Dogs are an important part of the family and deserve to live comfortably. An indoor crate may be fine temporarily, but you’ll need a bigger solution for your dog when left alone for a while. An outdoor kennel is often the best choice for pets, as it provides enough space and shelter. 

Many people choose to utilise single kennels as they offer space and amenities for your dog to be comfortable. However, when it comes to figuring out the right size kennel for your dog, you may be wondering what option is the right fit. 

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a kennel, including the size, features, and placement. While selecting the perfect kennel for your pet may feel challenging with so many options available, picking out the right one for your dog is simple if you follow a few tips. We’ll explain everything you need to know about picking out the perfect kennel for your dog, including how to figure out the right size.

How Can a Kennel Affect Your Dog’s Overall Well-Being?

A dog’s environment directly affects its well-being. Whether you’re using a crate or a kennel, creating a safe and comfortable space for your dog is essential to their health and happiness. The purpose and function of a kennel are to provide enough space for your dog to move around as well as provide a safe and comfortable place for them to rest. 

While it’s similar to a crate as it provides a secure enclosed area for your pet, a kennel is a more long-term solution for your pet to stay in. For instance, if you need to leave your dog alone for a couple of hours, a kennel will be more comfortable and stimulating for your dog than a crate. 

Comfort

If you plan on leaving your pet in a kennel, you’ll want to ensure they are comfortable. Choosing a design that features both an indoor and outdoor space is essential for comfort. Your dog will need to have the space to move around, wag their tail, and jump. You might also consider leaving comfortable and familiar items in the kennel. A dog bed in the rest area might be a great addition for your dog to feel comfortable while staying in the kennel. 

Safety

The kennel will need to be safe for your pet to spend time alone outdoors. Having an enclosed runner is the best way to ensure that your pet is safe. With a fenced-in space, your dog won’t be able to run away. Outside predators also won’t be able to get inside. 

You’ll also need to consider the durability of the materials used for the structure. The kennel will need to withstand weather conditions like rain and wind. You might also need to consider destructive dog behaviour when choosing your materials. Dogs that chew through things might cause damage to the kennel depending on the material, so you’ll need to choose options that will be hard for dogs to get through.

Another facet of kennel safety you should consider includes the installation process. As a semi-permanent structure, it requires a bit of expertise to install it properly. You will likely want to have a professional install the structure to ensure that it is safe and secure.

How Do You Measure Your Dog for the Perfect-Sized Kennel?

Some kennels are specifically built to accommodate more than one dog at a time. However, single kennels are specifically meant for one dog, so you should measure accordingly. The kennel should provide enough space for your dog to move around but shouldn’t be so big that your dog doesn’t feel safe to rest. 

How To Measure A Dog For Kennel Size?

The ideal measurements for a kennel will depend on the dog. You’ll need an indoor space where the dog has enough space to sleep in any position comfortably. To ensure that you choose a kennel with the right amount of indoor space, measure your dog while they’re napping. You’ll have a clearer idea about the length and width you’ll need for the space. It’s important to note that the indoor/sleeping area of the kennel should be cosy and not too large, as the shelter should be a relaxing and restful place for your dog. 

How Big Should A Kennel Run Be?

For the runner space, your dog will need more room to move around and enjoy the outdoors. You’ll want to measure your dog when it’s standing on its hind legs. The height of this space should be taller than the dog’s head when standing back on its legs, so you’ll want to measure your dog by taking the tape measure from its paws to the top of its head. Depending on the size of your dog, you’ll want to add two to seven inches to the total height for an accurate idea of the necessary space you’ll need. 

Your Dog’s Weight When Choosing A Kennel

You can also consider your dog’s weight when picking out single kennels. For a small dog weighing 18 to 24 pounds, you’ll want to go with a kennel that has an indoor space that is around 2 feet (length) x 1.5 feet (width). For a dog that weighs around 70 to 90 pounds, you’ll want to consider kennels that are at least 3.5 feet (length) x 3 feet (width). The outdoor runner area should provide enough space for your dog to walk around and feel comfortable. For large types of dog breeds, you should go with the option that offers the most outdoor space.

