A dog house offers your pet a safe space they can enjoy, that’s why it’s important to choose the right one for them.
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What is the best dog kennel in 2024?
A dog house offers your pet a space of their own to hide or sleep peacefully. Discover our selection and choose the best dog house for your pet.
Your beloved dog deserves nothing but the best, and it's essential to choose the right dog house for them. It's important for your pet to like the space, so that they can rest comfortably or curl up and hide if they’re scared or feel unsafe.
You should select a kennel that is appropriate to the size of your pet. If it is too large, your dog might not feel safe in it and or will have difficulty keeping warm. Make sure that the kennel you buy has a slightly elevated floor to keep your dog safe from the cold and wet weather. There are houses in every style: the more traditional ones are made of wood with a bitumen roof. You can also find kennels made of resin or plastic that are easy to clean, or Cordura fabric, which is really light.
Is your new puppy joining the family soon? To help you choose the best dog house for them, we have prepared this comparison.
Summary
What are the benefits of a kennel?
Buying a kennel is a great way to give your dog a place of their own, where your pet can feel safe and secure. The animal will enjoy having their own space where they can sleep, rest and watch their owners. Anxious dogs also use it to get away in stressful situations, for example when there are many guests in the house.
If you put it outside, it will serve as a shelter for your dog. Dog kennels are perfectly sealed and well insulated against draughts and humidity, so your pet will be comfortable in all seasons.
How do I choose the right kennel for my dog?
To choose the perfect dog kennel, you need to consider several criteria.
The size of the house should be suitable to the size of the dog. The animal will not feel comfortable if the kennel is too large or too small. Fortunately, there are kennels of all sizes from small to medium and large dogs!
Would you prefer an indoor or outdoor kennel? The difference between these two types of dog houses is the level of insulation. If you are placing it in the garden, make sure that the kennel you chose is entirely waterproof. Its floor should also be slightly raised to protect the dog from humidity.
If you often move the kennel to put your dog in the shade or in the sun, choose one that is lightweight and easy to move.
Dog houses come in a variety of materials. Wood provides excellent insulation and prevents excessive thermal fluctuations. It is also a very esthetically pleasing material. However, you must maintain it regularly.
Plastic and resin have the great advantage of being almost indestructable. Both materials are also very easy to clean with a wet sponge, all you need to do is check the manufacturer's instructions!
If the design is important to you, you'll be pleased to know that many brands offer kennels that fit in with both modern and classic interiors.
Make sure you read customer reviews before ordering your dog house.
What size dog house should I buy?
To choose the right size house, measure your pet from the tip of the tail to the tip of the nose and from the ground to the shoulders. This will give you the optimal size for the kennel. The height of the kennel shall not exceed 1.5 times the height of the animal’s shoulders. In terms of depth, choose a model that is no more than twice the length of your pet.
As for the door, it should not be more than three-quarters of your dog’s height at shoulder blades.
Choosing the right size of the dog house is very important. If it is too small, your pet will not be able to sit comfortably. Many dogs like to sleep on their side with their legs stretched. If it is too large, your dog will have a hard time getting warm up and feeling safe.
Where to put your dog's kennel?
You need to place your dog's kennel somewhere where they can feel safe and secure while being close the owners. Dogs generally don't like to be left alone, and need to see the people they love to be able to relax.
So whether you place the dog house indoors or outdoors, the dog should be able to enjoy absolute peace and quiet without being shut out of the house either.
Some indoor kennels are real works of art and can become trendy decorative objects. If it’s the case, don't hesitate to set up your pet's kennel in the main room, such as the living room, for example.
Avoid confined areas, such as under the stairs or a table. It is likely that your pet will refuse to use the kennel and prefer to sleep next to you on the floor!
Place the kennel on the floor. Regardless of the age of your dog, it should be easy for them to enter. However, if the kennel is outside, you can place it on a light base to keep out rising humidity and prevent flooding.
If you place the dog house outside, make sure it is away from draughts. Also, position it as close to the house as you can. This way, your dog will not feel too isolated. In winter, they will even benefit from the warmth of the walls of your house. If possible, opt for a house that can be moved easily. This way, you will be able place the house in the shade in summer and in the sun in winter. This is the perfect solution to ensure that your pet does not suffer from the changing seasons.
