Safe Outdoor Enclosures for Dogs

If you have a dog in your family, or if you are thinking about getting a dog, then you may also be thinking about purchasing a dog house or dog run. If your dog will be outside while you are away at work, or if the dog is a mainly outdoor pet, then your choices for its protection will need to take several factors into consideration. For the safety of your pet you will want to take into consideration the needs of your type of dog, as well as the safety concerns for the climate and neighborhood that you live in.

ELEMENTS THAT IMPACT YOUR OUTDOOR ENCLOSURE SELECTION

If this is the first time that you have shopped for an outdoor enclosure for your dog then you need to know that the three basic elements that your dog needs to be happy and safe are shelter, food, and water. These three things are the basis of its health and safety while staying outside. Providing food and water are simple enough needs to meet, however, the shelter element is one that will require some thought.

In order for the shelter to be safe and secure you will need to understand what type of dog you have. First the shelter will need to be big enough for the size of dog that you have. If you have a small dog then a smaller enclosure will be fine. However, if you have a large dog like a Boxer, then you will need to have a larger enclosure which provides enough space for the dog to walk around and get exercise. The second consideration that you need to take into consideration is how high your dog can jump. You will need to make sure that the enclosure is high enough so that the dog can’t jump out of it, and you will want to make sure that if it has a top that your dog won’t be able to jump on top of it when it is not in the enclosure. Finally the size of the links will also need to reflect how big your dog is. If you have a small dog you will need links that are small enough that the dog won’t be able to escape through the links.

The other factors that will impact what type of outdoor dog enclosure that you buy will be your environmental and neighborhood characteristics. If you live in a cold climate your outdoor enclosure will need a dog house that provides shelter from the wind, rain, and snow as well as provide the dog with a heat source for really cold temperatures. In hot climates a roof on your kennel that provides shade will be required. If you are not sure what type of shelter is appropriate for your area you can always contact your local ASPCA for recommendations.

WHERE TO BUY DOG KENNELS, RUNS, AND DOG HOUSES

Now that you know what elements impact your selections, you should be ready to start shopping around for items to put together your dog’s safe outdoor enclosures. PetSmart is a good store to start with, especially if this is your first time shopping for an outdoor pet enclosure. Their staff will be able to explain their outdoor enclosure options and help you select the enclosure that is right for your dog. They have several enclosure options including exercise pens, add-on panel kits, and outdoor pet accessories like water dishes, and food dishes. If you don’t have a PetSmart in your area they are available online at http://www.petsmart.com.

PetPRO KENNEL is an online store that offers larger dog runs and kennel packages. This site can be found at http://optionskenels-store.stores.yahoo.net. They offer kennels that are either free standing or that can be attached directly to a existing wall. You can also buy specific pieces for your kennel such as the kennel walls, kennel covers, concrete pad anchors, wall anchors, ground anchors and shade covers. Their products are American made and they can be reached at 1-800-760-3841 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time). Their business is located at Options Plus, Inc., PO Box 238, 143 Tuttle Ave., Fredersicktown, Ohio 43019. You can also reach them by emailing their sales department at sales@optionsplus.com.