If you think dogs aren’t very smart, think again. Canines are so intelligent that they can learn language skills, and understand human gestures and social cues. This means that pet mental stimulation is important; otherwise, your pup may become unhappy.

When keeping pets outdoors, you need to provide plenty of enrichment to keep a dog happy. That way, you can have peace of mind knowing they have lots to do, and they have a fulfilling and enriching life.

Here are some ways you can ensure your outdoor kennels have plenty of enrichment.

Add Interactive Toys and Puzzles

Interactive toys and puzzles will get your pet’s brain working. Puzzles help them fight off boredom, as they’ll get to maneuver their way through the challenges before they get to the reward inside.

These can also double as sensory enrichment. For example, a chew toy stuffed with a frozen treat can provide new scents and a mental challenge to keep your canine friend occupied.

Make sure you regularly rotate the toys and puzzles to ensure they stay fresh and interesting. Dogs can get bored with their toys, too.

Have Agility Equipment

Depending on the dog breed you have, your pet may have more energy to burn than others. Regardless, it’s ideal for them to have agility equipment such as open tunnels, jumps, and weave poles.

These things allow your dog to burn off excess energy, which can decrease behavioral problems. They’ll have some mental stimulation too, as they’ll have to figure out how to clear each obstacle.

Provide Music Therapy

It might sound like a strange concept, but music therapy is actually very useful for canines. Like us, they can suffer from anxiety, and this kind of therapy can help curb issues like barking. In addition, it can decrease pain from chronic issues, and improve your pet’s quality of sleep.

Provide them with soft and relaxing music, such as soft rock, reggae, or classical pieces. You’ll see a huge improvement in your dog’s well-being.

Give Them Socialization Opportunities

Dogs are descendants of wolves, which are pack animals. As a result, they’re highly dependent on social interactions and can suffer greatly when they don’t get enough stimulation.

It’s essential that you often visit your pet outside to interact with them. Also, give them ample opportunities to play with other dogs and you.

Keep Your Dogs Happy in Outdoor Kennels

Keeping dogs in outdoor kennels can work, as long as they have enough enrichment and are comfortable in their surroundings. In addition, you shouldn’t neglect other aspects of regular care, such as walking, playing, and other bonding activities.

If you have a roomy backyard and the means to provide your four-legged friend with a cozy kennel, then it’s a fantastic project that will keep them happy and safe outdoors.

If you’re ready to keep your pets in a comfortable outdoor kennel, then browse our selection of wooden dog kennels now.

It’s reported that 1 in 7 dogs across the UK have died from a heat-related condition. With temperatures on the rise, it’s more important than ever to protect your dog from the dangers of heat stroke.

This is why outdoor dog kennels need built-in climate control to keep your dog comfortable all year long. From location to ventilation, there are precautionary measures you can take to help keep your pet’s kennel cool.

Keep reading to learn about kennel climate control for pets.

Air Flow and Location

Does your outdoor kennel have some type of vinyl tarp or other heavy-duty material covering its sides in the winter? If so, remove it during the summer to help air circulate. These tarps might heat a kennel during cold months, but they trap body heat and restrict airflow.

Next, consider where you install your kennel. You want to avoid sunny areas that can cause the kennel to become overheated. It’s best to look for shady spots.

Insulation

Insulation works in the winter and summer and can be used to line your kennel’s floors, walls, and ceiling. You can select aluminum foil bubble, foam board, or fiberglass insulation.

You should always install some type of solid surface, such as plywood, over the insulation. This prevents your dog from chewing and ingesting it, which can lead to a myriad of health issues and even death. When properly installed, insulation can add kennel climate control.

Ice

While ice water gives your dog a fun toy during the summer, you can also use frozen bottles of water to cool your dog’s kennel. Your dog can lay next to them, helping them cool off during hot summer days.

Additionally, you can always use a cooling pad or mat to help keep your dog comfortable.

Bedding

You may have used rugs, flannel sheets, towels, or other thick bedding during the cold months, or you may have used some type of shavings to line the floor of your dog’s kennel. Although these items can keep your pet warm in the fall and winter, they can also trap body heat during warmer seasons and should be removed in spring and summer.

Consider lightweight bedding such as breathable cotton sheets or other lightweight blankets. You can also look for pet beds with cooling gel inside them.

Fans and AC

There are small kennel fans you can install, providing you have access to electricity. If not, you can talk to an electrician about installing something to keep your pooch comfortable. There are even solar-powered fans you can look into.

