Buying a kennel for a dog, which size

[fairycakes69]

Hi I have a short haired border collie crossed with staffie. I'm thinking of getting him a kennel, for when I'm at work and he's in the garden, since these days you never know when its going to rain. Didn't realise there were so many to pick from. Was thinking of a plastic one, not sure what size to get, did think medium. Anyone know which size I should go for, the advice is not to get one too big for the dog or they won't stay warm. It's not for the winter, just shelter in the nice days when we get some rain.

[weecalf]

Plastic may make the rain sound to loud and he won't go in it

[fairycakes69]

oh never thought of that, he doesn't like loud noises. Will start looking for wooden one.
cheers.

[boxtops]

I'd go for a wooden one with a weatherproofed roof, it'll be warmer than plastic

[eyethenkyew]

So you go to work and leave your dog outside? Charming.

[pond50]

i agree with eyethenkyou
he might not like being left alone for a long time and start barking/howling annoying the neighbours who will then complain
if you have a dog you should be there to look after it
cats can be left home alone

[fairycakes69]

I go to work for 4 hours and if the dog wants to stay outside as its a nice day I don't see a problem, the garden is secure, he has shade and sun depending on where he wants to lie, and fresh water. I leave him on nice days not out in the cold . Believe me if he didn't want to go out he wouldn't, some days he does others he doesn't.

[fairycakes69]

My neighbours all love him, he is 10 and if he was unhappy barking or howling they would tell me. Your saying I have to be in all the time with my dog, really?

[rsvp]

fairycakes there are lots of makes, designs and options for a dog kennel - google in 'dog kennel sizes' and there's lots of info there - but be warned, whatever you buy it ain't guaranteed your dog will use it!!!!
I have friends who spent plenty pennies on a kennel but the dog chose to shelter underneath a flatbed truck - he looked like a waif and stray even though he was beautifully cared for.

[lankeela]

I would go for the biggest you can afford and have room for, as it won't be used in the cold weather as a shelter. This would allow him to lay at the back or at the front depending on where the sun is, as it may shine into it and he may be too hot at the front.

[becca90]

Thank you, have been looking at wooden ones, and I'll get a large as said its more of a rain shelter in the warm weather than keeping him warm in the cold. Bet I get it and he won't go in in, but at least he will have a choice.

[fairycakes69]

Sorry above post is from me, didn't notice my daughter had signed in and forgot to log out.

[lankeela]

If you have room why not get a small shed, and shelve it out above dog height, give him a shelf for himself to jump up on and use the rest for storage. Probably not any dearer than a kennel.