Does a dog kennel make sense? Everything you need to know about indoor and outdoor models

Dogs are loyal companions that enrich our everyday lives. As responsible dog owners, we want to promote the well-being of our four-legged friends in the best possible way. An important question that arises is whether a dog kennel makes sense and what benefits it can offer.

The importance of a dog kennel

Dogs are pack animals and love to have a sheltered retreat. A dog kennel offers just that - a safe and cozy place where your four-legged friend can retreat and rest.

Depending on how it is set up, a dog kennel can fulfill various functions:

• Weather protection: whether rain, snow or heat - a dog kennel protects your dog from extreme weather conditions and offers him a cozy home.
• Sense of security: Your four-legged friend will feel safe in its own "dog cave" and can sleep or play undisturbed.
• Retreat: The dog kennel offers a place of peace and relaxation, especially in multi-person households or when visitors come to stay.

Whether outdoor or indoor - a dog kennel can therefore make a decisive contribution to your dog's well-being.

Outdoor dog kennels: Weather protection and safety

Outdoor dog kennels are ideal for dogs that spend part of the day outdoors. They offer protection from wind, rain and sun and protect your four-legged friend from extreme weather conditions.

Materials and construction

High-quality outdoor dog kennels are usually made of weather-resistant materials such as wood, plastic or metal. They are robust, easy to clean and offer your dog a dry and warm home.

It is important to ensure that the construction is stable and resistant. Good ventilation is also important to prevent moisture and mold growth, as well as a raised lying surface so that your dog does not have to sleep on the cold floor.

Size recommendations

The size of the dog kennel should be adapted to the breed and size of your dog. As a rule of thumb, the kennel should be large enough for your dog to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably. At the same time, it should not be too spacious so that the heat is stored well.

For small and medium-sized dog breeds, we recommend huts with internal dimensions of approx. 70 x 50 x 50 cm. For large dogs, it should be 90 x 60 x 60 cm.

Indoor dog kennels: a retreat in the house

In addition to outdoor models, there are also indoor dog kennels that are specially designed for indoor use. These offer your four-legged friend a sheltered retreat within your own four walls.

Advantages for dogs in the house

An indoor dog kennel has many advantages for dogs that mainly live in an apartment or house:

• Sense of security: the kennel gives your dog a feeling of security and a place to retreat to.
• Quiet zone: Especially in noisy or restless households, the dog kennel offers a place of peace and relaxation.
• Protection from stress: Dogs can retreat from stress and anxiety in their kennel, e.g. from visitors or noise.

Placement and furnishings

Place the dog kennel in a quiet but easily visible location. This way, your dog can sleep undisturbed but still have contact with you.

Furnish the kennel with a comfortable mat, blanket or cushion. This will create a cozy home for your four-legged friend. Make sure that the hut is large enough for your dog to move around freely.

Build your own dog kennel

If you are a handyman, you can also build your dog an individual dog kennel yourself. This allows you to tailor the size, shape and equipment to your needs.

Necessary materials

Depending on the model, you will need the following materials to build a dog kennel:

• Wood (e.g. plywood, solid wood or pallets)
• Insulation material (e.g. polystyrene or mineral wool)
• Weather protection film or roofing felt
• Screws, nails and tools

Make sure that all materials are weather-resistant and easy to clean.

Important construction principles

When building a dog kennel yourself, there are a few construction principles to bear in mind:

• Sturdy construction for high load-bearing capacity
• Good insulation for protection against heat and cold
• Raised lying surface to keep moisture off the floor
• Sufficient ventilation to prevent mold growth
• Easy access and cleaning

Take inspiration from instructions on the internet and adapt the kennel to your individual needs.

Decision criteria for a dog kennel

Before you decide on a dog kennel, you should consider a few important factors:

Breed and size of the dog

Choosing the right dog kennel depends largely on the breed and size of your four-legged friend. Small and medium-sized dogs generally need a more compact kennel than large breeds.

Climatic conditions

Depending on where your dog lives, you need to take different climatic conditions into account. In cold regions it needs a well-insulated outdoor kennel, in warm regions it needs a more airy structure.

Living conditions and living space

Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors will benefit from an outdoor dog kennel. For dogs that mainly live indoors, an indoor kennel is often the better choice.

Conclusion: A dog kennel can increase your dog's well-being

A dog kennel can be an important retreat and shelter for your four-legged friend. Whether outdoor or indoor - the right dog kennel offers your dog safety, warmth and a feeling of security.

When choosing or planning a dog kennel, you should consider your dog's needs, the climatic conditions and your living situation. This will help you find the perfect solution to promote the well-being of your faithful companion.