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Dog kennels are a safe and secure place for your pet to spend time outdoors, especially the sturdy, durable kennels from Benchmark Kennels. Kennels can even be a calm and relaxing haven for your dog once they get used to it. However, kennel training can be challenging at times.

Many dogs are hesitant or fearful of using the kennel at first. For some dogs, severe separation anxiety could be an issue. That’s why it’s important to kennel train your dog, as it allows them to adjust to this new environment.

Many pet owners wonder about the best techniques for helping their dogs feel safe and well-adjusted while in their kennels. From having the right mindset to using positive reinforcement, there are several techniques that you should try to use when kennel training your dog. We’ll go over these techniques in greater detail so you can ensure your dog is happy, safe, and thriving while in their outdoor kennel.

What Are the Best Techniques for Successful Kennel Training?

Any loving pet owner wants their dog safe, healthy, and happy. Outdoor dog kennels are fantastic spaces to ensure your dog has a secure environment where they feel safe and relaxed. However, it usually takes some work to help your pet adjust to their new kennel. Luckily, there are some easy ways to ensure your dog acclimates to their new environment.

Take Things Slowly

One of the best techniques you should consider is a slow, gradual approach to the kennel. With this technique, you’ll slowly introduce your dog to the kennel. First by spending short, supervised time while they’re in the kennel. You can then gradually adjust the time frames to longer intervals as they become more used to their new environment.

Use Toys and Treats as Positive Reinforcement

Another essential tip for helping your dog adjust to the kennel is using positive reinforcement. With this method, pet owners can use treats, games, and other incentives to create positive associations. This way, your dog will come to love time in the kennel, as they’ll associate it with their favourite things.

Combining the slow approach with positive reinforcement is the best way to get them excited about their kennels. To start using this technique, you might want to try placing treats in the kennel without locking them inside. You should be sure to keep your eye on the time and never leave them alone for too long. Pet owners should also consider giving their dogs stimulating treats and toys to help them enjoy their time in the kennel.

Make the Indoor Area Comfortable

Outdoor dog kennels should be a place where your dog feels relaxed. To help them feel at ease and get rid of any anxiety they may be feeling, you should try to make the kennel as comfortable as possible. You might try outfitting the indoor flooring with padded rubber. Blankets, dog beds, and stuffed toys may also be helpful in creating a comfortable environment.

Be Patient

No matter what techniques you use, always remember to be patient. It’s important to have the proper mindset when kennel training as you want to ensure the best possible outcome. Patience is the best mindset to have when helping your dog adjust to an outdoor kennel since it takes time to acclimate to a new environment.

What Are Some Issues That Could Prevent Your Dog From Acclimating to Their Kennel?

If you’re kennel training your pup, there are a few issues you should be aware of. These problems could prevent your dog from properly adjusting to this new outdoor space. Understanding these issues can help you navigate them better and allow your dog to fully acclimate to the kennel.

Separation Anxiety

Some dogs may experience separation anxiety from their owners. If you haven’t spent much time away from your dog, expecting them to enjoy their kennel right away is not realistic. You’ll want to employ a slow and rewards-driven approach to get them relaxed. You should also try to offer distracting activities to keep their attention occupied. For example, treat puzzles are a great distraction and can keep them busy for a while.

The Size of the Kennel

Another issue that could hinder kennel training is the size of the structure. For your dog to be comfortable and healthy, you’ll need a kennel that’s large enough to accommodate your dog. Dogs should have enough space to lie down, stand up, and stretch while in their kennels.

If you have a smaller-sized dog, you don’t need a large kennel. However, with bigger breeds, pet owners will need to purchase dog kennels large enough to accommodate these types of pups. You should also take into account whether your dog is super playful and energetic. Having more space to move around and play could be essential to your dog’s happiness and overall well-being. For these types of dogs, you may want to consider a larger runner area (the outside part of the kennel). This way, they’ll have enough outdoor space to let go of some energy.

Overall, outdoor dog kennels can be a safe space for your pet. However, it takes time and patience to get to this stage. Often, dogs may need to be coaxed with treats or toys to spend time in their kennels at first. You should also consider outfitting the kennel with comfortable features to ensure your dog can feel relaxed. Blankets and dog beds are a good place to start when creating a comfortable indoor environment. The outdoor environment is also an important factor, so you’ll want to choose a kennel that’s large enough for your dog to play. We offer a variety of different-sized dog kennels so you can choose the option that’s right for your pet.

