Outdoor Kennel

[Laila Star]

Hello all- We are planning on Kenneling our girl during the day while we are at work for the summer and only the summer. We have a barn and we are going to make a fenced in area that comes off the barn door. So she will be able to go outdoors and then into the barn area which always stays really cool during the summer, so I'm thinking if she gets warm she can just go into the barn. Anything I should worry about with doing this? Any experiences with something like this setup? Thanks for the input.

 

[Net45582]

Just make sure there isn't a way she can chew or dig out...and dog proof anything she can get into. My Boxers have stayed outside during the good days with a large shelter available for years with no problems. If its way too hot or cold I either leave them inside or take them with me though.

 

[Laila Star]

Just make sure there isn't a way she can chew or dig out...and dog proof anything she can get into. My Boxers have stayed outside during the good days with a large shelter available for years with no problems. If its way too hot or cold I either leave them inside or take them with me though.

Thanks for the response. Are they big on trying to dig underneath the fence or anything like that? Just trying to prepare for everything.

 

[Checkers]

If you are worried about digging, when you build the fence you could bury it a few feet below the ground If she tries to get out, she'll realise theres no where to go and stop Or you could lay chicken wire under the ground then cover it with soil.

You could also freeze her water so when it melts it is extra cold

 

[Emily_7538]

Of course, make sure she cant get out nothing can get in. Also, you may want to put a lock somewhere that can keep people from steeling her.

 

[Cami]

I would not leave my girl outside unattended ever. Too many things could go wrong. An allergic reaction to a bee sting/bug bite....another animal getting in....someone stealing her.....any type of injury. It scares me to even think about it. Also, my girl has numerous trees to get shade in the summer but she would rather fall asleep in the full sun and I have had to wake her up and get her in the house to cool off. I don't trust that most Boxers would seek out a cool area....(they might miss something). Our friends dog likes to dig holes and lay in the cool dirt verses going to her kennel which is similar to what you described. Heat stroke would be another major concern.

Much safer to keep inside, even crated if they can't be trusted not to destroy anything in the home. Too many unknowns outside. That being said this is only my opinion and I am an overly protective mom.

 

[Ranvan]

Cami, I agree with you. Our last boxer was left alone when we went on a week trip. Someone came daily and checked on her, but if I could change it, I would. When we got back, we noticed that Annie looked thin. Long story short, she had renal failure and died. I will never know what caused it...was it age (7 yrs) or hereditary or did someone give her something because she barked too much?

Anyhow, I know now that I will not leave Emma alone like that.

I am not saying that it shouldn't or can't be done, but I would take every precaution possible.

 

[Net45582]

Thanks for the response. Are they big on trying to dig underneath the fence or anything like that? Just trying to prepare for everything.

Some dogs are great escape artists. I would recommend staying around for the first day or two...maybe lurk in the house to make her think you are not around. This way you can watch and see how she will behave.

 

[lhsdavis]

I keep both of mine outside during the day unless its going to be bad weather(cold, storms, etc). Noah can be an excape artist if he sees the bottom of the fence or if its not at least a 5 ft fence. I just make sure they have plenty of toys. Mine go nuts cooped up in the house during the day, and its much more interesting outside. Mine have no problem finding the cooler areas to go, and I leave plenty of fresh water. Another thing you can do if she does end up digging is bury some bull wire around the bottom of the fence to discourage digging out. I would give her some trial runs over the weekend(if your off the weekends) and get her used to it, and then you can also see if there are any weak areas. You might try having a radio going in the barn for company also.

 

[Rock's Ma]

Our youngest, Duke, stays ouside during the day if it's nice. Our kennel is cement so he can't dig and he stays clean. The kennel is cemented to the ground, it has a top and we lock the gate. I would rather have him inside, but he is still a pup and would have to stay in his crate. Our others have the run of the house, as Duke will someday.