Dog Kennels
Permanent (or even semi-permanent) outdoor dog kennels can be great additions to any canine-loving household. Although weight, age, breed, and energy levels are all important considerations when choosing a kennel, the size of your dog always needs to be the overriding factor. However, it is not right to assume that bigger is always better, especially if your kennel is to be used to help train a puppy. In such circumstances, puppies need to feel cosy and snug so all they need is a kennel that affords them enough space to lie down, turn around, and have a few extra inches to move about in. An overly large dog kennel will only make a dog feel vulnerable.

Dog Crates
Dog crates are a great option when you are going away on holiday with your dog or simply when they need somewhere quiet to hideaway for a little while. Dog crates are available in a wide range of sizes so they can accommodate all breeds of dog. If needed, a partition can be used to enable younger dogs to grow into a crate that is a little larger than they currently need.

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Not only will your dog enjoy having space to run around in the dog run, it ensures you have peace of mind knowing that your pet is safe.

A larger breed of dog will require a larger dog kennel and dog run than a smaller dog, naturally, but you might also want to take into account the material it is built of and how tall it is.

Dog kennels and the attached dog runs are built to stand bad weather in winter and to keep your pet dog cool in the summer time.

All the range of dog kennels and dog runs on sale here at Ideas-4-Pets are strong enough to stand wear and tear from the bad weather we endure over our winter months.

Our dog kennels and dog runs are also weather proofed to ensure your pet is kept dry and comfortable while you are away from home.

The dog runs which are attached to the dog kennels are fitted with a roof so your pet can enjoy being out without getting his coat wet.

Any of the products offered on our website can be placed in a shady area of your garden or your back yard.

We at Ideas-4-Pets are here to help you choose the correct dog kennels and dog runs for your pet.

Labradors have the reputation of being a very mellow breed and an excellent family dog and generally get on well with other animals but it’s worth noting that their fun-loving boisterousness and lack of fear may require training and firm handling at times to ensure it does not get out of hand.  As you can imagine, an uncontrolled adult can be cause a lot of problems.

Labradors mature at about three years of age and before this time they show quite a high degree of puppyish energy which has often been mislabelled as being hyperactive. Because of their enthusiasm, traing the labrador to be good on the lead should be done early to prevent them pulling when they are fully grown. Labradors love to chase and  retrieve a ball endlessly and also enjoy lots of other forms of activity such as agility training, frisby throwing and playing in the water or swimming. They are considerably “food and fun” oriented, very trainable with patience and love new things.  They thrive on human attention, affection and interaction and can sometimes find it difficult to get enough !!

If you have a labrador you will also note how wet and dirty they can get when you take them out because they love the water and the freedom of the fields.  It’s a good idea to invest in a waterproof dog bed for either outside in his dog kennel or indoors to keep your furnishings clean.  A dog run in the garden will also allow you dog to play and exercise whilst you are at work.

Labradors are generally not noise or territorial, although they will sometimes bark at noise, especially a degree of “alarm barking” when there is noise from unseen sources.  They are more often very easygoing and trusting with strangers and because of this are not usually suitable as guard dogs.

The English Cocker Spaniel comes in at No. 2 and is a breed of gun dog.  Cockers have coats of many colours such as black, black and tan, black and white, black white and tan (tricolour), blue roan, blue tick, blue roan and tan, silver, chocolate, chocolate and tan, chocolate and white, chocolate white and tan, chocolate roan, chocolate roan and tan, sable, copper red, red, gold, buff, red roan, red and white, apricot, orange, orange and white, orange roan, lemon, lemon and white and lemon roan.

Cockers are renowned for their stubborn temper but they can easily be trained and make a good medium-sized family pet as they have a happy disposition and continuously wag their tails. They are noted for their optimism, intelligence, working ability and adaptability.

However, some of them can also show dominance and they don’t like being left on their own. Although they  bond well with family members, they sometimes tend to bond strongly to one individual person within the family to whom they will be very loyal.

In at No. 3 is the Springer Spaniel.  A typical Springer Spaniel is an intelligent, friendly, eager to please, quick to learn and willing to obey. It generally makes an affectionate and easy-going family dog and its alertness and attentiveness also make it the ideal hunting companion.

