If you're a dog owner, you know how important their safety and well-being is. Just like humans, they need a safe and comfortable space where they can rest. An outdoor dog enclosure will help you create the space the dog needs outside. Even when you're busy with work or you're out with the kids, your pet will have the perfect spot to rest and walk around if needed.

What to Consider When Buying

Size

Choosing the right size for the enclosure is probably the most important consideration. If you have a small pup right now, but you know it’s going to grow into a bigger dog, think in advance. Consider the dog’s full-grown size and go from there. It might seem a little too big at the moment, but you’ll soon realise you’ve made the right choice.

The enclosure should be just big enough for your dog or multiple dogs to walk around in comfort, but not so big that they start using it as a toilet. To get the perfect size you have to measure your dog’s length (nose to tail), height tip of the ears to the ground) and width (across the shoulders). If the pup isn’t fully grown, find out what the average size they grow into.

After you’ve measured the dog, you should add 25cm to the height, 45cm for the length and 30cm for the width. Of course, this is the least you should do. You can go as big as you want. You can add metres if you want to. Just make sure the dog has enough space to stretch, walk and sleep without touching the fence. There's a wide variety of outdoor pet enclosures for dogs you can choose from. You will find the right size in no time.

Material

If you want the enclosure to last for a long time, invest in one made of high-quality materials. Your dog should be safe while staying inside, so this is an important consideration. Good materials will make sure the enclosure doesn’t leak and it stays stable during harsh weather conditions like strong winds and heavy rain.

Good materials are also chew-proof. Some dogs love to gnaw on things and the enclosure is not an exception. Some of the best materials are wood, plastic and metal. They’re all strong, durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Wood requires a bit more upkeep but it’s very aesthetically pleasing. Metal can be heavier, but very sturdy. Plastic is lightweight and easy to clean. Avoid using any type of fabric. It's not that durable and can be a choking hazard.

Flooring

Even if your dog doesn’t spend a lot of time inside the enclosure, it’s important that it has nice, sturdy and comfortable flooring. Rubber is a very popular choice. It's comfortable because it’s well-cushioned. Your dog will have a good spot to walk, play and sleep on. It's also durable and easy to clean. You can sweep and mop it and not worry that it will absorb moisture. On the other hand, it will retain heat and it isn’t odour and stain-resistant.

Epoxy flooring is the second option. It has great resistance to chemicals, cleaning agents and oils. It's easy to clean and maintain and very hygienic because it’s non-porous. You won’t have to worry about bacteria, mould and mildew. However, epoxy also has some cons. It can be complicated to install, and it will be slippery when wet.

Next, is deck flooring. This will give the enclosure an elevated floor surface and keep the dog off the ground. It also provides good drainage, preventing puddles and keeping the floor dry. However, you have limited insulation, can wear down faster than the others and it’s not soundproof. So, if you have a noisy dog, this might not be the right flooring option.

Gravel flooring is the cheapest option. It has good drainage and good traction. Your dog won’t slip and fall. Plus, it provides it with a natural digging environment. Of course, gravel has some disadvantages as well. It can cause allergies and irritation in some dogs. It also requires a lot of care and maintenance because it requires raking, and you should level it regularly.

The main things to consider when buying flooring for outdoor pet enclosures for dogs are comfort, safety, durability and hygiene. All of these things are important, some more for one dog than others. Not all dog breeds are the same, so they’ll require different types of flooring. Take your dog’s needs into consideration and choose the best you can.

Roof

The roof can be made of different materials as well. The most common ones are metal, wood and plywood. All of them have their advantages and disadvantages. Wood is durable, and aesthetically pleasing but needs a protective, waterproof layer. Metal is strong, leak-proof, and lightweight but it can look very sterile and plain.

If you can, buy an enclosure with an insulated roof. This will give your dog the best possible living conditions in both hot and cold weather. It would be amazing if you could find a model with gutters. They can further prevent water infiltration.

Safety

If you only have a fenced-in yard, then leaving your dog outside unattended might not be the wisest choice. Dogs can often dig beneath or jump over fences to get away. A kennel gives you the best of both worlds in preventing your dog from being lost or into trouble. Having mesh walls around the enclosure will keep the dog safe from harm. It won’t have a chance of hurting itself. Make sure the walls and fence are strong, solid and can handle a few blows. Choose a fence that provides visibility so you can see your dog at all times.

Where to Position the Enclosure

The placement mainly depends on the type of the enclosure. Is it temporary or is it permanent? Temporary enclosures can go anywhere. They're usually without floors so keep them away from water. You can place them anywhere in your back or front yard, on the patio in the garden and even inside the house.

Permanent dog enclosures on the other hand are different. Avoid placing them close to the house. Sometimes the noises and smells can become overwhelming. Also, don’t place them under trees. Falling branches can bring potential damage to the enclosure and can hurt the dog. The best place to install it is beside the garage or some other stable, outdoor structure.