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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. The Weatherguard covers prevent ravens, cros, magpies and other large birds from steeling your pet's food.

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:



Professional grade (Pro Series) powder coated kennel Professional Grade Black Powder Coated Euro Style Modular Panel
Professional grade (Pro Series) powder coated kennel Professional Grade (Pro Series) Black Powder Coated Wire Mesh Modular Panel
Chain link kennel Classic Series Ganvanized Chain Link Modular Panel
Kennel kit Small Chain Link Kennel Kits
Euro Style Kennel

Professional Grade
Euro Style
Black Powder Coated
Modular Panel
Professional grade (Pro Series) powder coated kennel

Professional Grade
(Pro Series)
Black Powder Coated
Wire Mesh
Modular Panel


Kennel kit

Small
Chain Link
Kennel Kits
Common Applications Boarding Kennels, Breeders, Vet Clinics, Pet Walking Services, High-end Backyard Kennels Boarding Kennels, Breeders, Vet Clinics, Pet Walking Services, High-end Backyard Kennels Small Backyard Kennels
Quick Modular Panel Assembly? Green Checkmark Green Checkmark some models
Powder Coated? Green Checkmark Green Checkmark some models
Welded Construction? Green Checkmark Green Checkmark
Mesh
Style
vertical tubing 2" x 4" welded mesh mostly chain link, some welded wire mesh
Gauge heavy duty 8 gauge
heavy duty
10 or 12 gauge
standard duty
Panel Sizes Available 5'W x 6'H 5'W x 6'H
4'W x 6'H
na
Optional Accessories Available Weatherguard Cover Weatherguard Cover
Feeding Systems
Gate-In-Gate
Weatherguard Cover

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). Powder coating adds further corrosion protection to the kennels. It also adds a very professional, attractive look.

Wire
Gauge
Diameter
(Inches)
Diameter
(mm)
8.16204.115
10.13503.429
12.10552.680
14.08002.032
16.06251.588
18.04751.207
Dog Kennel Wire Gauge Chart


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