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by Rugers Guru on 04 March 2010 - 21:03
I am building my kennel and I do not want to concrete the area, but it when it rains it gets REALLLY muddy in the area I have chosen. It is a raised area, so it does not flood. I was thinking bark outside, and straw for the enclosed area. I need some advice from the experts.... What do you use, and what seems to work best? It will be a 3 stall kennel and I want it to be managable and smell free if there is no poo on the ground. All hints, tips, and suggestions welcome.
by TessJ10 on 04 March 2010 - 21:03
Gravel. It drains well, will keep them dry and mud-free, and is much better for their feet than concrete.
It's also inexpensive and you can easily replenish it. I like Bluestone, but to each his own. You don't want huge pieces, nor do you want tiny little stones. LOL, like Goldilocks - it has to be just right.
It's also inexpensive and you can easily replenish it. I like Bluestone, but to each his own. You don't want huge pieces, nor do you want tiny little stones. LOL, like Goldilocks - it has to be just right.
by LAVK-9 on 04 March 2010 - 21:03
In a kennel I had outside I had bricks on half of it and then the ground on the rest and I would put shavings in it. When I had a concreted one it had shavings. I have seen some people have the 16inx16in patio tiles down. With the bark or pea gravel the dogs can eat it(if they are fed out there and pick it up when eating their food) and cause some problems as I have seen that happen to a dog that came to the vet clinic I worked.
FWIW
FWIW
by cgageturner on 04 March 2010 - 21:03
I made a deck platform out of decking boards, it works pretty well.
by hodie on 04 March 2010 - 21:03
If when it rains you have mud, whatever you do without building a proper drainage system, including replacing replacing the mud is going to not work at all. Straw and bark will mildew. Everything will absorb urine and fecal matter that gets washed into the dirt and that will end up being a huge problem sooner than later.
I am a strong advocate of sealed concrete. I also have some runs with pea gravel. It has to be the right size and in my case, I have very dense, hard packed sand here that drains well. Even so, periodically, I have to replace the dirt and sanitize the ground.
Good luck.
I am a strong advocate of sealed concrete. I also have some runs with pea gravel. It has to be the right size and in my case, I have very dense, hard packed sand here that drains well. Even so, periodically, I have to replace the dirt and sanitize the ground.
Good luck.
by Rugers Guru on 04 March 2010 - 22:03
Drainage system is already on the list, Digging trench for drain pipes, and gutters for structure. I want to shy away from concrete because it will be too hard on their feet, and gravel might be an issue with them eating it. What do you think about decomposed Granite?
by hodie on 04 March 2010 - 22:03
Concrete properly finished is NOT too hard on paws. But if your workers screw up, yes, it can be an issue. Otherwise, again, it is far superior, unless your dogs are there 24/7.
3/8th inch pea gravel is best if you use some sort of cover, but pups will eat it and some neurotic dogs will too. Decomposed granite is no good.....too uneven and sharp.
3/8th inch pea gravel is best if you use some sort of cover, but pups will eat it and some neurotic dogs will too. Decomposed granite is no good.....too uneven and sharp.
by Bhall on 04 March 2010 - 23:03
I have tried everything....
This is what works great for us. We put a base of gravel. Then I purchased VetChoice Kennel Decking. They come in 2'X2'
and they are $10 per platform. It is not to expensive. About $260 for a 10X10.
I LOVE THEM!!!! They clean easy and they dogs are raised off the floor. I have covered 4-10X10 Kennels and 10- 5X15. It looks very neat.
This is what works great for us. We put a base of gravel. Then I purchased VetChoice Kennel Decking. They come in 2'X2'
and they are $10 per platform. It is not to expensive. About $260 for a 10X10.
I LOVE THEM!!!! They clean easy and they dogs are raised off the floor. I have covered 4-10X10 Kennels and 10- 5X15. It looks very neat.
by hodie on 04 March 2010 - 23:03
Though these work well to raise the dog off the floor, I have some as well and they are very, very slick if there is any snow, frozen dew or ice on them. Be careful. I do not cover an entire run, but use them as one place that hopefully the dog will go to if the rest of the kennel is wet. More often than not, they don't. So I consider it a waste of money! LOL
by Bhall on 04 March 2010 - 23:03
Well, I am sorry. I forgot to mention that mine are indoor kennels 
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