Other Factors To Consider

When you go to pick out a new kennel for your dog, there are a few other things you should consider besides your dog’s measurements. These considerations include different dog breeds, ages, and activity levels. These factors may impact the design, size, and additional kennel features you may need. For active breeds, you’ll want to pay attention to the runner portion of the kennel. If you have a dog that enjoys running around or playing, having the extra space will be worth it regardless of the dog’s size. For young dogs, you’ll also want to ensure that they have plenty of space to play and walk around. 

What Size Kennel Is Available For My Dog?

For single kennels, you’ll find these structures come in a few different standard sizes to accommodate different types of dogs. If you’re looking to buy a kennel, you might want to consider which standard size is right for your particular dog. 

Small Kennels

While kennels are larger than crates, there are still small options available. For these sized kennels, small dogs will live and exist comfortably. Typically, you’ll find that these small kennels measure between 6 X 3 ft and 12 X 4 ft. Popular dog breeds that fit within this category include chihuahuas, pugs, Yorkshire terriers, and Pomeranians. These small breeds will fit best within a small kennel. 

Medium Kennels

If you have a medium-sized breed of dog, you’ll need a slightly larger space than a small kennel. Some of the most popular mid-size breeds include cocker spaniel, bulldog, border collie, and Jack Russell terrier. If you have one of these dogs, you’ll want to ensure that your pet has enough space to stay comfortable and happy. Medium sizes of single kennels generally fall between 8 x 6.5 feet and 14 x 4 feet. 

Large Kennels

Large breeds will need a lot of space to stay comfortable. For breeds like rottweilers, labradors, and Irish setters, the space will need to be big enough for them to walk around and sleep easily. Active breeds and young dogs also benefit from having more outdoor space for activity. The dimensions of large kennels vary, but common sizes range from 12 x 8 feet to 14 x 8 feet. 

Additional Tips for Choosing the Right Kennel for Your Home

Though picking out an appropriate size for your dog is essential for the comfort and overall well-being of your dog, you might also take into account other considerations. Factors such as weather, temperature, budget, location, and spatial issues will also play a role in determining the right kennel for you and your dog. 

Setting a Reasonable Budget

One of the biggest considerations you’ll have to take into account while shopping for kennels is your budget. Though there are affordable options available in varying sizes, generally large-sized kennels will cost more than small ones. Ultimately, your budget will determine how you prioritise your needs and wants for the kennel size.

If you need a large kennel for your dog breed, you should consider ways to offset this cost. Opting for no add-ons or extra features could help with your budget. If you are working with a wider budget, however, you might want to consider buying extra features to make your dog more comfortable. Some of the features might include more durable materials, built-in dog bowl holders, and anti-chew strips.

Understanding Your Space Limitations

A kennel is a bigger commitment than a crate. As a semi-permanent structure in your garden, you’ll need to consider your space limitations. For small gardens, you may not have the space for a large kennel. You should make sure to get the measurements of your garden and the space where you would like to place the kennel to ensure that it will fit within the area. 

Determining the Right Placement of the Kennel

The placement of the kennel is also dependent on the size of the kennel. For your dog’s comfort, you’ll want to find the right location to place the kennel in your garden. Some of the outdoor factors that might affect your dog’s comfort include direct sunlight, rain, wind, and snow. If you live in a harsh or cold environment that might see a lot of different weather conditions, you’ll want to ensure that your kennel is placed in a well-protected area. 

You should also consider how close you would like the kennel to your house. Kennels may attract dirt, insects, and other undesirable outdoor things that could make their way to your house. On the other hand, you’ll likely want the kennel close by to check on your dog regularly. You’ll have to determine the best place to put a kennel in your garden before deciding on the size, as you may find that you prefer specific kennel dimensions for the location. 

Preparing for the Climate

Climate plays a considerable role in determining the right outdoor kennel for your dog. For cold weather, you’ll want to make sure that the sleeping/indoor area is cosy and insulated, especially for short-haired dogs like a chihuahua. To ensure that the indoor area is warm, you’ll want to get the sizing right. An area too big will likely be drafty for small dogs and won’t promote rest or comfort. 

