Which Outdoor Dog Kennel is right for you and your Dog?

Choosing the right Outdoor Dog Kennel for your Dog, can be confusing. There really are about 2 main types of Dog Kennels. The Indoor Dog Kennels- which are primarily Wire & Plastic and the Outdoor Dog Kennels- both Modular & Portable. The indoor dog kennels do tend to limit the space you can set up for your dog. And since we are talking about outdoor dog kennels right now, we won't go into those right now.

What is the difference between a Modular Dog Kennel and a Portable Dog Kennel?

-There are 2 main differences- 1^st is size. Modular kennels tend to be larger and sturdier. While Portable dog kennels are smaller and lighter. 2^nd, Modular dog kennels are stationary, meaning once you have chosen a place outside for your kennel, then this is usually where you will build it and it will stay. They also tend to cost more, then a Portable dog kennel. This is mainly due to there construct, made of heavier materials and built to last. Portable Kennels tend to be smaller, mainly because they can be moved from place to place more easily. Portable dog kennels give you the convenience of multiple location choices in your yard or even deck. Portable kennels can be easily lifted and moved, without the need to completely break down and reassemble- like you would need to do if you were moving a modular kennel.

-Outdoor Modular dog kennels can be a real asset for the dog owner that needs a secure place to keep there pet when outside. These are usually large enough that you can also include a dog house with watering and feeding stations. That way, your pet can stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Modular dog kennels are also a great way to keep your dogs from destroying your lawn. By kenneling your dogs when they are outside, you not only train them to eliminate in a specific place, but also save yourself a lot of time and money trying to save your lawn form urine and fecal damage.

-Portable outdoor dog kennels are also very useful, especially if you have a small or limited space outside. These dog kennels are ideal when you need to kennel your dog for shorter periods of time. Like during a family get together or back yard barbecue. Portable outdoor dog kennels can help to eliminate your concerns about what your dog may have gotten into or if someone might accidentally leave the back gate open, and your pet runs off.

-There is a wide variety of styles and sizes for both modular and portable dog kennels. Be sure to research different types of outdoor dog kennels. 

-Plan your space out. Remember to ask yourself these questions before buying a dog kennel."What needs do I have that the do kennel must fulfill"?, "Where is the  dog kennel going to go"?, "Do I want to be able to move the dog kennel easily"?, "Are my dogs going to spend short or long periods within the kennel"?, "What am I willing to spend"?. Once you have answered these questions, you will have a clearer idea of which outdoor dog kennel is right for you and your pet.

**Helpful hint- some breeds, especially of the hunting class are very adept at climbing chain link. They have been known to escape an outside dog kennel this way. For these agile breeds it may become necessary to attach a Kennel Cover over the top of your dog kennel, to prevent any escapes from happening. Safety is the number one priority when placing your dog in an outside dog kennel. Acclimate your dog slowly to his new outdoor home. First, by actually going into the kennel with your dog and spending a few minutes in there praising him (you may even give him some treats at the same time). Then as you leave and close the kennel door- pass a few treats through the chain link while continuing to praise him. Walk away quietly, just away from your dogs sight. If he begins to whine- don't go over right away, let him get to know his new home without your interference and he will settle in much quicker. Then after he has quieted down, go over and let him out, this will help to reinforce that he is not locked in forever. Over a short time, he should be completely comfortable in his Outside home.

*Use caution when introducing a high anxiety breed to an Outside Kennel. If left alone too long before they have become completely acclimated, they could injure themselves. These dogs may need a slower introduction to kenneling. Just be consistent and don't give up!

A great source for Dog Kennels, Dog Crates and Pet Carriers is our own Site at www.Kennelsncrates.com!

House-Training your Puppy with the help of a Dog Crate

- Untrained puppies confined to their Dog Crates for a long time, are accidents waiting to happen. If the pup cannot control himself and is forced to potty in his dog crate, he could develop the habit of relieving himself in the dog crate from then on. If this happens- then you will have to be a little more diligent in your potty-training (which means shorter intervals in the Crate and taken outside more often).

         The first and most vital thing you will need is the Correct Dog Crate for your puppy.

-The most common types of dog crates are, the pressed fiberglass dog crates favored by airlines (such as a durable Vari- Kennel). Fiberglass dog crates or dog kennels are the sturdiest and the safest for traveling in a car or airplane (such as the Sky Kennels). Open-wire dog crates provide maximum ventilation and security (these dog crates are not the best choice when crate training). A soft-sided folding crate is great for camping or quick set up where ever needed (these dog crates are not meant to be used during crate training- your puppy could seriously injure himself while trying to get out).

-House-training a dog is challenging, but if you can be consistent and use the Dog Crate effectively, most puppies learn incredibly fast. First, you will want to teach your dog to go to the bathroom in one place only outdoors. In the end this will save you and your lawn from unneeded stress. During the training period, it's up to you to set limits. For example, if you don't allow your pup free access to the living room and bedrooms, he can't make a mess on the carpets there. I like to use baby gates, which I set up across hallways and entrances to rooms I don't want my puppy to enter. They are inexpensive to use, and have saved me countless time & $$, that I would've spent on Vet bills if my puppy had gotten into something dangerous or poisonous. Also, you should always place puppy in his dog crate or kennel when you can’t keep an eye on him (the dog crate is the safest place for puppy, when unattended).