English Springers need plenty of exercise in order to run off their excess energy. Its long-legs make it among the fastest of the spaniel breed and although these dogs can be over excitable, adequate walking and exercise can prevent this.

In general, the Springer is good with other pets in the home like cats or even ferrets but it has been noted that some English Springers might not be suitable for homes with pet birds due to their natural hunting instinct and so would need extra training in this area. As with any other breed, dogs must become accustomed to other pets and it’s usually better to introduce the pets when they are both very young.

Their coat comes in black or liver (dark brown) with white markings or predominantly white with black or liver markings; Blue or liver roan; Tricolour: black and white or liver and white with tan markings, usually found on eyebrows, cheeks, inside of ears and under the tail. Any white portion of the coat may be flecked with ticking.

In general, English Springer Spaniels are energetic, cheerful, happy dogs but as with many playful dogs or hunting dogs bred as retrievers, these dogs will play with things as simple as empty plastic bottles, socks, or towels so must be watched in order to prevent them hurting themselves or damaging your property. The Springer can easily remember where such things are kept and are good at getting them out so they also need a lot of regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent them from doing this.

If you have to leave the Springer alone then a dog run outside or a dog kennel in the garden will be ideal so long as you leave him plenty of toys to play with.  A waterproof dog bed would also be a good buy as they are easily kept clean and fresh.

Roaming dogs are not something that I would support and for good reason.  My friend was bitten by a neighbour’s dog when she was a child.  She had been riding her bike but was knocked off her bike and fell into the road when a German Shepherd dog jumped her from behind en route to school.  Thankfully she wasn’t badly hurt but she was not a pretty sight and the whole experience was very scary for both of us !!

Not only that, but I am sure we have all heard about dogs suffering and dying after being hit by cars or bicycles.  A few years ago my own dog, who was an old and very gentle border collie cross, was attacked by a large roaming dog for doing nothing more than walking past !!  Farmers often tell of finding their sheep or lambs lying dead and torn in the fields having been attacked by roaming dogs and not only is this is a distressing sight but the farmers are within their rights at lambing time to shoot the guilty dogs.

Do you think that your dog would lead a happier life being left to stray around the streets or across the countryside?  Maybe in the short term, but probably not for very long.

Roaming dogs risk deadly encounters with cars, buses,  irate farmers and even your neighbours as well as injury to themselves by other animals and some livestock.  I have seen a dog kicked for many yards by an angry cow and the dog was very badly shaken up and bruised by the experience.  Roaming dogs can bite people, cause car and bike accidents, kill livestock, wildlife and even other pets.  Your dog also risks being impounded and you could receive a hefty fine.  You might even find yourself facing litigation.

If you own a dog who likes being outdoors, then why not do the right thing and purchase an outside dog kennel and a dog run.  This way, your dog can smell the freshness of outdoors and be in the open air but he will be safe and contained in his dog run and can shelter from the weather in his dog kennel.

There are plenty of dog runs to choose from – either build your own using galvanised panels which just bolt together and can be added to at any time to provide a dog run to suit your own specific measurements or purchase a read-made dog run which are usually made from dog mesh and are easily constructed in your back garden.

Dog kennels come in different shapes and sizes to suit your particular breed of dog and you can buy an independant  dog kennel to fit inside the dog run or a wooden dog kennel that has a dog run attached.  It might seem an expensive buy to start with but surely it is worth the money in the long run to ensure that your  dog is safe and secure and that you will not have to worry about where he is or if he causing problems or has been hurt.

A good guide first of all is to measure your dog when he is lying in his most comfortable position so that you have a visual idea of the size of dog bed you need for him.  If he likes to curl up in his bed, then he needs a circular dog bed, if he stretches out then a mattress-type or rectangular dog bed would better suit him.

If your dog is elderly of suffers from arthritis or joint problems then consider purchasing an orthopaedic dog bed with the memory foam interior as this will support your dog’s joints and make him much more comfortable.

If your dog is a working dog or one who loves to run around in the mud and wet fields, or if he loves to swim, then a waterproof dog bed is ideal as they are easily hosed or wiped down and dry very quickly.  These are also fine for dogs who are incontinent.  There are also waterproof dog beds which have a washable cover on them if your dog prefers the feel of a cover rather than the waterproof fabric.

