Choosing the Best Kennel For Your Dog

Updated: February 21, 2024

"The terms kennel and crate are often times interchanged or used in similar ways."

How to choose the best kennel for your dog?

As pet parents, we sometimes need our own personal space, and believe it or not, our dogs occasionally want it too. Kennels can be a place for your dog to feel safe, secure, and escape situations that may be stressful to them.

There has been a lot of controversy among pet parents on whether or not kennels are good for dogs. Some say locking up a dog is cruel and some say it's helpful, especially when preventing destructive behavior, traveling, house training, keeping the dog (and your house) safe while you're away for some hours, and many other reasons.

Whatever reasons you may have, it's best that you know what a kennel is and how to choose the best kennel for your dog. In this article, we will address how to find the best kennel for your dog, along with the importance a kennel can have.

What is a Kennel & What is a Crate?

The terms kennel and crate are often times interchanged or used in similar ways. So what is the difference between a dog kennel and crate?

A dog crate is a confinement area for dogs. Typically, it is portable and frequently used for travel. There are many types of dog crates:

  • Hard crate 
  • Soft crate
  • Plastic crate
  • Metal or wire crate

On the other hand, dog kennels are generally more permanent. With both indoor and outdoor variations, kennels are typically larger and not intended to move. Most outdoor kennels are often built to withstand weather conditions, and offer protection to your dog. 

Kennels may also refer to a space where dogs are kept, trained, housed, boarded, and bred. If you have space and many dogs, this might be great for you.

How To Find The Best Kennel For You

Measure your dog. Above anything else, it must fit your dog. It can't be too small that your dog won't be able to move around comfortably. It can't also be too large that your dog may feel unsafe. Measure your dog while standing, while sitting, while lying down to make sure he'll be able to do anything he wants inside with a little more space for playing and goofing around.

Find your kennel's purpose. Pet parents have different plans for their pets. Identify first the purpose.

  • Play place - if the sole purpose of your kennel is a play place for your dog, get the size where you think your dog can freely run around. Indoor ones are great especially when you limit him to a certain area of your house. Outdoor kennels are great, too (if you have a spacious yard) and a kennel will prevent your dog from running off while playing.
  • Boarding place - this kennel serves as the basic shelter of your dog. If you don't intend to have your dog roaming freely inside your house or when you're scared he might wander somewhere if you just let him loose in your yard, this is the kennel for you. You can also have this kennel if you are away and nobody is unable to look after your dog.

Choose the kennel material that fits your dog's personality. When it comes to kennels, there are a lot of choices.

First, ask yourself these questions to better understand your dog's needs:

  • Is your dog staying indoors or outdoors?
  • Is your dog a chewer?

The durability of your dog kennel is very important, especially if placed outdoors. Being exposed to different weather, like extreme rain, heat, or winds, can not only harm your furbaby, it can also damage an inadequate kennel. For outdoor kennels, it may be best to opt for a wooden or metal kennel that is weather-proof. Ensure your furbaby has enough room to comfortably move, and a place too be protected from heat and other weather conditions. 

It is also important to consider how much your dog likes to chew. If your dog needs the 'toughest chews' and 'indestructible dog toys,' you'll likely want to avoid any plastic or soft-sided kennels. If your dog is a heavy biter, steel dog kennels that are chew-safe are also available.

While some materials may be more expensive than others, it's a good idea to invest in a good quality kennel - as they often last for many years if cared for properly. 

dog kennels

Increase comfort level. Once you've set up the kennel, it's a good idea to make it a space your dog enjoys. Increase the comfiness by adding some of his basic necessities.

Here are some things you can put in the dog kennel to create a comfortable space for your furbaby:

Be on top of your dog's hygiene. Hygiene should be one of the most important things. You don't want your dog to be bathing on his own mess and the kennel stinking with poop and pee. Dog diapers, belly bands and Pawtect® Pads gives your dog the freedom to pee and poop and still keep the kennel clean.

Importance of a Dog Kennel

Helps discipline your dog and teaches independence. Your dog may not enjoy being in the kennel at first, but after proper crate training, they will get used to it. Being confined in a specific area will help develop a sense of responsibility and allow them to understand their own personal space. 

Offers security. Kennels are great tools when it comes to helping your furbaby manage their stress and anxiety. Being confined in a comfortable place allows your dog to feel secure and safe. 

Protects from outdoor dangers. Dog kennels play an important role in protecting your furbaby from harsh weather, dangerous stray animals, animal theft, and much more. 

Dog Kennels Are Best For:

  • Multiple dog households
  • Dogs who love to be outdoors
  • Dogs with behavioral issues, like aggression 
  • Dogs who are anxious, or have separation anxiety
  • Dogs who have a tendency to escape
  • Dogs in heat
  • Housetraining dogs 
  • Whelping dogs and their litter
  • Guard dogs 

Among everyone else, you know your dog better. A kennel is great for your dog especially if you choose the best one for him and everything else will just depend on how you carry it out. As a pet parent, you know what is best!

"Keep your dog dry and the kennel clean with Dog Diapers, Belly Bands and Pawtect Pads."

The author

MICKA V.

Author Bio

Micka Virtudazo is a full-time content creator at Pet Parents® who lives with thirteen adorable American Bullies and a Shih Tzu-Maltese mix named Gretel. She especially enjoys writing how-to articles as she feels through this she can connect to other pet parents on a more personal level.

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