Is it OK to keep a dog outside in a kennel?

Keeping a dog outside in a kennel is a controversial topic among dog owners. There are pros and cons to consider when deciding if an outdoor kennel is right for your canine companion. In this article, we’ll explore the key factors to weigh when making this decision.

The pros of an outdoor kennel

Here are some potential benefits of keeping your dog in an outdoor kennel or pen:

• More space to run and play. Kennels and outdoor pens allow dogs more room to move around than being cooped up inside all day.
• Exposure to fresh air and sunshine. Being outdoors provides vitamin D from sunlight and allows better air circulation.
• Practice barking and digging. Dogs have natural instincts to bark and dig. An outdoor kennel lets them indulge these behaviors without bothering the neighbors or destroying your yard.
• Less mess indoors. With your dog spending more time outside, there may be less dirt, hair, and accidents tracked into your home.
• Easier to clean. It’s simpler to pick up dog waste and hose down a concrete kennel floor than to constantly clean carpet and floors inside.
• Prevents indoor damage. Dogs left alone indoors may scratch up floors and doors, chew furniture, or destroy household items. A kennel prevents this damage.

For very active, high-energy dogs that need lots of space to run and play, an outdoor kennel can be an excellent option. The kennel should be large enough to provide adequate exercise room.

The cons of an outdoor kennel

However, there are also some drawbacks to keeping your dog kenneled outside:

• Less family interaction. Dogs are social animals that thrive on human companionship. Too much time isolated in a kennel can lead to boredom, loneliness, and behavior problems.
• Lack of temperature control. Outdoor kennels leave dogs exposed to extreme heat and cold. Dogs are sensitive to weather and need climate control.
• Increased barking. Spending long periods in a kennel can cause dogs to bark excessively due to isolation, boredom, or frustration.
• Potential for escape. Determined, anxious, or bored dogs may try to dig and chew their way out of a kennel, risking escape.
• Dirtier living conditions. Outdoor kennels may be harder to thoroughly clean every day, allowing germs to build up.
• Safety risks. Outdoor dogs face dangers like insect stings, wildlife attacks, theft, and debris blown into the kennel during storms.

Dogs are pack animals wired to be around family. Keeping them isolated in a yard for long periods can lead to emotional distress.

Factors to consider

When deciding if an outdoor kennel is right for your dog, here are some key factors to consider:

• Breed – Some breeds like Siberian Huskies are more adaptable to cold climates and outdoor life than short-haired breeds like Chihuahuas.
• Age – Puppies and senior dogs often need temperature controlled indoor spaces for their health and comfort.
• Weather – Your local climate plays a huge role. Outdoor kennels work better in mild climates versus extremely hot or cold regions.
• Size – The kennel must be large enough for your dog to move around and exercise freely.
• Time limits – Your dog shouldn’t spend all day and night in the outdoor kennel with no breaks.
• Health concerns – Dogs with conditions like arthritis or anxiety do better with indoor access.
• Bathroom needs – The kennel must allow space for a dog toilet area away from food and bedding.
• Enrichment – The kennel should contain toys, a doghouse, entertainment, and other mental stimulation.

No two dogs are exactly alike, so consider your individual dog’s needs. Factor in their age, health, breed, and personality when deciding if an outdoor kennel meets their requirements.

Providing for basic needs

If you do opt to keep your dog in an outdoor kennel or pen, it’s important to provide:

• Shelter from sun, wind, rain, and snow in a sturdy, insulated doghouse.
• A flat, dry surface, such as concrete, gravel, or mulch. Grass can get torn up and muddy.
• Access to fresh, clean water at all times through bowls, automatic waterers, or hydrants.
• Daily walks and playtime for exercise and bonding.
• A space for a dog toilet area separate from food, water, and beds.
• Toys and chews to prevent boredom.
• Daily attention, affection, training, and supervision.
• Climate control such as fans, misters, heat lamps, or warming mats for temperature extremes.
• Secure fencing into the ground to prevent digging under and chains or cover over the top to thwart climbing and jumping.

Regular cleaning and sanitation are also a must to control pests, parasites, and bacteria.

Setting up for success

To give your outdoor dog the best chance at staying happy and healthy:

• Choose a kennel location that allows the dog to benefit from shade, breezes, and the family’s presence.
• Insulate the kennel against temperature extremes. Use cooling or warming devices as needed.
• Provide interactive puzzle toys to keep the dog mentally stimulated.
• Install a dog door into a garage or outbuilding so they have indoor access when the weather gets nasty.
• Use separate areas for toilet and living spaces to keep the kennel clean.
• Make time every day for walks, play, training, grooming, and affection.
• Check on the kenneled dog frequently for food, water, and health checks.
• Bring the dog indoors if they exhibit signs of discomfort like shivering, panting, or whining.

With proper facilities and management, an outdoor kennel can be made safe and comfortable for many dogs.

Risks to consider

There are some risks to be aware of with outdoor kenneling:

• Escaping – Even well-constructed pens can be dug under or climbed over by crafty canines, risking lost dogs or dog vs. vehicle accidents.
• Theft – Outdoor dogs are vulnerable to theft. Kennels should not be visible from the road.
• Wildlife – Coyotes, wolves, bears, and other wildlife may harass, injure, or even kill an outdoor dog.
• Cruelty – Isolated dogs could be more vulnerable to abuse or cruelty from passersby.
• Biting – Dogs confined in close quarters are more likely to bite out of fear if approached by strangers.
• Weather – Dogs left out 24/7/365 risk heat stroke, hypothermia, tornadoes, lightning strikes, flooding, and flying debris.
• Illness – Germs from waste, dirt, food, and water bowls can more easily spread among dogs housed together outdoors.
• Pests – Fleas, ticks, flies, and rodents are attracted to outdoor kennels.

Careful precautions must be taken to protect outdoor dogs from environmental threats and ill-intentioned humans.

Alternatives to consider

Instead of keeping your dog outside full-time, some alternatives to consider:

• Indoor kennel or crate training for when you’re away
• Dog-proofing a garage, basement, or secure room indoors
• Hiring a dog walker or pet sitter for mid-day attention
• Taking your dog to work or a doggie daycare
• Training your dog for more indoor freedoms
• Fencing a small yard area for bathroom breaks and play

Work to meet your dog’s needs while also protecting your home. With patience and proper management, many dogs can adapt to being left alone indoors for reasonable periods.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision of whether to keep your dog outside in a kennel depends on many factors. These include your specific dog’s breed, age, health, and temperament as well as your local climate and living situation. Outdoor kenneling requires meticulous attention to housing, sanitation, enrichment, exercise, socialization, and supervision. While outdoor facilities can be made safe and comfortable for some dogs in certain conditions, the risks mean continuous kenneling is not ideal for most family pets. With proper preparation, you can potentially allow limited outdoor time in secure kennels. But more often, the better choice is creating safe indoor spaces that let your dog be part of family life.