If your dog sleeps outside in a dog kennel or even in the kitchen where the floor may be cold and there could be draughts, then a raised dog bed with sides on it would be ideal as this will raise your dog off the floor and protect him from draughts.  These are available with metal or wooden frames, there are some that are like sofas and some are made with a wipe-down, waterproof nylon fabric. 

There are also great selections of pure wool dog beds that are designed to give your pet the luxury and warmth he deserves.  Some are in mattress form and others are in the traditional dog bed form.  The covers are removeable and washable on a wool wash.

If your dog is a cool dude, then a designer dog bed is definitely for him - choose from real leather, faux leather, faux fur or dog beds made from exquisite fabrics or wood to set him apart from the others.

Whatever you decide on, ideas-4-pets have the choices and prices to suit everyone’s needs and pockets.

Firstly, consider the expense.  A dog is for life and he will rely on you totally for his every need.  For instance, he will need a good quality, comfortable dog bed to sleep in.  He may require a dog cage for training  purposes.  You may want to consider an outdoor dog kennel or a dog run so that he can spend some time outdoors.  He will of course need a collar and lead and you should have him micro chipped in case he runs off.  Will he be travelling in the car with you?  If yes, then you should consider a dog guard to keep him contained in the back of the car.  That way, he will not distract you from your driving or be able to leap around in the car unsecured.  Then there’s the cost of neutering, the cost of vaccinations etc.  Although this is another expense, it is well worth considering insuring your dog as this can take the worry out of paying expensive vet bills should your pet be taken ill or have an accident. 

Secondly, do you consider yourself to be an active and lively person or more of a couch-potato?  Do you want your dog to be a loving companion who will sit on your knee when you sit and watch TV or do you prefer a dog with boundless energy who will run over the moors and fields with you at any given opportunity.

You should always ask yourself these things because good match between the dog and his owner are essential if you want to have a happy, loving relationship with your dog.

Take some of the following examples into consideration before making your final decision.

Some dogs are friendly with humans whether the humans are part of the family group or strangers.  Other dogs are fine within the family group but are reserved or uneasy with strangers.  Some dogs love to play with toys and others show no interest in toys at all but love a good, long walk.  Some dogs love to make friends with other dogs whilst others are totally uninterested or downright aggressive with other dogs.  Some dogs will get on fine with cats and other family pets, others may not give them the time of day and there are some dogs who will not tolerate another pets in the house.  Some dogs are particularly affectionate and want stroking whenever possible and others will be aloof and only give you their time when they wants to share it!!

ideas-4-pets would advise you to find out as much information as you can about the different breeds of pedigree dogs there are, together with lists of reputable breeders.  Find out if there is a canine welfare organisation or  rescue society in your area as they always have dogs and puppies available that need good homes. Pedigree and crossbred dogs can be obtained in this way from organisations such as The Dogs Trust, The Blue Cross and all the other different breed rescue societies.  Your local Veterinary surgery is also an excellent source of information and the staff there will give you general guidance on what you should do once you have made your choice.

What to look for:

A pedigree puppy is usually more predictable with regards to its future character and size than a crossbreed, but pedigree pups can be expensive.  If you do buy a pedigree then make sure that the puppy is registered with the Kennel Club and ask the breeder for the Kennel Club registration certificate.  If they do not have one ready for you, ensure that the breeder undertakes in writing to forward it to you as soon as it is received from the Kennel Club.  You will then be able to transfer your puppy into your name from that of the breeder and receive all the benefits associated with Kennel Club registration.

A crossbreed dog is not as expensive to buy and can a loving pet, but try to find out as much as you can about its parents so that you can gauge what type of dog you have purchased.  Whether you decide on a pedigree or a crossbreed, always ask which vaccinations your puppy has had and which ones are still required.

Remember to register your new puppy with your local vet as soon as possible and ask advice on health, micro chipping, vaccinations, diet etc.  Certain breeds of dog can suffer from inherited conditions but your local vet should be able to advise you on these conditions and will help you to detect and monitor them. It is really important that you are aware of these conditions and know the right questions to ask before buying a puppy. There are also some DNA tests available which you may want to take advantage of.