-Because most puppies can't control their need to go to the bathroom for long periods, the most important part of any potty-training program is setting up and sticking with a schedule that your puppy can be successful with. If puppy is in his Crate, and you want to let him out- always immediately take him outside before letting him play or eat. Be consistent with times of the day that you feed him and watch his natural potty schedule: Puppies usually need to use the bathroom shortly after waking up, after eating, and after playing. Young puppies may need to urinate every four hours. And if you have a toy breed, such as a "Chihuahua", they may need to be taken out every 1-2 hrs for the first month. 

-When your pup uses the bathroom in a designated area- Make sure you praise and reward him immediately and play with him. You don't want to wait to reward your puppy for urinating outside after you have brought him back indoors: This is a mistake, because you are rewarding puppy for coming inside, not for going outside. If you keep a few treats in your pocket, then you can give your puppy one as soon as he is done doing his business while praising him enthusiastically.

-Punishment after the fact doesn't work. If an "accident" happens, clean it up with a good enzymatic cleaner (to remove any lingering scent- dogs can smell urine even if you can't). Just know that accidents and a new puppy go hand in hand. By not punishing your puppy for having an accident, and instead praising him when he successfully goes outside, you will be re-enforcing good behavior (eliminating any unneeded stress for you and fear for your new puppy). If you catch your dog in the act of eliminating indoors, make a loud noise to distract him, and then take him outside right away.

Here is an in-expensive and effective trick I have learned over the years. Take an old soda can and place a few pennies in it, then tape the hole shut on top of the can. When puppy is engaging in behavior you wish to stop (such as chewing/ biting or getting ready to urinate in the house). Shake the can once while saying the word no. Believe me when I tell you- puppy will stop whatever he is doing and look at you. Then you can redirect him into a more positive direction, such as giving him a toy to chew on, or taking him outside to go to the bathroom.

 -If your pup repeatedly messes inside his crate, take him to your vet to rule out medical problems, such as intestinal parasites and urinary-tract diseases. 

I hope these tips have been helpful. Be consistent and praise your puppy as often as possible, and you will be amazed at how quickly he will learn.

A great source for Dog Kennels, Dog Crates and Pet Carriers is our own Site at www.KennelsnCrates.com!

Dog Crate training tips for your new Puppy

Crate Training can be such a lifesaver when it comes to all the different stages of your puppies life. Not only does the Dog Crate provide a secure place for him to sleep and grow, but a much needed quiet place when your puppy needs a rest, or a safe place to go when the family is busy or unable to watch puppy closely for a time. Dog Crates are a great tool for house-training because dogs don't like to potty where they sleep and eat. And, when traveling within the car or for pups that have to fly on a plane, inside a dog crate is probably the safest place to ride. The crate provides your puppy with the sense of home, safety and security.

Making Pups Comfortable With the Dog Crate

- It is important to start out early when establishing the dog crate in your puppies life. He should be sleeping in his dog crate on the first day he arrives home with the family. Line the crate with a soft blanket, put in some small treats, and then show the puppy how to get in.

-Once your puppy has figured out how to go in and out of his crate, and has satisfied his curiosity about it, use a cue word, such as "kennel," as he moves toward it, and hand him a treat as soon as he enters. You may have to place puppy in the dog crate while saying the cue word for the first few weeks. Then, when he is a little older and is used to hearing this word, he will begin to go in the dog crate when told to. At the early stages it is important to use the dog crate only for napping/ sleeping and short intervals of leaving puppy alone while you leave the house. The more interaction you have while puppy is awake, the easier it is to potty train him, or aversion train him (when chewing on something he isn't supposed to), because you will be right there to stop or correct the behavior right away.

-Your puppy WILL cry and bark in the beginning of Crate training. This is NORMAL. The best and quickest way to stop this behavior is to ignore it. Puppies are very smart, if you respond to their cries right away, they learn to cry more. If you can ignore the noise, and only open the dog crate after puppy has stopped crying- you are already half way through successful crate training. This does not cause the puppy any distress or hurt, in fact it will help him to feel safer and secure in his new home. Then the Dog Crate becomes his own little house right within your home.

-Once your puppy is willing to rest in the crate, you can start confining him for varying periods of time, and at different times of the day, while you're at home. The more random and persistent you are, the less he will worry when you do have to leave the house. With this kind of routine, your puppy will learn to feel at home, relaxed and comfortable in his own little den.

*Important note- if your puppy is a mini or small breed, weighing less than 2 lbs. It is important to feed them every 2-3 hours until they are capable of free feeding on their own. The controversy of not putting food or water in the dog crate does not apply to these tiny dogs. The risk of low blood sugar and life threatening complications far outweigh the possibility of the puppy messing in his dog crate.*

If you suspect that your puppy is having any problems controlling his eliminations, then please have him seen as soon as possible by your Veterinarian: To rule out any possibility of a urinary tract infection or parasites.

"A great source for Dog Crates and Dog Kennels to use during puppy training is our own site: KennelsnCrates.com!"