Should you decide to install air conditioning, you may be worried about the cost. It’s a surprisingly affordable option to keep your pet cool. You can find portable floor AC units that keep small rooms cool that will work wonders. Although you may need an electrician and carpenter to install it, you’ll have a kennel that keeps your dog comfortable during those warm summer months.

Additionally, speak to your electrician about an exterior heater to keep your kennel climate controlled in the winter.

Climate Control for Outdoor Dog Kennels

There’s no shortage of ways to heat and cool outdoor dog kennels. You can try simple techniques such as an added layer of insulation and installing your kennel in a shady spot, or you can treat your dog to air conditioning and heating, ensuring their comfort and safety all year long.

Benchmark Kennels has a wide selection for you to choose from. Consider our eco-thermal plastic dog kennels. You can easily customize any of these items to meet the unique needs of your pet.

If you’re among the 34% of UK homes with a pet dog, you may be in the market for an outdoor kennel. Not only do kennels assist your pooch with potty training, but they offer mental stimulation while helping to control their energy levels.

As you search for a housing solution for your beloved pet, you might find yourself wondering about the best dog kennels for the outside and what features to look for.

There are several key factors to consider, such as the size of your kennel and proper ventilation and insulation, and we’ll cover them all in this article. Keep reading to learn more about creating the best outdoor dog kennel.

Size

If you have a puppy, consider what size kennel you’ll need as your dog grows. Also, consider if you’ll house other dogs in the future.

The ideal kennel will be big enough for your pooch to move freely about and stretch its legs. You want them to be comfortable. Incorporate plenty of room for food, water, and bedding.

Insulation

Part of proper kennel design includes adequate insulation to keep the interior comfortable during different weather conditions. Although you should not keep your pets outside during extreme weather and should look to bring them inside, insulation can give your dog a comfortable and safe space outside.

Always cover the insulation with some type of wooden board to prevent your dog from eating it, as this can cause severe health issues and possibly death.

Materials

Never purchase a kennel made from cheap materials. High-quality materials provide you with a kennel that lasts for years, can withstand weather conditions, and is leak-proof. You may also find that high-quality materials make it difficult for your pooch to chew or destroy the kennel.

You should also keep your outdoor dog kennel cozy with extra bedding. A plush space on the floor gives your dog somewhere to cuddle up when it’s colder out. Use lightweight bedding or cooling pads in the summer, along with raised beds for extra comfort.

Ventilation and Airflow

Without proper ventilation, your dog may suffer the consequences during severe temperatures. Your kennel must have proper ventilation features. You’ll also find that a well-ventilated kennel is more resistant to mold growth.

Look for kennels with air holes or ridged vents so air can flow freely. These kennel features will work to keep your pet safe and comfortable all year long.

Safety Features

If you have an enclosed yard, your dog can still dig beneath the fence and get loose. They can also hop fences.

Kennels allow your pet to stay outside while ensuring they’re safely contained in your yard. This works to increase your dog’s independence without the stress of worrying if they’ll escape.

You should also connect your kennel to a dog run for extra exercise. Runs should be large enough for your dog to play, discouraging any negative behavior that comes with being cooped up for too long.

Choosing the Right Outdoor Kennel

Your outdoor kennel should offer your dog security, plenty of room, and a cozy place to sleep. If possible, attach your kennel to a dog run so your pooch can exercise, and always keep plenty of food and water available for your dog when they’re outside.

Benchmark Kennels offers the best dog kennel ideas and even has catteries for your feline friends. Check out our complete line of wooden dog kennels, or reach out to us with any questions.

According to the World Animal Foundation, more than half of the adults living in the UK own a pet. About 27% of these pets are dogs with about 13 million dogs living in the UK.

If you recently brought home a new dog, you should look into providing your four-legged friend with a kennel. One of these single dog kennels would be a fantastic option for your dog. They’re the best types of kennels for those with just one dog living in their homes.

But you won’t be able to simply put a dog into a kennel and expect them to know what to do right away. To make the most of the benefits of kennels, you’ll need to train your dog so they react in the right way when you put them into a kennel.

Are you ready to put a kennel training routine into place for your new dog? Here are tips that’ll help you get the job done.

Learn About the Benefits of Kennels for Dogs

Some people don’t automatically love the idea of using single dog kennels for their new dogs. They don’t like the thought of putting their dogs into outdoor kennels as opposed to allowing them to stay inside with them.