Always buy direct from the breeder and ask to see the mother of the puppy as she will provide a good indication as to how the puppy will develop.  If buying a pedigree dog always go to a specialist breeder, never go to a dealer as they usually advertise several breeds of dog and these dogs may have been obtained from various sources so their health and condition may be difficult to determine.  Some new owners agree the right to return the puppy to the breeder if things do not work out but this can sometimes be hard to do as you tend to  build up a strong bond with the pup immediately

It is wise to arrange for a veterinary inspection of the puppy soon after you have purchased him.  Make sure you receive full care instructions from the breeder (dietary requirements, pedigree, a copy of any health screening certificates for the parents if applicable etc.) and the Kennel Club registration certificate if this is applicable.

What to look for if you intend to purchase an adult dog:

If you are buying from a breeder, find out why this particular dog is for sale.  Go and see the dog in its home environment before making a final decision.  If you buy your dog from a welfare or rescue organisation, be prepared to be questioned and possibly expect a home inspection. 
Dogs in welfare or rescue organisations have very often suffered from neglect and ill treatment in their early lives so it is the first priority of these organisations to ensure that the dogs in their care will spend the remainder of their lives in good, caring and suitable homes. 

Each breed of dog has its own characteristics, but if you match these characteristics with your own personality and lifestyle it is much more likely that you will have a happy and fulfilling relationship with your dog that will bring you both joy for many years.

The answer is a waterproof dog bed.  They come in all shapes and sizes from round dog beds to oblong dog beds, from lightweight waterproof fabric to commercial grade waterproof fabric.  They also come in a selection of colours which means you can match them to your furnishings or take a guess at what your dog’s favourite colour is !!

Delivery ranges from 2 – 7 days depending upon which dog bed you choose and is free to mainland UK (some Scottish post codes and Islands may have to pay extra delivery costs)

There’s a range of indoor beds, outdoor bed and even some that will go in the car when you’re travelling – so you can protect your car seats from muddy paws too !!

The lightweight ones are great for indoors and include a waterproof throw in you dog likes to throw himself on the sofa or the chair.  You can even buy the orthopaedic dog beds which are wonderful if you have an old dog or a dog who is recovering from surgery – or even a dog who wants the ultimate in comfort !! The orthopaedic beds support your dogs weight and ease those old bones. 

The commercial fabric is ideal for outdoor use – either just in the garden or in an outdoor dog kennel or a dog run.  They can be hosed down and they dry really easily (as do the lightweight ones)  Another great advantage is that dog hairs do not stick to these beds, nor do parasites so no infestations of fleas in the summer.

ideas-4-pets have a good selection of Kudos and Bronte waterproof dog beds and also an economical range that have a washable outer fabric cover.  The new range are a luxury brand and they will come in a selection of sizes and designs from Zebra print to plain black.

Whatever your choice, there are colours, sizes and prices to suit every pooch and every pocket, so take a look and see what ideas-4-pets have to offer – you won’t be disappointed.

We had an enquiry the other day frm a lady who worked full-time and was worried about her dog being left alone all day in the house on his own.  She used to get up early every morning to take her dog for a decent walk in the park before leaving him all day and admittedly, she left the radio on to keep him company, but she felt that it was not enough to stimulate her dog and she felt guilty at leaving him for long periods of time on his own.

She’d thought about an outdoor dog kennel, but wasn’t happy about him being free to run and dig in her well-kept garden and was also worried about him getting out into the road if someone opened the gate, or even worse – having him pinched !!  The thought of chaining him to the kennel didn’t feel right either, so she was in a dilemma.

She looked on the web and came across ideas-4-pets and saw our selection of dog runs.  Some of them had dog kennels attached and others were big enough to allow a dog kennel inside the dog run. 

After speaking to our staff several times, she settled on a dog run which allowed her to place a smaller dog kennel inside it and the dog run  also had the option of a waterproof cover to protect her dog from the rain.  She easily set up the dog run and the kennel in her garden and placed her dog’s favourite toys inside the run.  She bought a waterproof dog bed for inside his kennel and now goes to work happy in the knowledge that her dog is outside in the fresh air, has cover in the run and can keep snug and warm in his kennel.  Her garden is still neat and tidy and her dog is kept entertained by the sights and sounds he can hear in the garden.  He is one happy dog who still looks forward to his owner coming home in the evening and going for a walk, but during the day he is no longer bored and fed up, he plays with his toys in the dog run and sleeps in his dog kennel when he’s had enough.