Getting your dog acclimated to their new kennel is important for your pet’s overall well-being. With successful kennel training, you can ensure that your dog stays safe, healthy, and happy when they’re left alone in their kennels. However, kennel training can be challenging, as it requires time, patience, and the right training techniques.

Without proper training, your dog may deal with anxiety issues or view spending time in the kennel as a negative experience. To successfully kennel train your dog, you’ll want to employ clear commands and use positive reinforcement. We’ll dive deeper into the best practices of kennel training so you can start training your dog to love spending time in their kennel. We’ll also talk about selecting an appropriate kennel, like one from Benchmark Kennels.

Why Is Kennel Training Important?

If you’ve never used a kennel before, you may wonder about the benefits of kennel training. There are several significant benefits you should consider. Whether you’re looking to train a puppy or an older dog, the kennel can be a safe space for your dog to relax and play by themself for periods of time.

Outdoor dog kennels are great for dogs who have to spend time away from their owners. It allows them to be outdoors in the fresh air while remaining safe and secure despite being unsupervised. Though dogs should not be kept in outdoor dog kennels for an extended period of time, they can be useful when you plan to be away from home for a couple of hours.

One of the most significant benefits of using outdoor dog kennels is the safety and security they provide. With a fully enclosed structure, you won’t have to worry about your pet jumping over a fence and escaping. This type of enclosure also provides safety benefits for your pet by keeping out other animals that are potentially aggressive toward your dog.

Dog kennels are also great for pets who thrive outdoors. Some dogs prefer spending time outdoors versus indoors. The kennel provides enough outdoor space for your pet to move around and play. But the indoor area provides shelter as needed.

Dog kennels are also a good option for dogs who have destructive habits. Keeping your dog in a kennel may also prevent them from ingesting something they shouldn’t while you’re away from the home. Plus, if you want to avoid coming home to a mess and destroyed items, a kennel may be the right solution.

How Do You Successfully Kennel Train Your Dog?

With so many benefits to outdoor kennels, you’ll likely want to try out this solution for your dog. However, some dogs may be fearful of the kennel or have separation anxiety. Depending on your dog’s temperament and history, kennel training might happen quickly or it could take a long time. It’s important to remain patient during the training process, as you want your dog to stay calm and relaxed during their time in the kennel.

Start Slowly Introducing Your Dog to the Kennel

One of the most important techniques of kennel training is to take things slowly. You should never push your dog to spend time in the kennel when they’re scared or unwilling. For the first step of training, you should introduce your dog to the kennel. Since this is the beginning of the training, you don’t want to try too much too fast.

Let your dog wander and explore the area while offering plenty of verbal praise. If your dog doesn’t want to enter the space, you could try leaving treats inside. All of this positive praise and food will help your dog to view the kennel as a positive experience.

The next time you let your dog interact with the kennel, you might try closing the door. Once they’ve finished exploring or eating their treats, you can let them back out. Keep increasing the time your dog spends in the kennel slowly. Eventually, you’ll be able to leave them alone for short periods of time.

Use Positive Association Techniques

Another tactic you should use when kennel training your pup is to use positive association techniques. The right kind of positive reinforcement will depend on the dog. If your dog loves to play, then you’ll want to place their favourite toys in the kennel. Encourage your dog to play and get comfortable in the kennel by using verbal praise. Some of the best toys to include in the space are ropes, chew toys, and treat puzzle games. These items will help to hold your dog’s attention, which may help to lessen any anxiety or boredom while in the kennel.

You might also consider using food as a positive reinforcement. For many dogs, offering special treats in the kennel will help them to associate the space with positive experiences. Having your dog regularly eat their meals in the kennel can also be helpful during the training process.

Use the Right Commands

During training, you’ll want to teach your dog new commands related to the kennel. You can teach them new commands related to their kennel by using treats and praise. By teaching commands, your dog will know when to go to the kennel. You can choose whatever verbal cues you would like. Simply saying “kennel” is an effective command.

With this verbal cue, your dog will know to enter the kennel. Having this command is helpful as you’ll easily be able to put your dog in the kennel when you’re in a rush. If your dog doesn’t understand this command, getting them to enter the kennel could be challenging and frustrating.

To begin teaching your dog a command for using their kennel, say the verbal cue as they enter the space. Then either use a clicker or say the word “yes.” Hand them a treat for this behaviour, and continue to repeat this process over again. It’s a good idea to practice this verbal cue about ten times per session. You’ll want to repeat this training game daily for a few days.

