Looking to buy a small dog kennel?    Welcome to www.smalldogkennel.net where you will find the information you need to decide which small dog kennel would best suit your needs.

Dogs are social animals that will be happy to share your space in most circumstances and at most times.  However both you and your dog will benefit from having a separate space for your dog.   Your dog will be more contented to have space to which it can retreat and rest and sleep.  Your dog’s routines will not match your own and there will be times when he will want to be resting whilst you are active.   A kennel is ideal for this.

Location

You need to decide on a number of things to make sure you get the kennel that best suits your requirements.   It is often best to decide upon the best location for the kennel – but you may find that other considerations may force you to change your mind in this regard – but you need to start somewhere.

First decide if you want your dog’s “space” to be indoors or outdoors – and if outside, just how much space you want your dog to have – for example whether you want space for your dog to rest in or to roam in.   In the latter case you may want to partition an area - and then have a kennel situated within that area.    This will be more important if your dog is to be left unattended for longer periods of time. Alternatively you can buy a kennel that has both an outside run and inside space to rest and escape from the outside weather.   Outdoor space needs to be in the region of 20 to 30 feet by 10 to 20 feet, but much depends on your dog’s size and breed – and how much time is to be spent in the kennel.  Remember that small dogs also need adequate space in which to run.

If you would prefer your dog to spend time outdoors, then you must decide if that is a good choice for your dog throughout the year – bearing in mind summer heat and winter cold.  In this case kennel insulation and ventilation will be important matters.   Insulation will help increase warmth and reduce summer heat, whilst adequate ventilation will generally be of more importance in summer.   Expected weather conditions and the breed of dog are vitally important.

Size and Type

Your kennel, or the space set aside for it, should provide the opportunity for your dog to move about freely.    Size is therefore also an important issue.  For simple comfort you dog should, as a minimum, be able to stand fully erect and turn around and lie in adequate space.   Such a small size is only suitable if you intend the kennel to be a place of rest only and your dog will be given access to space outside of the kennel.     If you dog is not fully grown, then plan this.

If your dog is small and you wish to keep your dog and kennel indoors, it is possible for your kennel to be used for travelling as well – a portable kennel.

Once your preferred location and type has been decided you should next consider the materials used in its construction.    Importance aspects are strength durability.    Choices include wood, but if making your own kennel, you should be sure to choose a wood that has not been treated with anything that might be harmful to your dog.

Other choices include wire and plastic.  Wire is more appropriate for an outdoor kennel and plastic for a portable kennel.

Tips for Choosing a Dog Kennel

Here are a few tips for you to consider when looking to buy and use a small dog kennel

  • Decide why you will want your dog in the kennel - and for how long  - from this you will be able to decide the size and type of kennel
  • if your dog is to spend a lot of time in the kennel, make sure he can exercise there - so buy a bigger kennel
  • if you want your dog to rest only and have his own space, then a kennel that is just big enough to stand, turn and lie in will discourage him from using it as a toilet
  • buy a kennel that will be of the correct size for your adult dog - or be prepared to buy another kennel later
  • a small dog kennel can often be used for transporting your dog as well as being used in a static position - so consider both uses before buying
  • make sure you buy bedding or a liner that can be used solely within the kennel - it will encourage your dog to return to it
  • let your dog get used to it slowly - and be patient.
  • At first put something that he likes, or a piece of your clothing inside - so that he can go in to retrieve it
  • Do not put food inside the kennel - and do not let your dog take it there.

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