But you should know there are many benefits of kennels for dogs. Here are several of the biggest benefits that’ll come along with using one of the many types of kennels:

• They make dogs feel safer than they would otherwise
• They provide dogs, especially smaller ones, with the protection they need from other animals, large birds, etc.
• They set dogs up with great places to play
• They let dogs kick back and relax and steer clear of stressful situations
• They give you peace of mind when your dog is outside

As you can see, it’ll make a lot of sense for you to shop for single dog kennels and pick one out. Even if you aren’t attracted to the idea of doing it right away, it shouldn’t take you too long to come around to it.

Shop Around for Single Dog Kennels

Once you know about the benefits of kennels for dogs, you can start shopping around for single dog kennels. You’ll find a large selection of single dog kennels you can choose from through a company like Benchmark Kennels.

Benchmark Kennels sells wooden dog kennels, eco thermal dog kennels, and more. They also sell single dog kennels that have almost any dog kennel features you could ever imagine.

Your goal should be to track down the right dog kennel size. The kennel you choose should fit comfortably onto your property while also providing your dog with plenty of space to stretch out.

You should also compare the dog kennel features and look for the best-priced kennels around. It’ll help you land on a single dog kennel that’ll fit nicely into your budget.

Pick the Right Place to Put a Dog Kennel

After you invest in one of the best single dog kennels in the business, you can have it delivered to your home so that you can get it all set up. It’ll be extremely important for you to pick the best possible place to put it depending on the dog kennel size.

Ideally, you should strategically place a single dog kennel in a place that’ll make it easy to see from inside your house. You should also choose a location that isn’t tucked away in a dark corner that might scare your dog.

The place you pick for a dog kennel could make or break your whole kennel training routine. It’s why you shouldn’t just choose the first place you can find. You’ll want to consider several options before going with the best one.

Let Your Dog Get Acquainted With a Kennel

When you have a single dog kennel all set up, you might be tempted to put your new pup right inside of it and close the gate behind them. But this is not the right approach to take if you want your dog to fall in love with its new quarters.

Instead, you should very slowly introduce your dog to their new kennel and let them get acclimated to it. Walk around inside the kennel with them and allow them to sniff around so they’re able to familiarize themselves with the kennel.

You might even want to go as far as to toss treats in your dog’s direction when they first enter the kennel. This will have them associating their kennel with nothing but good things before long.

Whatever you do, don’t make it seem as though putting your dog into a kennel is going to be punishment for them. This will make the kennel training routine drag out for so much longer than it should.

Make Your Dog Feel Right at Home in a Kennel

From the moment your dog first sets foot in their new kennel, you want it to feel like home to them. How can you accomplish this goal? Here are just a few ideas:

• Put your dog’s favourite blanket or towel inside the kennel
• Set up several of your dog’s favourite toys inside the kennel
• Give your dog a bone or another special treat inside the kennel

Whatever you can do to make your dog feel at peace in a kennel will work wonders for your kennel training routine. In some cases, you might even find that your dog will want to stay in a kennel right from the start.

Begin Feeding Your Dog in a Kennel

If you reach this point and your dog still isn’t 100% sure about the kennel, you should spend time going through each of the steps we’ve listed again. You might want to spend a few days or even a full week working to introduce your dog to a kennel so that they feel comfortable in it.

Once they appear to be less anxious about going into a kennel, you can welcome food into the mix. You can begin to feed your dog some or even all of their meals in a kennel.

At first, you might want to leave your dog’s bowl filled with food right by the door to a kennel and leave the door open. It’ll give your dog a chance to get used to eating meals in a kennel.

But as time goes on, you should move your dog’s bowl further and further away from the door for a kennel. You should also begin closing a kennel’s door and letting a dog hang out for a little while after they’re done eating.

Initially, your dog might only want to stay in a kennel for five or ten minutes at a time. If they start whining, you should let them out of the kennel so that they don’t start associating a kennel with being locked up.

You should, however, start to see your dog warm up to the idea of being in a kennel. Before long, you may see them playing in a kennel and even lying down to rest in it.

Start Leaving Your Dog in a Kennel for Longer Stretches

At first, your dog isn’t going to want to stay in a kennel for long periods of time. But as time goes on, you’ll want to make it your mission to start leaving your dog in a kennel for longer stretches.

In a perfect world, you’ll want to work your way up to leaving your dog in a kennel for 15 minutes, then 30 minutes, then 45 minutes, and then an hour without them crying at any point.

This is going to take a lot of patience on your part. There will be days when your dog will get into a kennel without you having to ask and hang out in it for hours on end. There may also be other times when your dog will refuse to get into a kennel or get in only to ask to be let back out five minutes later.

