Dog obedience and training > Information > Dog kennels

Dog kennels

By Ty Brown

I have found that one of the biggest setbacks that dog owners have when attempting to train their dogs is the lack of the proper equipment. If you use the most sound training principles in the world, you still won’t get very far in your dog training unless you have the right dog training equipment.

Dog kennels are a product that many dog owners are confused about. Let me set the record straight about dog kennels:

“I would never put my dog in a kennel or crate. That is so cruel. How would you like it if you were stuck in a dog kennel all day?” This is a sentiment that I have heard many a time from concerned, albeit it uninformed, dog owners. Let me start out by explaining the theory behind dog kennels.

Dogs by nature have a den instinct. Their ancestors, the wolves, would dig or find dens in whatever area they lived. These dens always shared similar characteristics and still do. These wolf dens are rather small in that the wolves are quite snug inside them. The dens are enclosed on all sides with an entrance that make it possible for the wolf to see approaching danger. A wolf in his den is a clean animal. He won’t go to the bathroom and he generally keeps his bedding organized. It is this same instinct that allows dog owners today to house train their dogs.

So the last time someone asked me how I would like it to spend several hours in a crate I responded, “I wouldn’t like it. In fact, I would hate it. But my dog, he enjoys his dog kennel.”

Dog kennels are a great way to replicate the feeling of a den. And because your dog has his ‘den’ he now has a place where he won’t go to the bathroom or cause other problems.

Choose a dog kennel for your dog that is snug but not too tight. Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. The best kind of dog kennel is the hard plastic kind that is enclosed on three sides and has a wire front door. This type of kennel best replicates the den feeling.

When using a dog kennel, don’t feel that you are being cruel. You are actually just providing your dog a safe spot to feel comfortable.

Happy training.