Picking out the right size kennel is crucial to your dog’s overall comfort and well-being. However, you may find it confusing as to which kennel size will work best for your situation. Depending on your dog’s breed, activity levels, and age, the right size kennel may vary. 

In general, you should aim to find a kennel that has an indoor area that comfortably fits your dog lying down and an outdoor area that can accommodate your dog’s movements and play. 

There are various sizes in kennels ranging from small to large, which can accommodate different breeds. We have single kennels made out of durable materials and available in many different sizes to provide a safe and comfortable experience for your dog. 

As a dog owner, you may be wondering whether you should try crating or kenneling your pet. While most pet owners try crate training their dogs, few people try kennel training. While both options should be a safe and restful place for your dog, you may want to consider how they are different from each other.

Crating your dog is slightly different from kenneling, as it’s a much smaller confined space. It’s also usually a temporary and transitory space. In contrast, dog kennels are an outdoor structure that is often permanent or semi-permanent. Typically an outdoor dog kennel has a sleeping area combined with an open runner for movement. 

A kennel is great if you plan to leave your pet for a couple of hours. Even a large dog crate is not intended for long-term use, as it’s not big enough for the dog to move around comfortably. We’ll go over why you should consider kenneling your dog if you want a more permanently comfortable space for them.

What Is the Main Difference Between a Crate and a Kennel?

The main difference between a crate and a kennel is its construction. A canine crate is a perfect temporary solution if you’re looking to travel with your pet, have a visitor over to the house, or want to train your dog. Crates are easy to move and travel, as they are usually collapsible or made out of plastic.

An outdoor dog kennel is a permanent or semi-permanent place for your dog to call home. Depending on the breed of dog, the size of the kennel may be quite large, as the space will need to allow plenty of space for rest and movement. The structure of dog kennels needs to be quite durable as it needs to withstand rain, bugs, and other outdoor elements.

Because of their different constructions, canine crates and kennels have different functions. A kennel is meant to provide a permanent or semi-permanent home for your dogs. You can leave your dog in a kennel for longer periods compared to crates. Not only will they have access to fresh air and sunlight, but they’ll also have protection in this enclosed space. For pet owners looking for the best dog kennels, you’ll want to find one that provides enough room for your dog and is durable enough to handle the weather.

How Do You Pick out the Right Crate?

Picking out a crate is going to be different from choosing a dog kennel. For an indoor crate, you’ll need to consider the size. The right size will fit your dog comfortably, but there won’t be a lot of space for your dog to move around. However, your dog should be able to sit, stand, and turn around without any issues.

You’ll also want to consider ventilation and comfort. If you decide to go with a plastic container, it should have holes or slats along the side of it to ensure breathability. You could also put a comfortable dog bed inside the crate. However, for dogs who tend to chew threw things, opting for metal dog crates might be the best option.

How Should You Prepare Your Dog for Kennel Training?

Preparing your dog for an outdoor dog kennel might entail crate training. Dogs like having safe enclosed shelters for protection and relaxation. Crate training is generally recommended as a tool to train young dogs. Not only will it give your dog a safe space to relax from overstimulation, but it’s also important to have your dog crate trained in hurried or emergency situations when you need to move your pets quickly. Additionally, dog crate training will prepare your dog for longer periods of time in an outdoor kennel.

Tips for Crate Training

If you’re trying to train your dog, you could motivate them with treats or a meal while they’re inside. Food can make the crate seem like a reward to the dogs, which will imprint a positive experience in their memories.

You should also be sure to remember the time while dogs are in the crate. Dog crates aren’t designed for long periods of time as dogs need to exercise, play, go to the bathroom, and other forms of stimulation that a crate can’t provide. Overall, crate training should provide a positive experience for your dog as they learn to seek shelter and personal space when they’re feeling overwhelmed or tired.

If you are about to crate train your puppy, check out our article on crate training for more in-depth information!

Kennel Training

The same principles as crate training apply to kennel training. Though there is more space for the dog to play and move around, they’ll still have an indoor rest area. Crate training your young dog before kennel training is beneficial, as they’ll be comfortable in small spaces on their own. 

How Do You Pick Out the Right Kennel?