Work with your dog to make them feel as comfortable as possible in a kennel. This may require you to check on them every so often so that they know you haven’t gone far and will be back to get them.

Teach Your Dog to Go to a Kennel on Your Command

There are so many commands you’ll want to teach your dog when you first bring them home. From “Sit!” to “Heel!”, you should aim to teach them these commands as quickly as possible since it can be difficult to teach an older dog to abide by them.

You should also make it a point to teach your dog a phrase like, “In your kennel!” Start saying it to them as soon as they begin spending their fair share of time in a kennel.

You want to be able to tell your dog to go into their kennel and have them listen to you. This is going to call on you to make their kennel sound like an attractive option while also teaching them a command related to it.

Leave Your Dog in a Kennel When You’re Not Home

When you hit this point in your kennel training routine, your dog should be used to spending long stretches of time in a kennel. You’ll be free to turn up the intensity a little to see what your dog can do.

Start leaving your dog in a kennel when you have to leave home to run out for a little while. Put them in the kennel about ten minutes before you need to leave to make sure they’re okay with being in it. Then, head out and hope for the best.

You might be filled with anxiety the first few times you do this. But after several trips out with your dog in a kennel, you’ll see that they’re going to be just fine.

Just make sure you try not to rile your dog up too much when you come back home. By doing this, you might inadvertently send the message that the kennel is a bad place to be. You obviously don’t want to make it seem this way at all.

You’ll be better off making a subtle return home. You can go to see your dog in the kennel and let them out if they’re interested in coming out to get a closer look at you.

Avoid Leaving Your Dog in a Kennel All the Time

In the coming weeks, months, and years, your dog is going to spend a lot of time in a kennel. But you should steer clear of leaving them in a kennel all the time.

Even if your dog loves their kennel, you will still want to let them come out and run around. You’ll also want to let them inside to hang out with you and your family.

Any time your dog isn’t in their kennel, you should see to it that the kennel gets cleaned out. You’ll want to pick up dog poop and any other debris that might build up in the kennel.

By doing this, you’ll ensure that your dog will want to return to the kennel later on. You’ll also guarantee that your dog is able to stay happy and healthy when they’re in their kennel.

Search For the Best Single Dog Kennel Here

Would you like to enjoy the benefits of kennels for yourself and work on establishing a kennel training routine for your dog? Benchmark Kennels can provide you with plenty of options when it comes to single dog kennels.

We also carry a wide range of other types of kennels for dogs. They come in just about every dog kennel size and have all the dog kennel features you and your furry friend will want.

Shop around for single dog kennels on our website and reach out to us with any questions you may have.

Why Do Working Dogs Need an Outdoor Kennel?

Did you know there are thousands of working dogs living throughout the UK right now? Unlike other types of dogs, working dogs don’t spend their days indoors, cosied up on couches catching up on sleep. As their name suggests, they’re outside performing specific tasks they’re trained to do.

Some working dogs, for example, are hunting dogs that help hunters retrieve birds and more on hunting adventures. Others work on farms and lend a hand to farmers who need help wrangling their herds. Whatever the case, working dogs can benefit from single-dog kennels. You might not automatically think to keep working dogs outside in a since they’ll already spend so much time outside of the house. But it could provide them with the best living conditions possible.

Here are several reasons why working dogs should have access to single dog kennels.

Provides Working Dogs With Rest

Working dogs obviously spend a lot of their time, well, working. So they need to get plenty of rest when they’re off the clock. Keeping working dogs outside in an outdoor dog kennel gives them the space they need to spread out and relax. Even when the weather isn’t ideal, wooden dog kennels will still provide the perfect living conditions.

Working dogs won’t have to worry about humans and other pets bothering them when they have their own spaces. It’s one of the best reasons to invest in single dog kennels.

Keeps Working Dogs Primed and Ready to Go

Most working dogs live to work. They’re at their happiest when they’re working side-by-side with their owners to complete necessary tasks. With this in mind, putting working dogs in single-use kennels might seem counterintuitive. But placing a working dog into an outdoor kennel will make them even more eager to get out and work. From the second you open the door of an outdoor kennel, hunting dogs or other types of working dogs will be excited to get out and stay busy.

Stimulates Working Dogs in Many Ways

There probably isn’t much going on inside your house regularly. As a result, working dogs aren’t going to get much stimulation when they’re wandering around indoors. But when you place working dogs outside in wooden dog kennels, it’ll be a much different story. There will be so many things that’ll tickle a working dog’s senses and provide them with proper stimulation.

