Your dog is a part of the family.
Even the most loveable dog is not loved by everyone who comes to visit you. You could just put your dog in the basement or garage, but that feels “wrong.” You need a practical solution to make your guests and four-legged friends feel at home.
When deciding on a home for your dog, what’s the right choice? Should you go with a dog containment system or a fully finished dog kennel? The answer to this question depends a lot on what you will use the space for and what your budget is like.
Dog kennels have come a long way from the old dog boxes of yesteryear. In fact, these structures are often times built to a residential standard to give your dog the best experience possible. Kennels are more permanent pet homes and should be chosen if your dog will spend a lot of time inside. Dog containment systems are great choices for a temporary shelter for your dog, but they shouldn’t be used if your dog will spend a lot of time in them.
Let’s take a deep dive into what the differences are between these two types of homes for dogs and when you should use each type!
Outdoor Dog Kennel | What are They?
Dog kennels are structures built to contain your dog or other animals. Sometimes these structures are referred to as outdoor dog houses or prefab dog kennels. A quality-built dog kennel is built to residential standards and oftentimes mimics the look of a shed. Most times, dog kennels are made up of two parts, the box and the run.
Outdoor Dog Kennel | Box
The box is the part of the dog kennel that resembles a shed. When a structure like this is built well, it will follow typical residential building standards of studs spaced 16 inches in the center. This not only provides integrity to the structure but ensures dependability and durability.
The inside of your dog kennel box can be configured in multiple ways. Some people want two runs but don’t mind having it go inside of the same box. Others need them to be completely separated to keep aggressive dogs separate from each other. Additionally, others have found that using the box of a kennel works great for a whelping space.
Whatever situation suits you best, a quality dog kennel builder can get you the setup that fits your needs.
Outdoor Dog Kennel | Run
The part of the dog kennel where you see fencing and decking is referred to as the run. This part of your kennel allows your dog to have outdoor access while being safely contained. A quality-built outdoor dog kennel will use composite decking like Trex, welded wire for the fencing, and easy locking features to ensure your dog can’t run out of its contained area. A lot of dog kennel manufacturers will give you custom dog kennel options so you can customize your dog’s new home!
In addition to being finished with quality decking, a kennel run should have roofing over the entire space. This addition ensures your dog can not climb out or jump over the fencing, as well as provide shelter from the rain and shade from the sun. A high-quality roofing system should be finished with asphalt shingles or metal sheeting for maximum longevity and protection.
Dog Containment System | What is It?
Many people think that a containment system for their dog is the same thing as an outdoor dog kennel. This isn’t true! An outdoor containment system for your dog is different in that it does not contain a box for your dog to rest. These setups are placed directly on the ground and can cause your yard to become damaged if your dog is kept in the containment system for long periods of time. Containment systems also do not always have roofing on them, giving your dog no shelter from the weather and no shade from the sun.
Dog Containment System Pros and Cons
When you search for the best outdoor dog kennels, oftentimes you will find lists of cheaply constructed containment fences that will not offer a great solution for your pet. While a dog containment system like this may be what you are looking for, we think that these are only a portion of what a dog needs to be safe and happy. While these big box stores mean well, these dog containment systems do lack some features that make an outdoor dog kennel a more desirable option.
Custom Built Outdoor Dog Kennel Pros and Cons
A custom-built outdoor dog kennel is a different approach to containing your dog. A quality-constructed outdoor dog kennel is built to the specifications you need and avoids the cookie-cutter setup offered by most dog containment systems. While outdoor dog kennels are a great investment for your dog, here is a list of pros and cons of getting an Outdoor Dog Kennel.
Is It OK To Leave My Dog In An Dog Kennel?
Yes. It can be very safe to keep your dog in a dog kennel if you have the correct safety features. The top two safety features that should be included in any outdoor dog kennel are appropriate locks, so your dog can not get out on their own and proper ventilation to prevent overheating. Additionally, fresh water is always needed to ensure proper hydration.
Is It OK to Leave My Dog In A Containment System?
No! Leaving your dog in a containment system is not a safe way to keep your dog. Dog containment systems do not offer shelter from the elements and can be knocked over by strong dogs and dug under by determined dogs. While these systems can be a good way to keep your dog for short or moderate amounts of time when you are home, they are not a safe or reasonable solution for long stretches of time.
Can Other Animals Use A Dog Kennel?
Yes! Dog kennels are a great way to keep many kinds of animals safe while they are outside for long periods of time or even just for the night. Many times dog kennels can be used to house rabbits, cats, goats, and even the growingly popular pet pig!
So What System Is Best For You?
As you can see, both the dog containment system and a dog kennel are options per the respective needs you may have. While both will contain your dog, a dog kennel offers more features to keep your dog safe and happy. At My Barnyard, we are happy to offer high-quality custom-built dog kennels for sale for the smallest Yorkie to the biggest Irish Wolfhound. Get in touch with us today, and get your dog the space they deserve!