Types of Dog Kennel

When first bringing up the subject of dog kennels, I tend to find different people will have their own ideas of what a kennel actually is. Some people will picture a large building that includes an indoor area and a fenced dog run, others will picture a small wooden house like structure just big enough for the dog to lay down in, and others a small box like structure in the house.

I personally classify kennels into three groups which have their own specific uses as follows:

Dog Kennel and Run

This type of kennel requires quite a bit of space and tend to be used mainly by dog breeders and boarding kennel companies. Although they are also useful if you need to leave your dog outside unattended for lengthy periods. Dogs tend to be inquisitive and can get up to all sorts of mischief if left alone. A kennel of this type allows your dog room to move around and play in a safe environment.

Usually they are around 1.5m -1.8m (5dt – 6ft) high, in order to allow a human to enter and maintain the kennel, with 2 distinct sections. An indoor area where the dog can retreat from the elements and an outdoor fenced area where the dog can play and get a little exercise.

The indoor doesn’t need to large, as it’s intended to be an area where the dog can lie down and sleep, protected from the wind and rain. The play area or run is the largest area, which may be a simple wooden frame enclosed with a wire mesh open to all the elements, or in more expensive models it may have a roof and one or more solid side panels.

Kennel and Run

Stand Alone Dog Kennel or Dog House

This is the type of kennel most commonly found in peoples gardens. It’s a small 4 sided structure with a riged or flat roof, and a small door just large enough for the dog to comfortable enter and exit.

When choosing this sort of kennel you only need something large enough for your dog to stand up in and be able to turn around comfortably. It is not meant to be a play area, but only as a safe place where they can lay down and sleep protected from the elements.

They are normally made from wood or plastic and have a removable roof or side panel to allow for easy cleaning.

Plastic Dog House

Wooden Dog House

Indoor Dog Kennel or Crate

The indoor or dog kennel (commonly known as a crate) is used to provide a safe area for your dog inside the house. As I have said previously dogs are inquisitive creatures which can get them into trouble.

It is not uncommon for a dog to decide to chew on the furniture or carpets, or decide to use your favourite item of clothing as a toy when left alone in the house. The indoor dog kennel is the solution to this problem.

These kennels or crates have a door that can be locked so that the dog can be shut inside it when you have to leave the house, or you go to bed. To many people this seems like a cruel procedure, but if the dog has been trained to use the crate properly he will just go to sleep inside it until you come back again.

The idea behind them is to encourage your dog to see the indoor kennel or crate as his own secure safe place. Many dogs that have been trained to use them from puppies, will happily use them even when you are home. By leaving the door open when you are home a dog can retreat into it take a nap or when he wants some peace.

Crates are made from plastic, wood or wire mesh. For smaller dogs the crate can also double as a carrier, for trips to the vet for instance.