A kennel provides dogs with a shelter and relaxation spot. If you’re looking for a dog house, there are some aspects that you should consider before buying. First and foremost, a dog kennel should be large enough for your dog to spread out and feel comfortable inside. We’ve put together some more tips and info on what to pay attention to when buying a dog kennel.

A kennel is a sensible purchase for every dog owner with a garden. One possible use, for example, is to allow the dog to stay in the garden during the day while the owners are at work, but then they spend the nights in their basket next to the owner’s bed. Even if your dog only spends time in the garden when you are there yourself, a kennel can be a great place to retreat. Your dog can always decide for themselves when they want to get some space or take a nap, for example. And with a kennel, they can do so without having to wait for someone to let them into the house.

It’s best to position an outdoor dog kennel in a quiet, protected place in your garden. Make sure that the kennel is not in direct sunlight, keeping it shaded from direct rays. It should also be protected from the wind and rain. The entrance to the kennel should be set up so that the wind cannot blow directly inside. Make sure that the kennel is not draughty. Setting it up next to your house, garage, a wide hedge or under a carport is a good choice. To make sure that your dog can get some rest inside their kennel, it is better to avoid placing it directly on the street or next to a footpath at your property’s border. A protected and slightly shielded corner of your garden is better.
Dog kennels are also suitable as a place of retreat in dog runs, as a matter of course. Since dogs are pack animals and feel most comfortable near their people, there is no reason why dog houses cannot be housed within your own four walls, such as in the conservatory.

Whether you need an XXL dog kennel or a small dog house depends on the size of the dog. A kennel should never be too small for your dog, but neither should it be too big, because your four-legged friend can only use their own heat to generate a pleasant climate in their dog house if it’s the perfect size. Your dog should be able to lie outstretched, sit comfortably, stand and turn around. As a rule of thumb, simply multiply the length of your dog by 1.5 to get the approximate outer measurement. The width should measure about double the width of your dog to make sure that your dog has sufficient space. To calculate the optimal size for the entrance to the dog kennel, multiply the shoulder height of your dog by 0.8.
The shape of dog kennel you opt for is ultimately a matter of taste. A pointed roof has the advantage that rain runs off better. On the other hand, many dogs value a flat roof as a raised area for lying on.

There is a wide variety of kennels are available for dogs – from wood through to plastic models. Plastic kennels are often uninsulated and more suitable as a place for a short retreat, but not to house a dog overnight. Wood is naturally insulated. However, a winter-proof dog kennel should have cavity walls with insulation material in between. Wood is generally more durable than plastic, which can become porous with constant UV radiation. You should take good care of a wooden kennel and perhaps oil it or treat it some other way at regular intervals. Always make sure you use non-toxic products – after all, your dog will be a regular visitor.
There are fully insulated and weatherproof dog kennels available to buy, which can be used in any wind and weather conditions. In addition, a well-insulated kennel does not heat up as quickly in summer and is therefore also a cool place for your dog to retreat to. If your dog will spend the night in their kennel even when it’s very cold, think about purchasing a special heating mat. Height-adjustable plastic feet also protect the dog kennel from the cold and moisture from the ground and allow air to circulate under the kennel, preventing mould from forming. Alternatively, you could build a foundation for your dog kennel.

Another aspect to consider is the roof. A kennel with a detachable roof makes cleaning easier and you can substantially ventilate it where necessary. Whether you want one equipped with a terrace is a matter of taste. This can offer a raised area for a water bowl, for example, and can also be a very effective measure in preventing moisture from below from entering the kennel. To even better protect the kennel against cold and moisture, you can also attach special doors that function like a dog flap. This will allow your dog to go in and out at any time, but the kennel warms up faster. Sometimes it can make sense to only add the doors in the colder seasons and temporarily remove them in summer.

A dog house should be a retreat for your pet, where your four-legged friend feels safe and comfortable. As such, a dog kennel should be kitted out with soft materials. This can be a large dog cushion as well as one or more blankets. You can also place old carpet or carpet squares in your dog kennel. No matter how you kit it out, please make sure that things can be cleaned well and that they are robust. After all, your dog will go in and out with dirty paws or wet fur.
Your dog will probably tend to the toys in their kennel themselves. Chewing articles, in particular, are found frequently in dog kennels for some undisturbed enjoyment. Apart from that, a kennel should be a place of rest rather than a place to play. Textile toys, such as cuddly toys, also hold a lot of moisture, which could lead to mould formation inside the kennel.
Food and water bowls should be placed in front of the kennel rather than inside. After all, your dog may drop food next to the bowl, meaning that their kennel will get dirtier faster. They may also inadvertently knock over water bowls and blankets, cushions etc. can become wet as a result.

You will find a wide range of high-quality dog kennels from different manufacturers on our online shop. From simple models with a flat roof to ones with a pointed roof and decorative edging, there is a suitable dog house for every taste and budget. With most dog kennels, you can also choose from several sizes so that your four-legged friend can feel completely comfortable. Discover the range of dog kennels available on our online shop and order conveniently from your sofa.