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No Comments Written by Sam on . Posted in Dog Breeding, Dog kennel and run

Dog Breeding Kennel Block

Highly anticipated by our customers, we have finally got round to showing off our bespoke dog breeding kennel.  The brief started in 2018 when our lovely customer sent us a few photos of the design and layout.  As a family run business, we do put a lot of thought into what bespoke jobs we do.  There are a lot of things to consider when taking on a large build like this one.  Our first thoughts were “we don’t fancy doing that” and sent our apologies, not thinking much more of it.  However, after reading our 5* website reviews, our customer (who I will call K) was back in touch.  Insistent that she wanted us to do the work for her, we went about pricing up the job. There were many details to work out, including a rear corridor with vents and windows.  A kitchen area and isolation room that needed to be fully wipe clean, along with 5 dog kennel blocks.  We worked with K ensuring that the dog kennels and runs were of adequate size to meet the breeding regulations.  In addition, there were a few extras to boost the stars on her breeding licence.  After a few headaches over smaller details such as which way doors needed to open, having windows to each sleep and also sliding hatches from the dog runs, we were finally able to mutually agree on a final design and price.  We were very fortunate to have K as a customer, as she was patient with my seemingly never-ending questions!  I wanted every detail covered to ensure an end build that met all of K’s requirements.

DESIGN BRIEF

A bespoke kennel block that includes a corridor and uPVC doors and windows.  All extras to be included: PVC lined insulation, stable doors, sliding hatches, anti-chew pop holes, wipe clean floors and Onduline roofing.  Perpsex non-opening windows along the corridor to allow light and vents for ventilation.  Two side rooms as kitchen area and isolation room.

THE BREEDING KENNEL BUILD

The build took around 2 full weeks in our workshop, then it took two trips to deliver to site. As the job was in Kent (some 200 miles away) our installation team were booked into a nearby hotel to get the onsite work completed in 3 days.

Wooden insulated dog breeding kennel and run multi bay kennel block Wooden kennel block for dog breeding Dog breeding kennel insulated with isolation room and kitchen Wooden kennel block for dog breeding Wooden purpose built dog breeding kennel and run block

Features to the breeding kennel included PVC lined insulation to all internal areas.  As well as this, phenolic coated wipe clean flooring was added throughout (excluding runs).  Each kennel had a fixed perspex window together with a galvansied mesh door from the rear corridor.  A stable door lead out to the dog run.  Having a uPVC side entrance door to the kitchen along with a front and side facing uPVC opening window.  The isolation room was located at the opposite end having a fully wipeable floor and walls with a door for separation.  The dog kennels also had sliding hatches and raised dog beds too!

Wooden purpose built dog breeding kennel and run block rear corridor to dog kennels Wooden purpose built dog breeding kennel and run block front wooden dog kennel sleeps Wooden purpose built dog breeding kennel and run block kitchen area Wooden purpose built dog breeding kennel and run block isolation room  

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No Comments Written by Sam on . Posted in Dog kennel and run

Lining your dog kennel

We have the option to upgrade our wooden dog kennel and runs to have PVC lined insulation.  This involves adding polystyrene between framework and then lining with 2mm PVC sheets.  Each PVC sheet is fixed with poly headed pins along the outside edge and also up the middle to ensure a sturdy and reliable application.  Dogs who are prone to chewing do so when there is exposed framework, so lining with PVC removes any opportunity for them to get their mouth round any of the framework.

Other materials can be used such as plywood or Stockboard, however we find that lining with PVC is best as it provides an anti-bacterial and wipe clean finish.  Beware of seemingly new-to-the market materials such as thin metal sheeting as it can easily cause severe injury to your dogs.  Especially when cut straight with a guillotine, the edges are left sharp and potentially hazardous – think of a tin can when opened. Please consider your options carefully when buying your new dog kennel and run.  We are a business and obviously want to make money from it – but never at the cost of your dog’s safety.  If you do require any more information please get in touch.
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No Comments Written by Sam on . Posted in Dog kennel and run, Uncategorized

How big does my new dog kennel and run need to be?

Our first response to this question is always “what space do you have available?” Whilst we always advocate having as large a kennel & run as possible, there is no point squeezing a larger sized double dog kennel into your modest back garden.  Here we have listed a few points on how to select the right sized wooden dog kennel.

How big is your dog?

It goes without saying that a larger dog will need more space.  Consider the room they will need to turn around inside the bed area and the run needs to have enough space for stretching and walking around.  A good way of knowing the sleep size is to measure a dog bed or crate that is already being used by your dog.  Or, while they are sleeping, measure the area that they are snuggled in.

How long will they be in the kennel for?

