Hi there, after some advice please. Considering buying a wooden outdoor kennel so when our chocolate lab is outside she has a safe place from noises, sun, wind etc rather than coming back in every time. Am talking about a small open kennel not actually kennelling her outdoors. Anyone else got one, beneficial?
Re: Kennel outside We had one here for 3 dogs' lifespans and not one of them put even a nose in it for all that time. It is now in the back garden modified for our hens to use as a hang-out/egg laying spot
Re: Kennel outside My first Lab would not go in his kennel. My current dog has a kennel at his previous home and I don't think he went in it - he did spend a lot of time chewing the door frame, judging by its appearance So, nothing wrong with getting a kennel. If you don't have much other shelter in your backyard then a kennel night be appreciated. But don't feel disappointed if your pup does not want to use it voluntarily. You can create a positive association with it, though, the same way you would with crate training and that will increase the chances of your pup using and enjoying it
Re: Kennel outside My dogs are kennelled outdoors at night and various times during the day. They have a large insulated wooden kennel in a very large pen and are much happier out there then left in the house if I'm out believe it or not. It is their space. They have been in it from 7 weeks of age however and the breeder kept them in a horse loose box so they've always been used to outdoors. In the main a dog will go for shelter if it's raining etc so she might well use a kennel outdoors if you leave her long enough but there's no guarantee. My cousins dog refuses to go in the kennel provided for him at my aunties as shelter like your planning even if it's chucking it down!!!! :
Re: Kennel outside I have a dog door so they can get in and out as they please. I wonder why you don't want your dog coming back in 'all the time'?
Re: Kennel outside [quote author=Stacia link=topic=4393.msg53382#msg53382 date=1392043539] I have a dog door so they can get in and out as they please. I wonder why you don't want your dog coming back in 'all the time'? [/quote] We thought about one of those., but a Labrador sized flap is a burglar sized flap. Plus they aren't exactly draught proof.
Re: Kennel outside We have one that is draft and burglar proof when it is closed. Very expensive, but worth it after the cheaper ones we had before.
Re: Kennel outside I toyed with the idea of getting an outside dog kennel - not for Charlie to stay in long periods, but my garden is very secure and I have a very safe fenced off area for him, it's shady and cool. I was thinking on hot days maybe he'd prefer to be in his fenced area rather than the house but wanted him to have a den. I ended up getting a big canvas waterproof mat, since it would only be used in the summer anyway. He likes it.