Friendship and Freedom at Outdoor Dog Kennels

Don’t want to spend a fortune on a dog kennel, but want a good one anyway? Make sure the outdoor dog kennels you are thinking about has an outdoor area. Find out why being outside is so important for your dog’s health and happiness.

Do you remember what dog kennels used to be like? As recently as fifteen years ago, many kennels were no better than garden-variety shelters or pounds. They looked like warehouses – some actually were warehouses – lined with rows and rows of little cages or crates. An environment like that isn’t suitable for any living thing.

Thanks to the hard work of animal rights activists, we now know much more about domestic animals. We know they are highly intelligent, and very emotional, too. Many animals experience anxiety and depression when their owners go out of town. In the interest of your pet’s well-being, finding a good kennel is very important. Modern kennels do more than feed and provide shelter: they ensure your dog has some exercise and companionship.

Yet even now, not all kennels are created equal. Some are barely a step up from the warehouse kennels mentioned above, and some are veritable pet pampering hotels. In the interest of frugality and practicality, your pet can have a great experience, as long as it’s an outdoor dog kennel.

Why are outdoor yards important?

Well, for one thing: you don’t keep your dog cooped up for days on end in your house, do you? At least twice a day you let your dog out into the yard, or take him for a walk. Dogs like being outside: have you ever noticed how quickly they learn what the word “walk” means? Some dogs will stand by the door and whine, others have been known to bring their leashes to their owners as a signal for “I want to go out!”

Your dog wants to spend time outside every day. The smells stimulate his brain, the dirt and grass feel good on his feet. Many animals are trained not to be rambunctious indoors – they need to be outside in order to run and play.

Finding outdoor dog kennels can be a problem in urban areas. Space is at a premium, and even if they have a yard, how do you know it’s big enough?

When touring these facilities, as the staff members if the dogs are allowed out in shifts, or all together at certain times of day. Depending on your dog’s temperament,  you may request that he be let out separately. Don’t be afraid to ask for this. Kennel staff members know that not all dogs get along, and they don’t want any discord or potential injury in the boarded animals; it would be bad for business.

Also, look for outdoor dog kennels that have a shaded area, grass, and bowls of water.

You don’t have to spend a fortune at the luxury kennels. Just by seeing how the facility is run, the size of individual doggie rooms and making sure there is an outdoor area will let you know your dog will get all the stimulation, exercise and companionship he needs while you are away.

Ready to find outdoor dog kennels near you? Start with our listings page, which has links to the kennels near you.