After several days, you should try to repeat the training game without the treats. Simply, say the command and give verbal praise when they’ve entered the kennel. You may want to include a hand gesture with the command, as it will provide another cue for your dog. After practising training without treats several times, your dog should understand the command going forward.

What Should You Avoid Doing When Kennel Training?

There are several things you should avoid doing when kennel training. By avoiding them, you’ll keep your dog’s kennel training on track. One of the most important things you should avoid doing when kennel training your dog is to avoid using the kennel as a punishment. It’s important to only use positive association techniques with the kennel. If you start to use the kennel as a punishment, your dog won’t feel comfortable in the space. This can make it harder for you to train them.

Another important thing to avoid doing with kennel training is to leave your dog for long periods of time. Even if they start to enjoy spending time in the kennel, you should never confine your dog to this space for extended periods. Dogs need proper exercise and socialization. They’ll also want to sniff and take bathroom breaks away from their kennel. If you plan to leave your house for a full day, you’ll want to hire a dog walker to break up the time spent in the kennel.

You’ll also want to keep all initial time spent in the kennel short, as you want your dog to acclimate to the kennel at their own pace. You should never force your dog into the kennel or leave them alone before they’re ready. Though this technique might seem slow, it ultimately will lead to better success than trying to speed through the training.

How Long Does Kennel Training Take?

The amount of time it takes to kennel train your dog varies depending on a few different factors. As with any kind of dog training, each animal learns at their own pace. So, while some dogs may quickly pick up the verbal cues and acclimate to the kennel quickly, other dogs may need more time.

The length of training also depends on your dog’s age, history, and temperament. For example, it may be hard to train a dog that’s a rescue. You don’t know their background or history, so they may have more complex behavioural issues than you know about. Additionally, older dogs may be more resistant to learning new training. Finally, some pets may not be well suited for outdoor dog kennels due to their temperament. Whether they’re dealing with separation anxiety or they just don’t like to be enclosed, some dogs may be harder to train than others.

How Do You Choose the Right Kennel for Your Dog?

Choosing the right kennel for your dog plays a big role in how well they adapt to their new environment. When you go to pick out a new kennel, you’ll want to choose one that is large enough for your dog to be comfortable. For your dog to be comfortable, you’ll want a kennel where your dog can lie down, stretch, and turn around.

On the outside runner attached to the kennel, you’ll want to ensure that your dog has enough space to play and stay active. Depending on the dog’s breed and temperament, you may want to choose a kennel with a larger runner, as active dogs will enjoy more outside space. They should have enough room to stand on their hind legs and walk about a little. With smaller breeds, the structure of the kennel will likely be small. However, with larger breeds, you’ll need to invest in a big kennel.

Another aspect to consider when choosing the right kennel is the quality of materials. You should aim to pick a kennel that’s made out of durable and long-lasting materials. By choosing a kennel made of high-quality and sturdy materials, you’ll have more peace of mind knowing your dog is safely contained. Especially for dogs with destructive habits, pet owners will want to consider kennels that are resistant to chewing.

Our Commitment to Quality Kennels

If you’re looking for high-quality dog kennels that are made out of durable materials, you should consider one of our options. We offer wooden or eco-thermal kennel options. Additionally, our kennels are available in a range of sizes so you’ll be able to find a kennel that’s large enough to comfortably accommodate your dog.

If you have a small breed, such as a chihuahua, you’ll want to look at one of our smaller options. This 6 X 3 feet kennel is perfect for small breeds. However, for bigger breeds, you’ll want to consider an option that’s large enough. This 14 X 8 feet kennel is best suited for large dogs. If you’re looking to kennel train multiple dogs, you should consider one of the double kennels or multi-bay kennels.

Kennel training provides a lot of benefits, but it may seem challenging at first. It’s important to stick with the training and provide positive associations with the kennel. This way, you’ll ensure that your dog comes to feel safe and at home inside the kennel. If you’re looking to find a kennel that will be comfortable for your dog, check out our full selection of kennel options that come with a professional fitting.

Are you trying to kennel train your dog? The best way to ensure your pup comes to love spending time in their kennel is to build positive associations with it. You can do this through rewards, like special treats or meal times. You can also place their favorite toys in the kennel to keep them entertained. Though training can be slow and challenging at times, if you’re patient about the process, you’ll help your dog to feel safe and happy in their outdoor space eventually. We’ll dive deeper into the ways you can use positive reinforcement training to help make your dog love their kennel from Benchmark Kennels, the most reputable kennel company in the UK.