This is a very important point.  Some of our customers buy dog kennels to house their pet during the day for a few hours while they are at work; or have it as somewhere secure to put their visitor-phobic dog out of people’s way.  In these instances, a smaller sized kennel and run such as our Alton single dog kennel and run would be plenty.  Consider also that the door can be left open to the run if you have a secure garden that your dog will be safe in.  If, however, your kennel and run is going to be a permanent outdoor housing solution for your working dogs, we would recommend having a large kennel and run such as our kennel blocks to allow your dogs plenty of room.  The sleeping area doesn’t necessarily need to be bigger unless housing multiple dogs together as a smaller space will stay warmer during cold spells.

How many dogs are to be housed in your new dog kennel?

Dogs that get along can be housed in kennels together.  Dogs of a smaller breed would be fine in our standard sized kennel and runs, however if you wanted to house larger dogs together you would need to look at increasing the overall size of your kennel and run.  See our larger sandon single kennel and run. If you are interested in purchasing a new kennel and run for your family pet or working dogs, please browse through our selection of standard wooden dog kennel and runs.  We have a range of sizes and styles to suit all budgets, and we also offer a bespoke service on all of our animal housing if you can’t find exactly what you want.  You might also find our blog post about housing your dog in a kennel interesting.

No Comments Written by Sam on . Posted in Dog kennel and run

Dog Kennel and Run Upgrades

Our dog kennels for sale are also available with the optional upgrades listed below.  We have included as much information as possible to help you decide on the best configuration for your dog kennel, but please do give us a call if you would like any help on what would be best for your requirements.  We promise no hard sell – we want you to be happy with your new dog kennel and run.  We can offer ideas on what kennel upgrades would be best for you; we will also let you know if you don’t need it! For example, if your dog is going to be housed in your new dog kennel for long periods of time or overnight, then we would recommend the insulation and sliding hatches.  If your dog is only going to be kept in a smaller garden kennel for a few hours whilst you are at work, then we would maybe recommend the wipe clean floor to help with maintenance if there are any accidents when you get home.  Onduline is a popular choice for exposed areas that suffer from the elements, whilst the stable door is a good idea for an occasional pet kennel and can give a less ‘locked away’ feel.

SLIDING HATCH Our sliding hatches are added over the pop hole to the dog’s sleeping area. We use the same material as the wipe clean flooring, and aluminium runners allow you to slide it up and down as required. It separates the sleeping area from the run and is ideal for keeping your dog indoors at night.



WHELPING HATCH A half sized sliding hatch for whelping – low enough for mum to jump over for a break yet high enough to keep her pups safe inside. The Whelping Sliding Hatch fits in the same runners as the full hatch, and can be supplied FREE OF CHARGE when you pay for the full sliding hatch upgrade. *This is only available with the purchase of the sliding hatch upgrade on any of our dog kennels and runs or multi bay kennel blocks. Please let us know when ordering if you want this option*





WIPE CLEAN FLOOR Phenolic coatings provide protection against moisture allowing easier maintenance and cleaning. The 12mm boarding is added to the sleep area and provides a non-slip and durable surface.







PVC INSULATION 40mm polystyrene is fitted between the framework in walls and flooring then lined with 2mm white PVC sheeting. It keeps dogs cool in the summer, warm in the winter and the wipe clean surface provides easy maintenance.







STABLE DOOR Add a stable door to the sleeping area. Perfect for puppies or allowing the door to be open whilst keeping your dog inside.







ONDULINE ROOF Corrugated, bitumen based roof sheeting provides extra protection against the elements and is ideal for exposed areas







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No Comments Written by Sam on . Posted in Dog kennel and run

Should I house my dog in a dog kennel?

The question that causes many debates among those with working dogs, pet owners and breeders alike; should I house my dog(s) in an outdoor kennel?

It mainly comes down to preference.  Your average Joe will shudder at the thought of locking away his precious family pet outside in what can be perceived to be a ‘prison’.  But where working dogs are concerned, kennels can be a godsend  Imagine bringing back your football-team-sized pack from a day out on the field, covered in mud and having an increasingly potent wet dog smell.  The last thing you want is for them to rush into your carpeted home and shake the mess out of your kitchen cabinets or hallway walls.  Leave the mud outside and take them straight from your Landy boot (or similar) to their dog kennel and run.  Dogs love to have their own space; and after a busy day chasing pheasants (or their own tail) and springing around in the brambled undergrowth, they will be quite content at curling up inside their own sheltered dog kennel where they can dry, clean themselves up and dream about their day’s adventures in peace.

We have supplied dog kennels and runs to a number of customers who are prominent names in the working dog industry, and many of those will say that keeping a working dog indoors can affect their performance when out on a shoot.  I am not a dog handler, trainer or dog expert in any shape or form so please feel free to do your own research on this (and also let me know what you find!) but it is an opinion that we do hear regularly.

So, once you have decided to house your dog in a kennel, you now need to choose what type.  Dog kennels are made from a huge variety of materials, from ThermoBoard to metal cages to wood.  As we are a manufacturer of timber dog kennels, I am going to give you a few pointers on why you should buy a wooden dog kennel.