My little dog loves to be with me all day and follows me around the house endlessly. When I leave her to go to the loo she stands outside the door, if I go to the shop she hides in the bedroom until I return. How can I leave her for 2 whole weeks !!

Well she’s got to go, so I check her innoculations, pack her things, put her in the car and tell her that “Mummy won’t be gone for too long” and that she has to be a good girl while I’m away. She looks up at me bemused with her dark, soulful eyes and I want to cry.

We reach the dog kennels and book her in and the owner picks her up to take her to her alloted dog kennel. She looks back at me in a panic before struggling to get free. I am assured as always that she will be fine and they will look after her while I’m away and I feel a bit better.

However, as I leave I see her standing at the end of the little dog run that’s attached to her dog kennel and she pushes her nose up to the bars looking pathetically at me as I leave her there.

My heart is bursting as I hear her cries of “Don’t leave me” and I head quickly towards my car, not looking back and feeling like a heel !! She’s surrounded by her favourite toys, her favourite bed, a T-shirt of mine so that she can still smell my presence, a few treats, her own bowl for her food……..What more could I do?

I spend the rest of my holiday enjoying myself but wondering if she’s OK. Is she still crying? Has she gone off her food? Is she traumatised by my leaving? Will she be a shadow of her former self when I pick her up again? Will she remember who I am? The holiday is wonderful but a part of me still feels guilty for having a good time without my little furry friend.

After the two weeks are up, I rush to get from the airport in time to collect her before the dog kennels close. I can’t bear to leave her for another night !! I ring the dog kennels and warn them that I’m on my way and to have her ready for when I arrive.

As I reach the dog kennels, all my previous worries come to the fore as I rush up through the huge enclosed garden that I’m told she loves to run in …………..

And there from the top of the drive she comes running down to meet me !! Still as chubby as when I left her, bright eyed and healthy and her little tail wagging like it’ll fall off !!

She is followed by the owners of the dog kennels who assure me that she’s been fine, eaten all her food, had 2 supervised walks a day and been running with the other little dogs in the huge enclosed garden – just as always.

I needn’t have worried they tell me, just as they have told me for the last few years. Daisy’s been absolutely great and throughly enjoyed her stay and they love having her because she’s been so good. I, of course, assure them that I haven’t worried at all about her, that I knew she’d be fine and can I book her in again in December as I’m away for Christmas ……….

On hot days, your dog needs adequate shelter to protect him from the sun and the heat. A large dog kennel in the garden will work well but ensure that the dog kennel entrance is not facing directly into the sun.  If you choose to purchase a very large dog kennel with a dog run and you have electricity to the building, you could equip the kennel area with a fan to circulate the air  (It is better to have this be done professionally because curious dogs can chew electric cables and cause a serious accident and injury)

Having a roof or cover on the dog run will protect your dog from the sun by providing shade and is also useful for keeping your dog protected from the many summer showers we have in the UK !!

If possible, make sure that the floor of the dog kennel is raised above the ground as this prevents water from running inside the kennel and also protects from rising damp and cold.  This is good advice whether you go for the smaller dog kennel or the larger dog kennel with dog run.

Remember that if you purchase the large outdoor dog kennel with dog run that it needs to go onto a hard surface like concrete or paving stones to prevent it sinking into the ground and also allowing you to clean the run area easily by swilling it out.  It’s amazing how many people ask if they can put one straight on to the garden but don’t think about how they will mow the inside of the run !!  

Just like humans, our pets can have too much sun resulting in sunburn and pain. It has even been known in extreme cases to lead to skin cancer. That is why it is important in hot weather to make sure that your dog is not exposed to the sun for too long.

Did you know that heat exhaustion can kill your dog? Never leave your dog alone in the car on a sunny day even with the windows down because even if the sun is not too strong, it can turn a car into a greenhouse in a very short amount of time. Imagine the suffering of a dog who cannot escape the heat because he is locked in the car.

Always make sure that wherever you dog is – in the garden, in his dog kennel, out walking with the family – that he has access to some clean, fresh water.