The best home dog kennels will be durable, comfortable, and large enough to accommodate your dog. Since you’ll likely leave your dog for an hour or two in an outdoor kennel, you’ll want a protected enclosed runner and an indoor space where they can rest or get away from the rain or sun. The best dog kennels for your home will be made out of strong materials that can withstand rain, wind, or snow because you’ll want your dog protected from any weather events. Check out our accessories to enhance your dog’s home.

Overall, dog crate training and kenneling your dog are different from each other. Crating is a good training tool for young dogs learning to be on their own. As a dog owner, you may want to consider crate training your dog first, before jumping into kennel training. But kenneling your dog is a much better option long-term for your dog, as there is more space to move around. If you’re looking for the best home dog kennels, you should consider our single kennels.

Some dogs thrive spending most of their time outdoors. The fresh air, sunlight, and stimulation from the scenery are all reasons why you should consider placing your dogs in kennels for the garden rather than cooped up inside indoor crates. However, you should always consider what’s best for your pets, which includes choosing a comfortable and safe kennel for their time spent outdoors. 

There are a number of things you should consider when choosing a kennel for your pet. You should also consider how to make your pet as content and secure as possible when you leave them alone outside. We’ll go over the top ten considerations you need to think about when leaving your pet outdoors. 

Think About the Size of the Kennel

Size is essential when considering dog kennels for the garden. A cramped space will not be comfortable for your dog. If you own a large dog breed, you’ll need a kennel that has enough room for the dog to move around comfortably. For smaller dogs, you’ll have the option of choosing smaller kennels without sacrificing your dog’s comfort.

Keep Separate Sleep and Activity Areas

An important factor to consider when choosing an outdoor kennel is the multi-functionality of the structure. For a space that is comfortable, safe, and convenient for your dog, you’ll need to get a kennel with separate sleep and activity areas. 

Consider the Placement 

When considering dog kennels for the garden, you’ll also need to consider placement. Owners should try to choose the best spot in the garden where the dogs will have protection from the weather and sunlight. You might also want to consider the space and aesthetics of your garden. Since the kennel will need to be large enough to comfortably accommodate your dogs, you’ll want to choose a spot where the structure won’t stand out awkwardly. 

Evaluate the Typical Weather Patterns

Depending on the breed of dog, they may be more susceptible to cold or hot weather, so you’ll want to consider their comfort and health in cases of extreme weather. You should choose a kennel that works for your local climate. Choosing insulating materials, a durable roof, and overhead over the runner are important factors to consider when building an ideal outdoor kennel.  

Pick Easy-To-Clean Materials

Dog kennels will inevitably get messy. When that happens, you’ll want the structure to have durable and easy-to-clean flooring, like concrete. With concrete material as the flooring, you won’t have any trouble picking up the occasional mess or sweeping out dirt. 

Ensure the Structure Is Durable

Having a durable outdoor kennel is important to your pet’s safety. A durable kennel will also mean that you won’t have to worry about spending money on repairs or a replacement in the near future. For the most durable structure, you’ll want to opt for strong and sturdy materials that can resist insects, rot, rain, ice, snow, and other outdoor elements that may impact the integrity of the structure. If you live in a place that sees extreme weather, you may want to invest in a kennel with the best materials available. 

Additionally, you’ll want to consider whether your dog has destructive behaviour when left in the kennel. If you want to keep the kennel in top condition, you’ll need to consider how to protect it from damage. These anti-destruction panels are an additional add-on feature that may be worth the extra cost to protect your investment. 

Add Comfortable Items

If you want to keep your dog happy and comfortable in the kennel, you should consider adding some comfortable items to make the space more homey. Dog beds, blankets, and toys may be the perfect addition to the kennel to ensure your dog is comfortable and relaxed in the space. 

Add Built-In Dog Bowls

To ensure the kennel stays clean and tidy while you’re away, you might want to consider built-in water and food bowls. This way, the bowls will have a secured placement and won’t get knocked over. Especially on warm days, ensuring that the water bowl won’t get tipped over can be a big relief to pet owners. 

Add a Bed Box

Another way to ensure your dog is more comfortable and relaxed in the kennel is to add a bed box. Since the outdoor kennel needs to be large enough for movement and play, you might want to consider a smaller enclosure where your dog feels safe enough to rest. Additionally, you can opt to add insulation to the bed box, which is a great feature to have if you plan to leave your dog outside during cool weather.

