How to Set Up Your New Dog Kennel

Providing the best home for your dog is a major responsibility for any dog owner, breeder or boarder. A kennel can be the best home for your dog when taking all things into consideration, including the room and funds available. After setting it up, covering your kennel helps keep your dogs sheltered and happy.

  1. Location, Location, Location

    • Before setting up your new dog kennel, choose the best location. This is especially important if the kennel is permanent. Consider how many dogs your kennel will house when seeking a location, since a larger kennel requires more space. Also, consider the odors when picking the spot for your kennel. You need a location that is visible from your home yet not so close the odors will bother you. The location should have good drainage and natural shade is a plus.

    Ground Keeping

    • Before setting up the kennel, prepare the ground. Regardless of whether you choose concrete, pea gravel or plastic ground cover, start by leveling the ground and removing any debris, such as sticks and rocks. If possible, use a garden tiller to break up the ground. Spray the area with weed killer to remove any vegetation. Pick up any rocks, sticks or large clumps of dirt in the area. Add several pounds of sand to the dirt and form a sand base for drainage. Use a heavy rake, shovel and ground level to level the ground. Wet the ground it and allow the dirt to settle. Pack the ground with a piece of wood or a ground packer.

    Size Matters

    • The larger your dog or dogs the more room you need inside the kennel. Generally, one dog who weighs less than 50 pounds needs a 60-square-foot kennel. A larger dog more than 50 pounds needs an 80-square-foot space. When adding more than one dog, increase the space 10 to 20 square feet based on the dog̵7;s size.

    Two Main Types

    • There are several types of wire kennels on the market today. Welded wire kennels offer the benefits of quick setup and security for your dog. The chain-link kennels take longer to assemble, but are easier to move and generally cost less than welded kennels. Setting up welded wire kennels requires connecting the prefabricated panels at the joints. Chain-link kennels, on the other hand, generally require stretching wire around the frame and often require several people to assemble. Checking the manufacturer̵7;s instructions before choosing the type of kennel is a good idea.