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Dog Kennels – Our Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to choosing the correct kennel for both your and your dogs’ needs we’re here to help. As specialists, we take pride in every kennel we make and nothing gives us more pleasure than knowing we’ve found the perfect match for you and your pets. Every dog is unique and different (that’s what we love so much about them!) No matter the breed or the separate needs of man’s best friend we are sure we have the right kennel for everyone’s requirements.

If you are beginning to think about purchasing a kennel or looking at what’s available on the market, this page is for you. To help make your decision a little clearer, we’ve highlighted our most frequently asked questions, in the hope that they may also answer yours.

How much does a dog kennel cost?
The simple answer to this is that they vary due to materials, size and additions. We offer smaller garden kennels right up to large multi-bay blocks, to ensure you’re covered. Our popular Tatton single dog kennel starts at £560 and our largest Sterling kennel block with added shed comes in at £3,280.00. These are our guideline prices, as we make all our kennels on-site with a joiner, allowing for a customisable approach, we can discuss relevant additions and solutions whilst ensuring these are kept within your budget.

What is the best way to keep a dog kennel clean?

Firstly dogs thrive on routine, so if you set up a weekly cleaning schedule (for bigger breeding kennels we recommend daily) it will not only help the general hygiene but also the happiness of your dogs. As all of our kennels are designed with functionality at the forefront, we offer wipe clean surfaces and lining in our kennels to make this a quick and easy task, rather than a daily chore! This is also considered in our construction, the timber is tanalised therefore no wood treatment is needed.  A handy tip that we always recommend, when your kennel is not in use, leave doors open and change the bedding often to allow airflow and ventilation – the same as you would in your home.

What size dog kennel do I need?
We always recommend the size of your kennel based on the current size of your dog bed or crate, this gives us an idea of the space your dog needs to be comfortable. So for instance, the smaller the dog, the smaller the kennel. The run should also have enough space for toileting and the dog being able to turn and stretch out, not only for their wellbeing but also to ensure you get the most for your money. The key is to allow them a comfortable space without feeling too claustrophobic and avoiding excess space. Very similar to us humans really! 

What breed of dog should not be housed outside? 
We work with you to ensure your dog is properly housed, no matter the size or temperament. As specialists in this area, we can safely suggest upgrades and additions to our classic structures, such as draught screens and insulation to help keep temperature up for smaller breeds that could suffer from being cold. Our main aim is for you and your dogs to be comfortable and happy.

Should I have a separate kennel and run?

This all depends on the nature and unique personality of the dog, pets can sometimes be happier sharing a larger single kennel, whereas working dogs tend to appreciate their own space. We’ll work with you to decide what is best. 

We hope this helps answer a few of your questions regarding dog kennels. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your exact needs and wants from your kennel, we’re a small family run business, so we know the importance of a human opinion.

Bird of Prey Wooden Aviary Block

A custom build of wooden aviaries to house a variety of falcons and birds of prey.  Our customer wanted to maximise the space she had available in her garden while also providing enough sections to house her birds separately.  With this in mind, we set about designing an aviary block with the help of our customer and her requirements.  Each entrance door to the compartments had a mesh viewing window which allowed natural light into the aviary.  As well as being low in height, the doors opened inwards so that the birds would not escape.  To the base, our customer required no flooring so that she could add her preferred base material.  We have found that this is a popular request for our wooden aviaries as gravel or similar can be used – nice and easy to hose down!

We built the walls, roof and divides from tanalised tongue and groove cladding.  The interlocking boards provide a strong structure for a secure and safe housing system.   On top, we covered the wooden clad roof with high quality felt that has a clever self-sealing backing.  Scroll down for a video walkthrough or view our aviary for sale for more information.

 

 

A Guide to Working Dog Kennels

Whether you are new to purchasing kennels or are looking to upgrade what you currently have, we’re here to help. As specialists, this is what we do, making sure both you and your dogs feel comfortable, safe and secure. From dog kennel blocks for the whole gang to premium single dog cabins. our hand-built kennels are all made in the UK with a full focus on the detail. We’re always happy to help with any questions you may have, but first, let us try to answer them with this handy need-to-know guide. 

Do different kennel sizes suit different dogs?
Our multi-bay dog kennel blocks are ideal for a full pack. Whether you are looking for shelter for your Labradors, Vizslas or Springer Spaniels we can help you find and choose the right size for you (and them). The key is to allow the dogs as much space as possible, for their comfort and wellbeing, keeping you all happy. Our dog kennel blocks are available with dog runs, and we use galvanised 5cm gap bar dog run panels, which we have found, through experience, works best.

Whilst we offer a selection of our most popular kennel designs online and over the phone, tried and tested on the finest pups, we also do offer a full bespoke service. With this service, we can create a kennel with you from scratch or adapt our key designs for your dogs use. Simply tell us your wants and needs, we’ll find a way to match them, no problem!

As the kennels are designed for outdoors, how do they handle the weather?
With all our kennels we use A Grade Scandinavian Redwood, it’s sturdy, elegant and classic. We treat the wood with a TanalithE pressure treatment to combat the high temperatures of summer and the more frequent cold, rain showers of autumn and winter. This stops any rot or decay in its tracks, allowing for your kennel to last for much longer whatever the weather. We also offer insulation and wipe clean lining (for easy cleaning) to help keep the dogs warm in the coldest of winters, a very important addition if you are keeping them in the kennel overnight. 

