Dog Kennels Discussed

Things to Know about Dog Kennels

Think of a dog kennel, also known as a boarding kennel, as a child care center for Fido. Many of the same things you might expect from your children or their playmates are in play here too.

If you have a dog with questionable behavior you may have a difficult time finding a place for him to stay. Normally dog’s can’t aggressive and overly protective (i.e. sharing). Like I mentioned, just like the child care center, if your child is aggressive and can’t share chances are you will be getting a call. Many times you will be required to state and sign a waiver that your dog isn’t aggressive. Chances are about 100% that an aggressive dog will be flushed out before you have time to stick the key in the ignition and put it in gear.

Speaking of waivers, most places will want you sign over a medical power of attorney in case something happens to your dog while you are away and potentially unreachable. Don’t let this worry you; it’s really a formality that protects the kennel as well as your pooch.

Many people think of their dog as their child, here’s just another way that the similarities are actually much closer than you realize. Normally, dog owners must provide written authorization if anyone else is to pick up your dog, tell them to bring identification because all good kennels will ask for some sort of identification that they are who they say they are. For day kennels you should expect to pick up your dog at a specific time you determine, it’s not fair to staff unless you call in advance to let them know you will be late.

For feeding purposes you will need to bring your own dog food, dogs that are fed off of their regular food may encounter diarrhea. If your dog is on medication make sure the staff clearly understands the dosage as well as any potential allergies.

Last, most kennels will require your dog to be spayed or neutered after a certain age. After all, they aren’t running a brothel or breeding kennel! Not to mention, you don’t want to come back from your vacation only to find that Mrs. Fido is expecting.

Preparation for your stay will be needed, take the time to tour the kennel, interview the staff and understand what is expected of you and your dog. It will make the experience much more complete.

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Home Dog Kennels

Up to this point the articles have been focusing on dog kennels or boarding kennels or the doggie hotels where you drop your dog off while you are out of town. This article covers dog kennels from a different angle, home dog kennels of which there are some great cheap large dog cages as well as sizes for all breads. These are often called dog runs or some people even refer to dog houses as dog kennels.

If you use a home dog kennel most likely your dog will be spending a lot of time in it, so try and make it as comfortable as possible for them. Even if your dog isn’t a pet and more of a hunting dog as an example, they still deserve the best in creature comforts.

Make sure you keep the kennel clean from dog droppings, urination or other obstructions that can cause the dog to be less than comfortable. Also, consider a roof or tarp to keep the wind, rain or sun off of your dog.
If you build a permanent dog kennel and have a cement floor consider doing something that provides more comfort, such as a kennel deck. A kennel deck provides a certain level of comfort and keeps the surrounding much more sanitary. Many are made from a plastic resin and are made to easily drain and provide air circulation. Some even are absorbent, reduce odors and can resist bacteria, mold and mildew.

Make sure the dog has a place to lie down that isn’t directly on the floor, unless of course Fido chooses it! Dog bedding is essential for your pet, don’t pass on this thinking it’s only a dog, it really does make a difference in their overall happiness and mood.

Just remember to keep your dog happy, a kennel isn’t meant to be a babysitter so use it wisely!

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Dog Stress and Dog Kennels

Much like humans dogs can experience stress. Stress comes both over time and situational settings, it’s important to consider your dog and the potential stress Fido might experience. Although the article is geared toward situational stress that a dog can experience at a dog kennel, also known as a boarding kennel the signs are the same for both.

It’s important to understand some of the signs that your dog may be under too much stress, here are some key area and signs to consider.

Vocalizing: Excessive whining and barking, you know your dog best and can gauge whether it’s above and beyond normal.

Body Posture: Odd tail wagging, tense, stiff or excessive scratching, body becomes lethargic and appears tired or the hair rising on the back of the neck.

Eyes: blinking, squinting, dilated, glazed or red pigments in the eyes. This is an area that may be hard to notice, so keep a lookout during potentially stressful situations.

Mouth: unusual panting, yawning, drooling or licking of the lips and nose. Again, you are looking for things out of the ordinary.

Other areas: Sniffing, digging, seeking unusual levels of attention, uncertainty and general sitting around.

These are by no means the only signs of canine stress, so what you really need to do is consider your dogs’ personality and what may cause various levels of stress. Also, remember that dogs handle stress differently; some lash out while others become closed off. Remember, dogs can exhibit the same symptoms and outcome as humans when showing and experiencing stress.

Situational stress a dog can experience at a dog kennel can be noticed quickly. Watch your dogs initial reactions, does Fido become aggressive or reserved or does he jump in and enjoy the surroundings?
Choose your dog kennel carefully, make sure it matches your dogs personality. Try choosing a place that gives him ample one on one time with humans, activities to stimulate him and the opportunity to engage with other dogs at a pace and time that helps him to adapt. If possible allow him to take things that will be familiar with him so he can have a touch of home while he is away.

Just remember that just as you feel stress and reactive differently to it than other humans so does your dog. Pay close enough attention to it to keep your dog both physically and emotionally healthy.

Finally, one way to reduce your own stress in these situations is to have a good laugh, and that is why I often look at Cute Puppy Pictures for personal stress relief.

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