Should I Have A Kennel In The Back Garden?

All dogs are going to need some fresh air outdoors, and some just love being outside. Something that you might have thought about getting is a kennel so that your dog can chill out and relax outdoors for as long as they want to.

Another reason why you might be considering a kennel could be for a destructive dog that doesn’t do so well when you let them have the entire garden to themselves. They can also come in handy if you are concerned about the security of your garden and your dog escaping. 

There are lots of different types of kennels that you can get, depending on your needs, and some will allow your dog to come and go when they please, while others will keep them inside. Making sure that your dog is both happy and healthy is of utmost importance in this situation, which is why it is important to know everything there is to know about kennels before you get one. 

Should I Have a Kennel in the Back Garden?

You can get a kennel in the back garden if you feel that it would be useful, but many people are against leaving a dog in a kennel outside full time. However, they can have many added benefits for part-time use, which we will explain further on. 

Permanent dog kennels can be used as a long-term housing solution for a dog, or as a secondary place for them to go to relax when they are outside in the back garden. Lots of people will opt to get a kennel for their dog to use when they want to, rather than forcing them to be in it all the time. 

You can get a variety of different kennels, including ones where your dog can come and go as they please, or others with doors on them. There is also a wide selection of sizes for you to choose from, and they can even be custom-made to suit your dog’s needs.

Advantages of Outdoor Kennels

If you are thinking about getting a kennel for your back garden, but you are unsure if it is a good idea, we will leave some of the benefits that they can provide below for you to read about.

Protecting Your Garden

Some people will get a kennel for their garden, so they can limit any destructive behaviour that may occur in the garden. Dogs are known for getting territorial from time to time, though some are more than others, and providing them with their own space can help with this and limit any destructive behaviour.

They Can Aid Toilet Training

When you first get a dog, they can get used to living in your home and doing their business inside. Providing them with an outdoor space to be in for parts of the day can help them get used to going to the toilet outside.

Mental Stimulation and Energy Burning

Another great benefit of an outdoor kennel is that it gives your dog the perfect space to get rid of any excess energy that they have without them running wild in your home. The mental stimulation of being outdoors for periods of the day can also help them to burn off extra energy, reduce stress, and provide visual stimulation.

They Can Help With Training

If your dog has a habit of becoming hyperactive, a kennel can be used to help manage this kind of behaviour. The kennel can be used as a ‘time out’ space that they can go to relax and unwind. To do this, your dog will need to enjoy being inside the kennel, so it should never be used as a form of punishment. However, you can teach them to associate being in the kennel with calm time. 

Provides a Safe Space

Just like humans have their own bedrooms to retreat to when they want to get away, a kennel can provide your dog with the same idea. The kennel can become their safe space that they retreat to when they want to get away from things. Dogs often like to have somewhere to go if they are feeling overwhelmed or frustrated, and a kennel can come in really handy for this.

Where Should I Put a Kennel?

The placement of the kennel is really important, as this is the area where your dog may spend a lot of time when they are not by your side. You might want to avoid putting the kennel under trees, as falling debris can damage the roof of the kennel over time, and possibly even cause injuries to your dog. One of the best places to put your kennel is up against a stable outside structure, but this doesn’t always have to be the case.

Is It Legal to Keep a Dog in a Kennel Full Time?

It is legal to keep your dog in a kennel full time, but it is often frowned upon by the majority of dog owners. However, if you were to do this, you would have to make sure that the environment that you are providing your dog is suitable for them to live in.

If you live in Wales or England, you will have to follow the English and Welsh codes of practice for the welfare of dogs. There are so many things that you would need to consider when it comes to providing your dog with a suitable place to live, as if you fail to do so, outside intervention could occur.

Ultimately, your dog’s needs are the most important thing to consider, and you will need to do your best to provide for them properly. If you cannot do this, then you should seriously think about getting a different type of animal that doesn’t require as much care, time, and energy. A dog should be part of your family and well-loved and looked after.

What Size Kennel Do I Need?

The size of the kennel that you need will depend on the breed and size of the dog that you have. If you are considering getting a kennel for your dog, you will need to make sure that it is the correct size. 

There are no exact guidelines when it comes to the correct size of a kennel, but it should be more than big enough for them to play, sleep, and be comfortable in. Ultimately, the size of the kennel will depend on what it is going to be used for and how long your dog will be in it. Ideally, a kennel should be large with enough space for your dog to be comfortable, and the longer they will be in there, the bigger it should be.

Things That An Outdoor Kennel Should Not Be Used For

A kennel should never be used as a punishment for your dog. It can be used as a time-out zone, but never as a place to lock them away if they have been ‘bad’. As well as this, your kennel should never be a space that is an excuse for you to shut away your dog and get on with your life without them. All dogs will require social interaction, and it isn’t fair to lock them away all the time.

The kennel should also never be a place that is for anyone other than your dog. You should always make sure that your children or any guests are not playing in the kennel or bothering your dog when they retreat inside it to get away. This is their space, and they might not wish to share it with others. You should also never tie up your dog, so they can’t roam freely around the kennel, as they need space.

How to Provide Your Dog With Everything They Need

Now that you know everything that a kennel should and shouldn’t be used for, you should consider how you are going to provide your dog with everything that they need.

Shelter and Protection

Your dog will need to be sheltered and protected from the weather and elements to ensure their safety and wellbeing. They should be provided with the opportunity to go into a shaded area to avoid the sun and should be protected from rain. Your dog should be able to move to an area where they feel more comfortable when they need to. These are some reasons why outdoor kennels are often not a suitable environment for a dog to live in all the time.

Temperature and Ventilation

If your dog is ever going to be in the kennel for an extended amount of time, like while you go shopping, then they are going to need access to heating and cooling in really hot or really cold weather. The temperature in the kennel should be above 10 degrees and below 26 degrees in order to be suitable. It is important to monitor the temperature to ensure your dog’s safety.

Health and Wellbeing

Your dog will need access to clean drinking water in their kennel, and you should regularly check their water bowl. They should also have the opportunity for daily exercise and play and interaction with animals and people. As well as this, make sure that your dog doesn’t get lonely or bored, and never leave them alone for so long that they become distressed. Remember, a kennel is not a permanent living solution and your dog still needs your company.