How do you make your kennels?
We make all of our kennels with maintenance and longevity in mind, We’re different from other manufacturers as we use tongue and groove cladding for the entire structure. This interlocking joinery technique makes each kennel robust on both the walls and roof, no matter how extreme the weather. As an added bonus, we also provide aluminium anti-chew strips around the pop holes, these are fully free of charge, as we found without them it’s the dogs that actually cause the most damage! 

Some of our recent work
Last week Ross visited Scotland (where we do a lot of installations in the Autumn). Here’s a selection of pictures from our recent trip north of the border…

Double Dog Kennel Run, Kilmarnock.



The Alton Single Kennel, Kilmarnock.



This is the Apex Double Dog Kennel, Kilmarnock.

We hope this has helped give you a clearer idea of our dog kennels, please do get in touch with us if you have any more questions. We’re a small team and we promise absolutely no hard sell if you’re happy, then so are we!

Bespoke Kennel Block With Extended Dog Runs

A four-bay dog kennel block having extended runs with a rear corridor for access to the dog pens.  Additionally, a side storage room provided housing for cats.  Our client wanted galvanised dog run panels for the internal sleeping areas.  He also opted for mesh dividing panels.  Externally, the extended runs had a total length of 13ft, and each sleeping compartment was 5ft x 5ft.  The vast wooden roof was extended over the structure, leaving the front half of the dog runs open. An impressive build, the kennel system measured a total size of 30ft x 23ft.











The ultimate guide to garden and animal structures

We like to think we know a thing or two about Garden and Animal Structures, after all – we think our name says it all. So, we thought it would be a good idea to produce a handy little guide about our top selling products and try and answer some of your questions. 

Part 1.  Choosing a kennel for your working or outside dog

1). Consider the size:

What kind of space do you have available outside? If you have a larger garden or a farm your options will only be constrained by budget really. If your garden, outside space or budget, is smaller you need to look at the size of your dog (or dogs). Larger breeds will need a larger kennel but the kennel doesn’t need to be like a cave! A smaller kennel can help keep your dog (or dogs) nice and cosy, especially in the winter. A helpful tip here is to measure the size of the crate or bed your dog currently sleeps in, and go from there. 

2). What kind of style do you want?

The location of your kennel will always be a consideration here. Again, if space is not an issue you have carte blanche. If you don’t you’ll need to consider your choice a little more. Kennels with an apex roof provide extra space in the middle. A kennel with a sloping roof is usually lower and thus takes up less space in the outside area. These types of structure are usually suitable as a single dog kennel. 

3.) Kennel Insulation

Wherever you are in our fair isles you may have noticed it can get a little cold, especially in the winter. Insulating your dog kennel can seem like an unnecessary expense but you don’t want your pet or working dog to be cold! Insulating your kennel will mean that you won’t need to invest in extra heat lamps. A lining for your kennel will also prevent the wooden interior being exposed and, potentially, getting chewed. Please contact us for prices. 

Dog and Kennel Runs and your dog

First of all, it’s worth checking out if your dog can sleep outside. All breeds of dog are different and some will be more suited than others to sleeping outside of the home. And, if your dog is sleeping outside it is essential they have a good dog and kennel run which will shelter then from the elements. Here are the essentials facts you need to know about investing in a dog and kennel run for your pet or working dog, and these are true for single and double dog kennels
  • Dogs require protection from the elements so heat is not drawn away from their bodies. 
  • It’s really important to make sure that your dog’s kennel is always warm and dry. 
  • If your dog is small or has a thin coat, you may need to invest in a coat to keep them warmer, especially in the winter.
  • Monitor temperature daily, ideally your dog and kennel run should be above 10° and below 26°.
Double Dog Kennels

Dogs are social creatures and love human company, but they also love the company of other dogs. A double dog kennel is a perfect way for your dog to sleep outside but not feel isolated because they have a kennel companion. 

Garden Dog Kennels

If space is a consideration in your outside space or you want extra storage for your kennel you may want to check out a dog kennel with a shed. Coming with either an apex or a sloping roof these buildings will tick both the garden equipment and the kennel box — we also offer a completely bespoke service too, please contact us for more details. 

Part 2. Bird Housing

There are many considerations when choosing a new aviary and this will predominantly be dictated by the type of bird you are looking to house. If you are looking to house some finches, for instance, you will need to leave at least you need to plan for 12cm of aviary length per finch, with a width measuring at least 6cm. When looking to house a falcon, you will require a space the size of a small bedroom. However, there are certain things you will need to look at, regardless of the type of bird you are looking to provide a home for: 
  • Type of bird: What is the full wingspan and are they an active breed? Will their wings be clipped and, if so how will they get around? These will be a big consideration for the type of aviary you need.
  • Location and weather: The location of your aviary should, above all else, keep them safe from the elements. You will need to choose a location that will keep your avian friend sheltered from direct sunlight, harsh winds and heavy rain. 
  • Insulation: What temperatures can your area get to? Can it become very hot or cold at different times of the year? The location you chose will impact the temperature of the aviary. Will it get direct sunlight during summer or none during the winter – is your garden, or where the aviary is located south or north-facing? 
  • Security: When you have your aviary installed to make sure it is properly secured. Padlocks are a must, as is to make sure it is secured to the ground. 
  • Extras: Don’t forget bird feeders, toys and nest boxes (for smaller breeds). 
We have a huge range of aviaries for sale, including our bespoke service. 

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