Thoughts on Dog Kennels

Say 'dog kennel' and what's the first thought that comes to mind?

Somewhere for your furry friend to chill out in the garden, a place for him to stay when you go on holiday; or an enclosure at a rescue centre?

Conventional style dog houses seem to be going out of fashion. Today's outdoor kennels are like mini-versions of summerhouses and patios. Though most are still made of wood, now they come with pitched rooves and can either be set up professionally by the manufacturer or be self-assembled. Which dog kennel wood is best? That entirely depends on what is available at the time. It's very much a matter of choice.

At the most expensive end of the market, the classiest type of kennel can be fitted by an expert. One that is weatherproof and very robust should last the dog for life. Again, like summer houses, outdoor dog kennels can have their own sheltered patio to protect occupants from sun, rain, wind and snow. They can have one, two, or three entrances, depending on the number of dogs sharing. The most luxurious kennels have spacious dog runs attached so that occupants can have sufficient space to exercise when on their own.

The flat-roofed variety is another option for the dog who likes something different. Transparent flaps at the entrance to the home kennel are designed to keep out the worst of the weather.

But what if, once installed in his dinkie little garden home, poochie finds the bare floor a bit cold on his bottom? Then give him a protective insulation mat. If he's bored, stock him up with a selection of dog kennel supplies. A ball, a rubber bone, some chewies...

If you simply cannot travel anywhere without your dog, why not invest in a mini travel house to go in the back of the car. Dog and kennel should always be happy with each other.

There is a growing practice for proprietors of the most upmarket dog boarding kennels to call their establishments pet hotels.  Not pet guest houses, mind.  Nothing so ordinary.  These are plush places set in acres rolling countryside. Dogs being indulged in this type of lifestyle are mainly the companions of a-list celebrities, such as top ranking TV personalities and footballers. But not necessarilly.

One family of modest means said they spent the whole year saving up for holidays not just for themselves and their children, but for their pets too.  They liked to ensure that Hambone and Cheeky Chops had equally luxurious accommodation.  They also made a point of choosing hotels where there were adequate facilities for fun and games. 

The idea of sending the dog off to have his own holiday while the family enjoy sun, sea and Sangria in some exotic venue is beginning to catch on. The very best of these dog hotels provide puppy training, obedience schools and a choice of gourmet meals.

Dog psychology can be arranged for mutts who need their heads examined. Lying back on the couch, they can be given positive reinforcement techniques that have come a long way from Pavlov's methods.

As for sleeping arrangements: indoor rooms are often linked to the occupants' very own private spaces for frisking.  And if they fancy a mooch round with dogs occupying neighbouring suites, then that's fine too. Hugs and kisses are optional.

Dogs at rescue centres usually fall into two categories: strays found wandering the streets (or abandoned at the gates of the centre) and dogs handed in for recycling.

Why should an owner want to give away his dog? An independent survey conducted among new dog owners in the South of England has revealed that the main reasons are marriage breakup, bankruptcy, loss of the home, owners dying, being imprisoned, or going abroad. Lack of sociability and/or aggression also figure.

When considering rescuing a dog from a rescue centre, it is always wise to investigate thoroughly how responsible its staff and volunteers are about the animals are in their care. Dr Bruce Fogle, a veterinary surgeon of international repute, spells it out to the uninitiated. In his book New Dog (Mitchell Beazley, 2008), Dr Fogle advises potential adopters to check out the quality of the rescue centre as well as the staff. Both should be clean, organized and efficient, he adds.

In Dr. Fogle's experience, traditional dog kennels with rows of housing units actually promote dogs barking, but modern kennels built in the round so that dogs can see each other reduce the amount of barking.

'Barking can be a behaviour problem that has unwittingly been created during a dog's stay at an old-fashioned kennel,' he explains.

Like all other responsible vets, this expert is all in favour of microchipping. Dogs should also be fully vaccinated and treated for parasites (worms, fleas, etc.) Kennel cough often breaks out in such places and it is important for anyone thinking of adopting a dog from one of these centres to know that the patients have been seen by the vet and 'cleared for takeoff'.

Dr Fogle says efficient rescue centres assess both the health and the behaviour of their canine guests and should have written records of these assessments.