Consider Your Dog’s Safety

If you’re thinking about choosing dog kennels for the garden, you’ll want to go with the safest and most durable option. You should try to choose dog kennels that are made out of strong and resistant materials to ensure the structure remains intact, even through harsh weather. You should also consider whether you are able to build the kennel yourself or let a professional handle the job. The best option is to let a professional install the dog kennel to ensure the structure is well-built. All of our dog kennels are professionally installed by our team, so you can feel confident your pet is in a stable structure. 

Choosing the right kennel may seem challenging. There are many factors and considerations you’ll need to take into account. However, the most important aspect of an outdoor kennel is making sure that your dog is safe and comfortable.  If you’re looking for the best outdoor kennels, our dog kennels are designed to be durable, safe, and comfortable for your pets.

Picking out the right dog kennel for your pets is important for their safety and comfort. If you’re away from your home for a couple hours, you’ll want to make sure that they are in a secure environment where they have space to move around and be comfortable. Leaving them constricted to a too-small area is bad for your pet’s well-being. You should consider a few specific features to ensure that your pets are left in the best possible dog kennels for outside of the home.

Go With the Right Size

Choosing the right sized dog kennels for outside your home will look different than indoor kennels. For an outdoor kennel and run, you’ll want to ensure that the space has enough room for your dog to walk around it but also provide a secure den to rest and get away from any weather elements that might occur while you’re away from the home.

For bigger breeds, you’ll need to invest in a larger-sized kennel and run. For small dogs, you can go with a smaller size, as they won’t need the extra long run a large dog would need. It’s important to note that you should buy the correct size kennel for an adult-sized version of your dog’s breed. Though a growing puppy might not need the space, once it reaches maturity, you’ll need a space big enough for the adult dog.

Pick out Durable and Longlasting Materials

The materials of the kennel and run matter as you’ll have to deal with varying weather elements, animals, and other factors that could affect its longevity. Our single dog kennels for outside the home are constructed with a treated framework, so it’s protected from issues like insects, rot, and other degradation common to outside materials.

Consider Extra Features

While our standard outdoor dog kennels provide great value for dog owners, you may want to consider additional features that aid in durability and convenience. Features like bitumen corrugated roofing and galvanized anti-destruction panels protect the structure of your kennel and keep it in top condition. Other possible add-on features include dog bowls and a bed box to make the kennel more convenient and comfortable.

Choose a Professional Fitting

Part of choosing the perfect dog kennel for your home includes safety and construction. You’ll want to choose a dog kennel you know has been safely and securely installed. Our dog kennels for outside the home are always installed by our team to ensure that the structure is safe for your pets. 

Choosing the right dog kennel and run will depend on your pet. However, the right outdoor kennel will also be safe and well-constructed. You should consider investing in a structure with durable and long-lasting materials that can withstand the elements and any destructive dog behaviour. Our single dog kennels are built to last, plus you can count on our professional installation to ensure the very best for your dog. 

A kennel and wonderful outdoor environment is the best way to make sure that your dog gets between 30 minutes to two hours of outdoor time each day. There is also the principle of attended time versus unattended time. You need some time to spend with your dog, but you also need time to do other things, as does your pet. A single outdoor kennel can be the perfect environment for letting your dog spend its unattended time. Let’s take a look at how you should build the perfect outdoor environment for your pet.

Spending attended time with your dog outdoors

Preferably, your back yard has a dog-safe fence, a dog pool, and other amenities that let your dog stay safe and hydrated. Many people install a dog path that they train their dog to run on. This keeps your dog from wearing down your yard, as they tend to use the same paths to play and run on. If you are with your dog outdoors, always try to keep your dog within eyesight while you are doing chores or relaxing.

For outdoor play, you should consider adding toys that let your dog play tug of war, frisbees, and throwing discs for fun. Another amenity that you should have outdoors for your dog is a plenty of trees and dog-friendly landscaping. Avoid plants that are toxic to pets, including Chrysanthemum, Dahlia, Iris, and Lily of the Valley.