Working dogs will be able to listen to birds chirp, watch animals run around, and find other sources of stimulation with very little effort on their part when they’re in single-dog kennels. They’ll even be stimulated at night when it gets very quiet outside. Every random sound that is made will stimulate their senses and keep them actively engaged in what’s going on around them.

Stops Working Dogs From Getting Complacent

Let’s face it: If you keep working dogs inside all the time, it won’t be long before they come to like it there. You might even discover they become complacent and won’t want to work as hard as usual. Working dogs might also get treated to extra food and treats when they’re inside and struggle to stay in good shape. You’ll be able to keep them hungry in a figurative sense by placing them in an outdoor dog kennel.

Ensures Working Dogs Don’t Get Confused

How weird would it be if you came home from work every night and your boss was waiting for you at the dinner table and then sitting down on the couch with you to watch TV once dinner was done? It would leave you feeling confused, to say the least. This might be precisely how working dogs feel when you bring them inside after spending all day outside with them. It could confuse them and leave them wondering where your relationship stands since they’ll be spending all their time with the “boss.”

Protects Working Dogs From Potential Predators

Most working dogs are going to be on the larger side, so you won’t have to worry about too many predators trying to come after them. But since you rely on working dogs to perform tasks for you, the last thing you want is for them to be injured by another

Check Out Our Single Dog Kennels for Working Dogs

Would you like to set up single-dog kennels for your working dogs? Benchmark Kennels has kennels that would be ideal for hunting dogs as well as any other types of working dogs you might have. We also have an amazing range of accessories to make your outdoor kennel the best for your dog!

You can also check out our article on the benefits of outdoor pens to understand why they are beneficial for all dogs, not just working dogs. Additionally, when creating the ideal space for your dog, be sure to look at our tips on creating a dog-friendly garden.

Contact us to learn more about the single-dog kennels we can provide for your working dogs. 

People are willing to spend nearly £300,000 on a home in the UK. Yet when they go shopping for a dog kennel, they squirm at the thought of shelling out even a fraction of a percentage of that amount. So much for man’s best friend!

While we are being facetious, there is a point to be made here. Many dog owners go as cheap as possible, purchasing a kennel that is not only cramped and uncomfortable for their dog, but flimsy and of poor quality. Going the extra mile for the best dog kennel is a win for both you and your pet.

Read on as we discuss the top features of a single-dog kennel.

The Best Dog Kennel Has Proper Ventilation

Unfortunately, dogs cannot take off their furry coat on a whim. So after zooming around the yard for several minutes, they rely on panting to control their body temperature. A stuffy, hot kennel makes it very difficult to achieve this and heightens a dog’s risk of heat stroke during the warmer months.

The best dog kennel will have plenty of ventilation.

It Has Insulation

Another way to reduce the heat is to provide a kennel with exceptional insulation. This keeps extreme temperatures out, whether it’s a sordid summer afternoon or a nippy winter morning.

In either case, your dog can relax at a comfortable temperature.

It Has Enough Space

The amount of space your dog needs will depend entirely on your dog’s breed and temperament. Whatever the case, ensure that they have enough space to pace around and settle in a comfortable spot.

Dogs are a lot like humans in this regard. They despise the feeling of being cooped up, so contemplate long and hard how much space would be ideal for them.

It Is Durable

As we’ve said, a kennel is a lot like a home. Its roof can leak, its walls can creak, and all of these have a negative impact on your dog’s comfort.

A durable, well-built kennel–i.e., the best dog kennel–lasts longer, won’t suffer as much water damage, and will resist your dog’s desire to chew on it.

It Provides Safety

Dogs are generally safe from most of the fauna in the UK, but you can’t be too careful. Wolves, foxes, and hawks can potentially threaten your dog’s safety and well-being. A proper kennel keeps out any unwanted animals.

Further, poorly built kennels can present a risk to dogs. Your dog could accidentally cut their paw on an extruding piece of chicken wire or a nail. Dog kennels with exceptional build quality will not have this problem.

Purchase a Benchmark Kennel

If you want to give your dog the best dog kennel–and get the best value for money–then be on the lookout for the above features. A well-built, durable, safety-focused kennel with enough space is a must-have. Make sure to find kennels that have sufficient insulation and ventilation as well.

Benchmark Kennels makes the benchmark against which all other kennels are tested. Check out our single-dog kennels and find the right abode for your four-legged friend.