Ever notice how your dog seems to sniff every blade of grass? Experts say it’s good for a dog’s mental health to be exposed to a variety of smells. Being outdoors allows them to enjoy a wide selection of odors that tickles their senses and keeps them interested in their surroundings. A safe way to allow your dog to spend extra time outside is by installing an outdoor dog kennel. A chain link dog kennel can be a good investment because it is very durable. Although this isn’t a substitute for regular walks, a kennel can give your pet a sense of healthy independence.

When selecting outdoor home dog kennels, determine which size is best for your dog. If you have a puppy, it’s best to plan ahead. A large dog kennel is more cost effective even if the dog is small early on, but potty training requires a small dog kennel.  Some large dog kennels have sections to allow an area for potty training, or are large enough for two dogs to enjoy the outside, separate but side-by-side.

Consider placement of the kennel. Avoid locations that are near automobiles or other machinery that might affect the air quality around the pet. You can position the dog kennel on grass, a concrete pad like a patio, or on a fine stone such as rounded pea gravel. For comfort, add the accessory of a durable canopy. Determine when and where the sun rises and sets, to make certain you know the best time of day to put your dog into his outdoor kennel home. Direct sun can quickly overheat your animal, and heat stroke can turn fatal. Fill water bowls frequently, and if there’s any sign that your dog is not reacting well to the heat, bring him into the house for a break.

Likewise, cold weather, ice, sleet and snow, can also cause your dog illness or injury. Pay attention to the conditions, and be aware that a concrete base can become too cold for a dog’s pads and cause damage to his paws. A good rule of thumb is if it’s too cold for your own feet, then it’s probably too harsh for your dogs.

Remember that home dog kennels are no substitution for frequent monitoring of your dog’s activities. If you tend to get busy, set a timer to remind yourself to peek out the window to make certain everything is okay. With a few commonsense tips, your dog can enjoy his outside space in the safety of his dog kennel, and you can feel good knowing he’s having fun in his own outdoor retreat.

If you are trying to build an outside dog kennel you might want to read more about insulating a dog kennel before taking on the task.