When your dog needs to spend unattended time outdoors

Many people need a place to put their dog when they are away from home or busy, such as when they are at work. Sometimes, their work schedule might conflict with the availability of a dog sitter or other family members. For up to two hours, your dog can stay in a kennel outdoors if they are safely hydrated. Here are some things to think about when you are selecting a kennel for your dog:

• Kennel size: For larger dogs, bigger is always better. For medium-sized dogs or larger, you can select a kennel from Benchmark Kennels starting at 10 x 8 feet. This will give your pet plenty of room to stay comfortable and move around.
• Strength: Galvanized panels can help make your kennel extremely durable, helping the kennel last longer through the seasons and through wear and tear from your pet.
• Level base: You will need a level base for your dog kennel to make sure that it stays even and doesn’t allow for your pet to dig. Rubber, felt, epoxy, and other “soft” options are perfect for a kennel installation.A surface such as concrete will also give your kennel the desired level setting that is required for a successful kennel installation.
• The extras: Consider outdoor-friendly bowls and other options for your dog to make sure that they stay hydrated and fed during their time outside.

Choose Benchmark Kennels for your single dog kennels

You will benefit from a single dog kennel from Benchmark Kennels. All of our kennels include a professional installation and reasonable delivery fee. Give your furry friend the option of spending some time in a comfortable, quality, humane kennel environment when you need unattended time to focus your energy on other things.

Dogs are loyal and loving companions that bring joy to our lives. However, taking care of a dog comes with a lot of responsibilities. One of the most important is a safe and comfortable living environment for your furry friend. If you’re a dog owner in the UK, an outdoor dog kennel is a must-have. Here are some of the reasons that you should buy one from us at Benchmark Kennels.

Kennels Provide A Safe And Secure Living Environment

A dog kennel in the garden provides a safe and secure living environment for your pet, protecting them from dangers such as cars and wild animals or theft and getting lost. Dogs love to explore, but sometimes they can get themselves into trouble, so having a kennel provides a secure place for them to play and relax without any worries. A kennel is also a humane way to secure your pet while giving them some freedom to move about.

Outdoor Dog Kennels Offer Shelter From The Elements

The UK is known for its unpredictable weather and it can be harsh on your dog, especially when they spend the majority of time outdoors. An outdoor dog kennel offers shelter from the elements, keeping your furry friend dry and warm during rainy and cold days. During hot summer days, it provides shade, keeping them cool and comfortable. This helps to keep your dog healthy and happy, as they won’t be exposed to extreme weather conditions.

Kennels Help With Training

An outdoor dog kennel can be used as a training tool for your dog. It’s a safe and secure place for them to learn new commands and behaviours without any distractions. It’s also a great way to teach your dog boundaries, as they will know where they can and can’t go. Outdoor kennels are particularly rewarding for working dogs because they will be properly stimulated when they are ready to train and work.

Kennels Give Your Dog Their Own Space Outdoors

Dogs love having their own space, and an outdoor dog kennel provides just that. It’s their own space where they can relax, play, and sleep. It gives them a sense of security and ownership, which can help reduce anxiety and stress. It also helps to prevent destructive behaviours, such as chewing and digging, as they will have their own designated area to do those activities. An outdoor kennel from Benchmark Kennels will help your dog appreciate having their own space, and allow you to understand their behaviour in kennels.

Kennels Are Convenient For Pet Owners

A dog’s outdoor kennel is convenient for pet owners, keeping them safe when you’re not at home. It also saves you time and effort from having to constantly supervise your dog, allowing you to have peace of mind knowing that your furry friend is safe and comfortable. It also allows you to have a clean and tidy yard, as your dog will have a designated area for their activities.

An outdoor dog kennel is a must-have for pet owners in the UK. It provides a safe and secure living environment, offers shelter from the elements, helps with training, gives your dog their own space, and is convenient for pet owners. Investing in a quality outdoor dog kennel will not only benefit your furry friend but also provide peace of mind for you. Work with Benchmark Kennels to find the right type of kennel for your outdoor animal when you are at work or need a break from your furry friend.

Contact Us today to see how we can help you with your outdoor kennel needs.