Does my dog need a kennel?
Most dogs can benefit from spending time in a proper size kennel. A kennel is a refuge for your dog where he can escape from the noise and confusion of the household. It is a safe place for your dog to stay when you are unable to provide supervision. Proper training and use usually enables a dog to enjoy some confined time.

Always confine a puppy when you must leave it alone unsupervised. Puppies can hurt themselves or do considerable damage to your home.

Back yards are wonderful places for dogs to run and play when they are supervised. They also can be a source of problems and danger. Dogs left alone in the yard can develop bad habits, such as barking, and digging. Swimming pools, clotheslines, and gardening materials can be hazards. A dog can be stolen from, or poisoned in, its own yard.

You may have to sleep in a strange bed when you travel. Your dog will have his own familiar place to sleep when he travels with you, if you take his kennel along. A dog with a safe haven to run to is less likely to growl or snap when annoyed. A kennel gives the dog a safe, acceptable alternative.

What size and type of kennel does my dog need?
Your dog should be able to stand up and turn around in his kennel. He does not require room to walk around, since most dogs sleep when kenneled. Remember that puppies grow. The wise and prudent owner will invest in a kennel large enough to accommodate the dog as an adult.

We recommend a hard plastic kennel such as Doskosil Pet Porter or Vari-Kennel. They are approved for airline use, if necessary. They are easy to clean and store. They disassemble easily and one half will nest inside the other. These kennels provide the best atmosphere for comfort, security and safety. Wire kennels are more difficult to keep clean, are not safe as transportation confinement, and do not provide as much security for the dog. However, if a dog is "kennel shy," or has had bad experiences in a kennel, a wire kennel may be a good idea.

When, where, and for how long should my dog be kenneled?
Each dog and household is different and has individual needs. We recommend kenneling a dog whenever the owners are not home, at night (under certain circumstances such as house training), and when the dog becomes over excited and needs calming. Many dogs decide on their own that they want to use their kennels. For this reason, we suggest you leave the door open and allow the dog to use the kennel for a retreat or sleeping place whenever he desires

Never use a kennel as punishment, and never kennel a dog in anger. This creates stress and anxiety. It does nothing to teach the dog appropriate behavior.

The best location for your kennel is your bedroom. Your scent is strongest there. This is comforting and soothing to the dog. It probably will be a quiet place during the day, and therefore calming. Locating your dog in the bedroom to sleep at night facilitates bonding whether the dog is kenneled or not.

Any location in the house, away from the children's play area, is acceptable during the day if the bedroom is not practical. With a little imagination, a dog kennel can be a functional, even attractive addition to your home. Some people cover them with a throw or decorative table cloth and use them as living room end tables. We find that #500 (extra large) size kennels make great night tables. They can hold plants (on top, away from the dog), books and papers, or your bird or other small animal cage. And conveniently, many airline kennels have indentations in the top that are wonderful cup holders. Use your imagination!

Leave the kennel door open so that the dog can come and go at will during times that confinement is not necessary. Many dogs, once they learn about kennels, seek them out at naptime. Put some soft material in the bottom or leave the inside bare. Pet stores and pet catalogs sell many different types of kennel pads or old blankets are also functional. Be sure that you won't object if the dog chews on the kennel padding. If he does, it is fine to leave the floor bare.

The amount of time that a dog can spend in his kennel varies due to age and situation. Only kennel puppies for short periods of time. See our information sheet, entitled You and Your Puppy for more information. A kennel is not appropriate for your dog for eight to ten hours a day. Longer times mean that the dog needs more room. An enclosed indoor area with a dog door leading to a fenced outdoor area is best for adult dogs. Most adult dogs can stay in their kennels happily for six to eight hours at a time. Use good judgment, and when in doubt, ask your veterinarian or trainer.

How do I train my dog to use and like a kennel?
Begin by putting a clean, fresh kennel in your home with the door propped open. Let your dog explore the kennel if he wants to. You can begin teaching the dog to enter the kennel once he is comfortable around it, which can take from ten minutes to ten days.

Toss a small treat in toward the back of the kennel and tell the dog, "Kennel!" You can use any word you want, just use it consistently and make your tone happy and upbeat. Offer praise when the dog enters the kennel and stop praising when the dog leaves the kennel. Repeat this several times, until the dog readily enters the kennel. When the dog is entering easily, close the door and walk away. Leave the dog in the kennel for ten to fifteen minutes and release. Increase the amount of time as the dog's comfort level increases. Gradually decrease the use of treats until you do not need them.

Some kennel do's and don'ts:

Do:

• Keep the kennel area shaded and cool, observe sunny places in your home and avoid placing the kennel in those areas
• Make the kennel a pleasant and comfortable place
• Use positive reward based training
• Keep the kennel clean
• Keep the kennel available to your dog
• Make sure it is not too small
• Take the dog outside for elimination immediately after releasing

Don't:

• Release the dog when he is whining or barking - this will teach him to whine and bark whenever he is in the kennel.
• Use the kennel as punishment
• Allow children to climb on or play in the kennel - It belongs to your dog
• Allow the dog to be teased when kenneled
• Make a fuss when releasing the dog - Wait ten minutes after releasing the dog before offering greeting or play
• Put the kennel in any direct sunlight - It can heat up very quickly inside
• Provide food or water in the kennel. The dog will eat and drink immediately and will have a problem with the need to eliminate.

Do not attempt to force the issue if your dog resists kennel training or refuses to enter a kennel. This can provoke an aggressive response. Consult a trainer for advice and assistance.

Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions. Our telephone number is 602-707-6167.