How to Choose the Right Dog Kennel / Run

There are a number of factors to consider when selecting a dog kennel.

First, you want to give careful consideration to the needs of your pet to ensure its comfort and safety:

Kennel Size and Shape - Kennel size is generally restricted by the available space in your yard or facility. Generally speaking, you can't really have a kennel that is too big, however, it is certainly possible to have one that is too small to meet your pet's needs. A kennel that is too small will create anxiety in your pet and will discourage it from feeling secure in its kennel. Consideration should be given to the size of the dog, the number of dogs enclosed in the kennel, and the relative energy level of the dog(s). Common sense dictates that larger and more energetic dog breeds need more space than smaller, less active breeds. Hyper dogs or those with lots of energy will prefer a long skinny kennel to a shorter square kennel as the longer length will provide more room to run. Consideration should also be given to the time the dog will spend in the kennel. A short term stay in a small kennel for even a very large breed of dog is generally fine, but a day long stay in a small kennel would not be appropriate for a large breed. Our general recommendation is to purchase as large of a kennel as you have space for in your yard and that you can comfortably afford.

Kennel Height - Most kennels are available in either a 4 foot or 6 foot height. For most kennels, we recommend a 6 foot height to ensure that your dog cannot escape and that it is safe from predators (coyotes, etc.). 4 foot kennels are appropriate for small breeds that cannot jump very high.

Protection from Weather - Careful consideration should always be given to your climate and in particular, to protecting your dog from rain, snow, wind, and excessive sunshine/heat. If you do not have nearby trees or a suitable dog house that can provide shelter for your pet, we highly recommend that you consider covering at least a portion of your dog's kennel with a weather-proof cover. We are pleased to offer Weatherguard kennel covers in a variety of sizes. For extra security, our modular kennel panels can also be used to create a wire mesh or chain link roof for extra security against predators like mountain lions (cougar), bobcat, lynx, large birds of prey, and even people trying to steal your dog!

Once you have selected an appropriate kennel size and height and given consideration to protecting your pet from adverse weather, your next step is to select the material to build your kennel.

Generally speaking, there are 3 primary types of kennels available:

• Modular Kennels - These kennels are made for pre-fabricated panels that generally measure about 5 feet wide and either 4 feet or 6 feet high. The panels can be connected together with a simple mounting bracket or clamp in various configurations to form a kennel or dog run. Specialized gate panels are available for easy access. Modular kennels have a great deal of advantages: they are very affordable, they are assembled under factory conditions so they tend to be well constructed, they can be assembled very quickly and easily, and they can be easily disassembled and reconfigured or moved if you ever need to change your kennel layout or location in the future. Modular kennels are by far our most popular type of kennel. We offer modular kennels in two grades: ProSeries Best of Show 8 Gauge Wire Mesh and Grand Champion 12 Gauge Chain Link.

• Boxed Do-it Yourself Kennel Kits - Boxed kennel kits contain all of the parts necessary to build a complete kennel. All of the parts are pre-cut and ready for assembly. Generally, boxed kennel kits are for smaller kennels up to 10 x 10' or 5 x 15' only and some may come complete with optional roof covers etc. Boxed kennels are a little more economical than most modular kennels but require significantly more assembly work and are available in fewer grades, sizes, configurations, and options. They make a good choice for most basic small backyard kennels but are not suited very well to large kennels or those who require special configurations.

• U-Build - The final option for building a kennel is to purchase all of the raw materials and build a kennel yourself from scratch. Unless you have prior experience working with chain link fencing and similar materials, we do not recommend this option. People selecting this option should be prepared to invest a lot of time in the planning and construction of their kennel. When time, effort, and material costs are considered, most people find that modular kennels not only end up looking more professional and offering more safety features, but they are actually cheaper than building a kennel from scratch.

The final major consideration is the material that the kennel is made out of. Kennels would be constructed with steel and should be galvanized to protect the parts from rust and corrosion. Kennel parts that are galvanized AFTER they are welded will have the best corrosion resistance. Aluminum parts while resistant to corrosion are much weaker than steel and are not recommended. The wire should be 8 to 12 gauge diameter (the smaller the number, the heavier and stronger the wire is - 8 gauge is the better than 12). Standard chain link is generally 12 or 14 gauge. Larger and more aggressive/energetic dog breeds require heavy-duty materials (we recommend 8 gauge welded wire mesh for such applications).

Wire Gauge Diameter (Inches) Diameter (mm) 8 .1620 4.115 10 .1350 3.429 12 .1055 2.680 14 .0800 2.032 16 .0625 1.588 18 .0475 1.207

We offer kennels in two grades: ProSeries Best of Show 8 Gauge Wire Mesh and Grand Champion 12 Gauge Chain Link Kennel. Our Champion Series Box Kennels are also made with 12 gauge chain link material.

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