How to Make Your Dog Love Their Kennel

Kennel training takes time and patience. Your dog may adapt quickly to the kennel environment or they may need some positive reinforcements to acclimate to the new space. There are many easy ways for you to build positive associations with the kennel so your pet will grow to love spending time there.

Special Treats

One of the quickest ways to build positive associations with kennels is to offer special treats within the kennel. Choose a particular treat that your dog will only receive while in the kennel. This way, they’ll quickly become excited to head to their dog kennels for their favourite treat. You could also try giving your dog an interactive treat puzzle. These types of treats are great for keeping your dog’s attention occupied, so they can spend longer time periods in the kennel without fussing.

Meals

Another method for helping your dog adjust to the kennel is to feed at least one meal a day in the kennel. Dogs enjoy their meal time, so incorporating food into their kennel is a great way to build positive associations with the kennel. For this method, you’ll want to try to place their food dish as far back into the crate as possible. Some dogs may be fearful of the crate at first, so you may need to start out by placing the food dish near the opening. After some time, you can try closing the door while they eat and opening it back up when they’re done.

Toys and Games

Many dogs love playing with toys and their humans. To build a positive association with the kennel, you’ll want to encourage your dog to play in or near their kennel. You can leave some of their favorite toys in the kennel, such as ropes, bones, and chew toys. These toys will be beneficial once your dog is ready to stay in the kennel for more significant periods of time, as the toys can stave off boredom and anxiety.

Comfortable Items

You may also want to consider placing comfortable or familiar items inside the interior of the kennel. These items can help them relax and adjust to being in the kennel. Try placing a comfortable dog bed, blankets, or stuffed toys into the kennel. When your dog is ready to relax and take a nap, these comfort items will make them feel more at home.

Things to Avoid When Kennel Training

There are several things you’ll want to avoid doing when kennel training to ensure you’re creating only positive associations. To begin with, you’ll want to avoid using the kennel as a punishment. Though a time-out may seem appropriate for naughty behaviour, using the kennel to punish your dog will create negative associations with it. Instead, you should use only rewards around the kennel to ensure your dog has positive feelings about it.

You should also avoid leaving your dog for long stretches of time in the kennel. Outdoor kennels are designed to keep your pet healthy, safe, and secure. However, they are only meant for temporary shelter. You should ideally leave your dog only for a couple of hours at a time. Most dogs will need to walk, socialize, and take a bathroom break away from their kennel fairly frequently.

When you first start kennel training, you should take care to start in short increments. You’ll want to take things slowly, so containing your dog in the kennel should only be for short periods of time. Eventually, you’ll be able to build up to longer sessions in the kennel, but that may take weeks or longer depending on factors like your dog’s age, history, and temperament.

Choosing the Right Outdoor Kennel

When it comes to choosing dog kennels, there are a few different factors you should consider. One of the main considerations when picking out dog kennels is the size. For your dog to have positive associations with the kennel, they’ll need to be comfortable.

Therefore, you’ll need to choose a kennel large enough for your dog. They should be able to lie down, stand up, and stretch inside the interior part of the kennel. You’ll also want to consider the outdoor runner. There should be space enough for your dog to move around and jump, so they can have room to play and exercise. For larger breeds or active dogs, you’ll want to consider one of the big dog kennels we have available. However, for smaller dogs, you’ll be able to opt for one of the kennels of a lesser size.

For pet owners who are looking to kennel train their dogs, creating a positive association is the best technique to ensure your pet feels safe and comfortable staying in the kennel. While this strategy may take some time, eventually, your dog will come to love spending time in the kennel. You can start building positive associations with the kennel through the use of food and toys. However, your kennel will need to be the right size for your dog. A kennel that is large enough for your dog will ensure comfort and safety. We have a large selection of various kennel sizes to suit your dog’s needs.

Teaching your dog to enjoy their time in an outdoor kennel is much like crate training. You’ll want to use treats, toys, and other comfort items to ensure your pup comes to love spending time in dog kennels. However, outdoor kennels are slightly different from crates. Since kennels are much larger than crates, there are more opportunities for fun activities your dog enjoys. We’ll go over some of the best ways to create an inviting and fun space for your pet so they become acclimated to their outdoor kennel.

