Outdoor Dog Cages vs. Indoor Crates: Pros and Cons
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One of the most important considerations about having a dog is where it will live. Depending on the type of dog and your lifestyle, you will need to decide whether your dog is going to live in your house, or mainly live in its own purpose-built outdoor kennel. All dogs are different and will need different living arrangements to help keep them happy and healthy. As a good dog owner, you will be able to discern what the best environment is for your dog. Here, we will have a look at the pros and cons of both outdoor dog kennels and indoor dog crates.
What is the Difference Between Dog Cages and Dog Crates?
Outdoor dog cages are generally known as dog kennels. The term caging can have unpleasant connotations, whilst kennelling does not evoke the same emotional reaction. Dog crates refer to portable cages that people use within their homes. Outdoor dog kennels give your dog a permanent, spacious area that is his own space. Often these come with different areas, a sleeping area as well as an outdoor space where he can stretch his legs. A dog crate is much smaller and is mostly used inside the home, to safely contain a dog for a short period of time.
Outdoor Dog Enclosures
Outdoor dog kennels are solid, well-built structures that provide your dog with a safe and contained space to spend time. Dog kennels are designed for housing a dog for a longer period of time, and provide ample space for your dog's health and happiness. They are typically chosen by people who want to keep their dogs safe while they are at work, or for working dogs, who are not house dogs. They can be incredibly useful for breeding purposes. As they are a solid structure, you will need the space to erect the dog kennel in your garden, and they may not be best suited to keeping a sole dog, who may crave more company.
Indoor Dog Crates
Generally, a wire mesh design, or a rigid plastic, a dog crate can be used within the rooms of your home. They are an invaluable resource for training puppies, putting dogs away from the reach of young children, or for travelling with your dog. They are ideal for putting your dog in for a short period, but are not suitable for keeping a dog in for many hours, as there is not enough space for the dog to move around freely.
Considerations for Choosing the Right Option for Your Dog
Choosing the best option for you and your dog is a very personal matter. Many issues come into play when making this decision, and it is vital that you do what is best for your dog, not what other people tell you. If you have a Velcro dog, it will probably be unhappy being by itself in an outdoor kennel for long periods of time. If you have a pack of huskies, they will probably be perfectly happy in their outdoor kennels without you. The breed of your dog will come into the decision, certain breeds are bred to be outdoor dogs, whilst others are definitely bred to sleep on sofas! How many dogs you have will make a difference, as dogs are sociable creatures and need company, whether it is canine or human. What you do with your dogs will also make a difference. Working dogs, which are constantly muddy and wet, are not ideally suited to being house dogs, whilst small companion dogs, are happy pottering around indoors. Remember that you can have both. An outdoor kennel for when you require your dogs safe and secure for longer periods, and an indoor dog crate to pop them in if needed.
Is it Legal to Keep a Dog Outside?
It is completely legal to keep your dog outside, as long as he is being well-cared for and is healthy and happy. Many dogs are perfectly happy living outside, it does come down to the individual temperament of the dog. The only caveat with this is if your dog is kept outside, and he is continually barking, you can be fined under current laws.
Are Dogs Happier Inside or Outside?
It entirely depends on the dog and the circumstances of their life. Dogs require companionship, exercise, and a role within the family or pack. Whether this is being a companion, or working in the field, they do thrive with a sense of purpose. A dog living outdoors with companions, who is regularly exercised, loved, and engaged with, will be far happier, than a sole dog living inside who is left for large periods of time, and ignored. It is the level of attention and engagement that make the most difference to the dog's happiness.
Choose the Best Dog Kennels or Dog Crates for Your Dogs
Remember, you know your dog better than anyone else. Do ask for advice if you are unsure, but ask a trusted professional. You need to create the best environment for your dog, and the best life for you both. Whether this is an outdoor dog kennel or a dog crate, it needs to suit you both. Giving your dog the best environment for him will give you and your dog many years of enjoyment together. If you need advice on the best type of dog kennel for your dog, then speak to our friendly and helpful team today on 01942 316 431
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