Outdoor dog kennels are wonderful for both you and your pet(s) if used and cared for properly. Many dog owners think that their dog is perfectly happy to live night and day in the kennel; they love their dog and make sure he has plenty of fresh water and food. Although they mean well, this assumption could not be further from the truth.
Perhaps you are in a situation where you have to keep your dog in a kennel 24 hrs a day; haven’t gotten your fence up yet, the landlord requires it – many things can arise. If so, take heart! Practice the following routine and you and your dog will be fine.
• Take your pet out of the kennel 3 to 4 times a day and play with him. Take him for a walk, talk to him and pet him (a lot).
o Are you at a loss as to what to say to a dog? Tell him about your day, tell him all your problems, (dogs are wonderful listeners, he will hang on your every word and agree with you), explain to him why he has to be in the dog kennel so much. Your pet is in heaven just having you spend time with him and hearing your voice. You are feeling much better because you just got to unburden yourself! Win – Win situation there!
• Feed him twice a day. This gives your dog something to look forward to and helps to relieve the boredom.
Dog Kennel General Use and Care:
• Feed your dog – when he is finished remove the dish/bowl. This prevents insect infestation.
• Make sure your dog has fresh water AT ALL TIMES.
• Put a toy or two in the kennel along with a couple of ‘chewies’ or a bone. This prevents boredom.
• Place a screen over the top of the kennel in summer – provides shade and keeps the sun from relentlessly beating down on your pet.
• Place a tarp over the top of the kennel in the winter – provides some shelter and keeps the rain/snow from pelting down directly onto the dog.
• Place a doghouse in the kennel – allows him to get out of the elements, or go to his ‘room’.
• Clean the dog kennel area daily – if need be, twice daily.
• Spray the kennel area once a month for flea and insect control.
NOTE: If your dog kennels sit on a cement base, make sure to place a rug or bed of some type on the cement for your pet. This will help him to avoid the heat in summer, and will help with any arthritic problems he may have.