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How to Make an Outdoor Dog Kennel More Fun

by Dakota Storage Buildings, on August 22, 2022

ShouldILeaveDogInKennelAtWork

Not all dogs are outdoor dogs. Some breeds crave being outside more than other breeds. If you have a  breed that constantly craves the outdoors, the solution can be as simple as building an outdoor kennel. 

Making an outdoor dog kennel isn’t a punishment for your dog. It provides them with the freedom to do whatever they want, when they want, ultimately providing them with a happier life. Furthermore, just because your dog has an outdoor kennel doesn’t mean they can’t have fun in their living space.  

If you aren’t sure where to begin with making an outdoor dog kennel, then you’re in luck. We’ve compiled the top 7 things for you to consider when it comes to making an outdoor kennel the most fun for your dog. 

1.) The Location of the Kennel 

Don’t just choose to put an outdoor kennel anywhere. Carefully consider what location would make the most sense for your dog. For some dog owners, that may mean building a kennel close to your home, but in some instances, you may want to build a kennel closer to another area of your yard.  

2.) The Size of the Kennel 

If you have a larger dog, you’ll want to build your pet a larger outdoor kennel, and if you have a smaller dog, vice versa. If you are planning to leave your dog in a kennel for an extended period, you’ll want to be sure that you are building them a kennel with adequate room to run and play. Additionally, you’ll want to ensure that any sleeping and/or napping area is cozy enough for whatever position your dog chooses to sleep in. 

3.) How Comfortable the Kennel Is 

Dogs love to nest and burrow, so make sure their kennel is a space where they can do this by providing them with some blankets and pillows. Not only will this keep them warm when it gets colder, but it will also make them feel comfortable in their living space. Beyond blankets and pillows, bring some of your dog’s favorite toys into their outdoor kennel so they can always have their favorite things with them for playtime at any time. Having balls, chew toys, and ropes will keep your dog occupied with fun for hours. 

4.) The Kennel’s Weather Resistant Features 

Your outdoor dog kennel is their home. That means that you want it to be built to withstand any weather conditions. The indoor area should be entirely waterproof, and the structure should be able to withstand extreme wind. 

5.) If the Kennel is Escape-proofed 

You want your dog to have fun, but you also want them to stay put inside of the outdoor kennel. That means that you’ll want to consider the floor of the kennel (and avoid dirt and grass if your dog is a  digger) and the walls of the kennel (so if your dog is a climber or jumper, they can’t escape). 

6.) The Temperature of Your Area 

The quickest way to ruin a dog’s kennel fun is to have the kennel too cold during the colder months and too warm during the hotter months. To keep your dog warm during the winter, install insulated walls that will trap the heat and keep the cold out. You can also opt for a kennel heater or heated dog bowl to ensure your dog is handling the elements okay. On the contrary, ensure there are some shaded and/or covered areas for the warmer months.  

7.) The Sound Around Your Kennel 

With a kennel being outdoors, there will be plenty of sounds in nature that your dog will listen to. You can take this one step further though by adding sounds or music to make your dog feel less lonely.  Having a low-volume radio playing will keep your dog calm when you aren’t around. 

At the end of the day, you know your pet the best. Just because your pet is living in an outdoor dog kennel during the daytime doesn’t mean you can neglect to give them attention. While they can have fun in their outdoor living space if you follow these tips, nothing will compare to playtime and attention from you. 

When you’re ready to get started with building your dog’s outdoor kennel, get in touch with Dakota Storage Buildings. Once you reach out to our team at Dakota, we’ll work with you to ensure your dog has the most fun kennel in all of your neighborhood. 

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Topics:Dog KennelsKennel Collection

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