Bring Their Favorite Toys Into the Kennel

One of the best tips for helping your dog acclimate to the kennel environment is to bring their favourite toys into the enclosure. By incorporating toys or other kennel accessories into the space, your dog will stay stimulated and happy when left alone in the kennel. Here are some toys you may want to include:

• Ropes
• Treat-stuffed toys (like a kong toy)
• Treat puzzles
• Balls
• Chew toys

It’s important to consider your individual dog’s needs and play habits. You’ll also want to be careful with the type of toys you leave in dog kennels. Some toys are easily breakable, which could be a choking hazard. If your dog tends to chew or destroy toys, it’s best to only leave non-destructible toys in the enclosure.

Add Sprinklers or a Wading Pool to the Outdoor Area

During the warm summer months, you may be thinking about different ways to keep your dog cool. If your dog loves the water, adding some aquatic activities to the outdoor area can bring some fun into the kennel. Try putting in a sprinkler or small wading pool so that your pet can stay entertained and comfortable when the temperatures are soaring.

Set up Enrichment or Sensory Activities

Besides toys and water activities, there are other kinds of activities you can set up in dog kennels to make the space more enjoyable. For example, you might include sensory features in the kennel. Some fun activities for your dog might include tunnels, hoops, and obstacle courses.

You might also include rubber padding or fake turf on the ground of the kennel. Some pet owners may even decide to include real plants in or near the kennel to provide a sensory experience for their dogs. However, with this option, it’s essential that you only include non-toxic plants. You may also want to consider putting real grass or a sand pit into the enclosure to provide stimulation.

Providing fun and stimulating activities for your dog ensures they will remain entertained, comfortable, and satisfied with their time spent outside. There are simple additions to dog kennels that can make a significant impact on your dog becoming acclimated to their kennel, such as treat-stuffed toys or small wading pools. To ensure your dog has space to play, you’ll want to get a kennel that’s large enough. Benchmark Kennels has a wide selection of premium dog kennels in varying sizes, so you can find the option that’s right for your pet.

Have you decided to invest in your dog’s safety and comfort by buying an outdoor kennel? If so, you’ll need to figure out the ideal size for your pup. There are a few factors to consider when choosing the right size structure to ensure your pet is happy and healthy while spending time in their kennel. We’ll discuss in more depth how large outdoor dog kennels should be, so you can find the option that’s perfect for your pet. Learn how Benchmark Kennels can help you find the right-sized Kennel for your pet.

Choosing the Right-Sized Outdoor Kennel

Why is choosing the right-sized outdoor kennel important? When picking out dog kennels, you should consider your pet’s comfort. Kennels should be large enough to ensure that your dog has enough space to stand, lay down, and move around. Though you shouldn’t leave dogs cooped up all day, the kennel should be comfortable enough for them to spend periods of time there. A space that is too confined isn’t healthy for your dog, so it’s important to choose a kennel large enough.

For smaller dogs, you can opt for a small structure, as they won’t need the space that a large breed requires. You may find that our small 6 x 3 ft kennel is perfect for your small breed. For big dogs, you’ll need a large enough structure so they can move around. We have various dog kennels that suit medium to large-sized dogs. Our 14 x 8 ft kennel is one of our largest options available. This kennel is spacious enough to suit most breeds

Taking Measurements

To determine the ideal size, you’ll need to consider the height and length of your dog. Measuring your dog is simple–determine the correct height and then add three to seven inches to the final measurement. The extra inches ensure your dog will have enough room to stand on its hind legs. Likewise, when determining your dog’s length, you’ll want to add around five to ten inches to the final measurement. With extra inches added to the measurement, you’ll have surety that your dog can stretch, wag its tail, and turn around comfortably.

Besides measuring your pet, you’ll also want to consider the size of your garden. You’ll need to have adequate space to accommodate an outdoor kennel. Typically, most people try to keep the kennel far enough away from the house so as not to deal with bugs or smells.

Choosing the size of outdoor kennels is important for your pet’s overall well-being. You’ll need to ensure your dog has enough space to comfortably move around. When you’re measuring your dog, you’ll want to add a few extra inches into the final measurements to ensure you get the right size. You’ll also need to consider other factors, such as the location of the structure. Make sure that your garden has enough room for a large kennel. We offer many different sizes of dog kennels, so check out our full selection to find the one that’s right for you and contact the sales team if you have any other questions.