat. Once he has understood, don’t hesitate to congratulate him, a new environment can be disruptive for the animal, especially if he is only a few months old.
To choose the size of your dog’s kennel, you must take into account certain criteria such as his breed. In general, there are 5 different kennel sizes on the market. Size S is recommended for small dogs such as Chihuahua, Bichon or Dachshund. If your four-legged companion has a medium size, for example, a Dalmatian or a Malinois shepherd, it is advisable to take a type M kennel. For dogs such as German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers or Labrador Retrievers, it is better to take L or XL depending on their weight and size. If you like big dogs like Newfoundlanders, mountain dogs or great danes, prefer XXL kennels to make them comfortable.
For the openings of the kennels, do not hesitate to calculate the dimensions of your pet so that it can slide easily inside. For him to feel comfortable, the dog must be able to lie down once in the kennel without being too tight. If you place the installation outside, make sure it is not too big, so that in winter it can warm up without being too cold.
