What kind of dog kennel?

[Jus]

Hi, we're planning on getting a small/medium sized dog soon (a labradoodle ) and am wondering whether it matters what kind of kennel we provide for it.
Does anyone have any suggestions/experience on what kind of kennels dogs like?
Thanks!

[Kazbah]

main thing is to have a raised floor, be easy to clean, and large enough that the dog can stretch out in it. Having a bit of an overhang at the front so rain doesn't come inside and wet any bedding is handy. You can get some with plastic flaps at the front etc. Getting the pup used to it is important!

[MistyFying]

We have a Beagle and he loved his little canvas, raised tent-like kennel. However, having said that, he did eat it after about 4 months every last morsel except for the steel poles that held it all together.

[RhiChiChi]

We have a Beagle and he loved his little canvas, raised tent-like kennel. However, having said that, he did eat it after about 4 months every last morsel except for the steel poles that held it all together.

We had the same & yep one of the dogs has chewed bits off it, so I wouldn't recommend those types

[ss_storm]

we got a large one from Petbarn (think it was about $150/$200). It was rectangular, but the doorway was on the long side but at the side (so there was the doorway gap then the rest of the long side ITMS). I prefer that style rather than the doorway at the front and the kennel goes back from there, as they can't get out of the wind/rain if it is blowing straight into the kennel.
Ours also had a lift up lid which was handy as we fed him in there at first to get him used to it, and made taking out his bedding easy. That being said, once he chewed up his third mattress we didn't get him another and he refused to use the kennel from then on, no matter what the weather was like

[*Efjay*]

We have a big plastic one, the type of plastic they make water tanks out of. We have a boxer & she is big for her breed. But the kennel is a great size for her & the roof is like a lid so you can clean it easy etc. Cost about $200 from memory.

[Jus]

thanks so much girls! that gives us a great start on ideas. We were thinking about those canvas ones, so maybe not. he he he. Thanks for your help

[Raupe]

Hi, we're planning on getting a small/medium sized dog soon (a labradoodle ) and am wondering whether it matters what kind of kennel we provide for it.
Does anyone have any suggestions/experience on what kind of kennels dogs like?
Thanks!

My relatives have a labradoodle, and they are medium to large size dogs (rather on the large side). Just thought you should know.

All the best with your puppy!

[Jus]

Thanks for the tip Raupe! We're trying to get a lab x miniature or toy poodle so hopefully they won't be too big If you get them crossed with a medium or a standard, well you could end up with a horse! lol

[starangelk]

We've got 2 labradors and they have a hound house - it's canvas and they've never chewed it......

[Phteven]

My little mutt has one of the rectangular ones with a door at the end. The lid lifts up for easy cleaning and the floor is slatted so dirt falls through and removable in case it needs extra cleaning.

We got our dog from the pound. Why not look for your perfect pet at PetRescue - find your new best friend! They usually have lots of 'oodles.

[Jus]

thanks girls - so maybe canvas is ok!

thanks for link to petrescue - checking it & rspca out now!

[slyder]

main thing is to have a raised floor, be easy to clean, and large enough that the dog can stretch out in it. Having a bit of an overhang at the front so rain doesn't come inside and wet any bedding is handy. You can get some with plastic flaps at the front etc. Getting the pup used to it is important!

Everything Kaz said. This is how I made our dog's, except for the plastic flaps.

It's important not to have them too small, but just as important not too large as the dog will get cold. Having it slightly larger than the dog (to allow for stretching and growth) will keep the inside nice and warm using the dog's body heat.

I also made mine with a removable roof and sealed the edges with foam strips to insulate. It's bloody warm in there!

[Jus]

thanks slyder - did you design it yourself?
We were thinking of building it around one of those 'trampoline' beds (iykwim - can't think of the right words). So the bed would form the base & then there'd be a little house around it. thinking a hinged roof would be handy... what do you think?

[Phteven]

The hinged roof is very useful. It makes it much easier to retrieve all the bedding on wash day.