Reason number 1. 
Timber will never go out of fashion.  Yes, other materials will pop up into the market and rave about their wipe-clean abilities and thermal properties, but you can add these features to timber kennels.  Timber is a natural material and will change over time to a pretty and natural silvery-grey colour.  You can also paint them in whatever colour or theme you fancy.  Thermal kennels, on the other hand, are prone to scratches, and a once pristine white Thermal kennel will fade to an odd shade in direct sunlight.

Reason number 2.
Timber is versatile.  It can be cut and shaped easily meaning you can make almost anything out of it!  You can build pent kennels, apex kennels, big kennels, small kennels with doors, kennels with side sheds… the list goes on.  Timber is a highly popular building material that has been used for centuries and continues to be a favourite for many manufacturing companies.

Reason number 3.
  Price:  Timber is an easy material to produce, is cheaper to transport and because it is so popular is readily available.  Other building materials that are used to make dog kennels can have an extensive manufacturing process which bumps up the cost.  And the costs are always passed down to the consumer.

Reason number 4.
  The environment.  Most companies that use timber for outdoor structures will have it tanalised, which isn’t so good for the planet.  But even with that in mind, wood is a renewable resource that is durable and strong, and the tanalising treatment only extends the life of timber.  With TLC, a well-built timber structure can stand for many years without needing a replacement.  Shy away from a false economy and reduce your carbon footprint.

Selecting a kennel-style and features can be tricky, but again it can mostly come down to preference.  A small back garden may be dwarfed by a large triple kennel with a high apex roof, so maybe opt for a lower height pent kennel which can sit below garden fencing.  If you have dogs and bitches that need separating at certain times of the year, then look at getting a double dog kennel and run.  Some kennels have solid divides, some have bar panel divides and others mesh.  This will depend on how your dogs are with each other and whether they can be aggressive.

When looking at kennel manufacturers, try to do a comparison of a few different companies with varying prices.  Can you spot why some cost more than others?  We use tongue and groove clad for our entire kennel structure, however other companies use chipboard for the roof and floors.  Also, look out for joins in the timber, clad fixed facing different ways and how the roof size compares with the kennel itself.  These factors won’t necessarily impair the functionality of the kennel, but they can affect the overall look of the finished build.  And when you are paying good money for a product, you want it to look right.  These small factors are used by other companies to reduce waste and save them time and money.  Again, these savings aren’t always passed down to the customer, so make sure you know what you are buying.

As a general rule, most timber buildings will have a felt roof.  Ask what type of felt is used, check the weight and thickness of the felt and also what material it is made from.  A cheap roll of felt similar to what a DIY store would sell is not going to last as long as heavy duty felt.  It comes down to a false economy again, and in the long run, you will end up spending more money and time replacing cheaper materials that at first can seem quite lucrative.

Now to talk about kennel upgrades.  We offer premium kennel upgrades on our entire range of dog kennels and runs, and they can be very effective at providing warmth and comfort for your dogs.  However, they can be costly and we only ever advise them if you really need them.  For instance, PVC lined insulation can be brilliant for a dog that is kept in a kennel overnight or during all weathers.  But for an occasional kennel that will only be used for a few hours during the day, it will be a waste of money.  A wipe clean floor in the kennel area is always a popular choice as it helps with maintenance and makes cleaning easier for you.  There are corrugated roofing upgrades which have a longer life expectancy than felt, but they can be expensive.  If you live in the middle of nowhere with your kennel being exposed to the elements (Scotland, for example) then we would recommend it.  A back garden with housing to shelter your kennel would be perfectly fine with a felt roof.  You’d be better off putting the money towards some sliding hatches or raised sleeping benches. 

Sleeping benches are a brilliant idea – they give your dog somewhere to lie down in the run that is lifted off the cold/damp floor.  Ours is made from phenolic coated plywood which has a wipe clean surface, along with anti-chew strips.  Aluminium anti-chew strips are mainly added around the pop hole of the kennel to prevent your dog from chomping at the exposed wood, which can be dangerous for your dog and also makes an unsightly mess.  The kennels will probably have exposed timber framework on the inside of the sleeping area, so if you do have a prone chewer it might be wise to look at adding the insulation.  The PVC lines the inside and covers any exposed wood, meaning your dog can’t get its mouth round anything to chew on.

However if you intend to house your dog, we always advise you to research your options and get as much info as possible before you commit.  A well-made dog kennel will last for years and you want to make sure it is right for you and your dogs!

Garden and Animal Structures Ltd is a Leading UK Manufacturer of Wooden Dog Kennel and Runs, Raptor Housing and Bespoke Garden Buildings.

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Garden & Animal Structures Ltd,
Unit 57-58 Winpenny Road,
Parkhouse Industrial Estate East,
Newcastle-under-Lyme,
Staffordshire, ST5 7RH

01782 821103
info@gardenandanimalstructures.com

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