Want to build a 5 star Kennel - Page 1

Hi everyone, I am planning a kennel and run for my GSD dog, that will be here in two weeks or so. I thought I had everything under control, but as you will see I still need your help. I am planning to buy a small 6 by 8 wooden shed. With a Mr. ED type door, the bottom portion a large doggie door. Insulation covered with plywood, corners covered with ninety degree small sheet metal strip. to prevent chewing. Two windows for more air flow, and some lighting. Inside a large Igloo dog house. The run will be 8ft. W by 6 ft L by 6 feet tall, with 2ft. cow mat surround for prevention of digging. And a good surface to walk on, the 4ft middle covered with peat pebbles or a combination of that with wood chips for thicks and fleas. Or something someone shared with me for horses stable. So far so good. My problem I think is sanitation since I plan to RAW FEED. as you know dog's do with that meat anything and go anywhere they want to go with it. How do I make sanitation inside easier? do I slop it? do I put in a drain? Do I just feed outside the kennel? I need your help. That way we all learn and be better dog owners.

Depending on where you live, feeding outside is not a good idea because it attracts mice and other creatures. Mice carry leptospirosis. Other creatures can carry other diseases like rabies. If you feed outside, make certain that the food is contained within some sort of pan so the area stays clean. I never suggest wood chips either because some dogs are allergic to them, and all wood chips harbor insects, fleas etc. Pea gravel of 3/8th inch will work well. I have no idea what a cow mat is, but I have concrete poured underneath all perimeter fences, 6 inches wide by one foot deep to prevent digging out. And depending on the kind of soil surface you have, you might wish to consider a drain or, at the very least, a proper slope to contribute to proper drainage.

Hodie, I notice even with my last GSD, I would put the meat inside the bowl the dog takes it out and lay wereever he felt comfortable. cow mat is like a flat thick tire. some people call them horse mat. I am more thinking of a drain if i can get the plumber to help. thanks about the wood chips, I was thinking the opposite. thanks

 Maset22.

For my opinion, I would not use cow mats. They make keeping things clean more difficult. A drain, pea gravel and keeping the feces picked up is important. For my runs, I use concrete that is sealed so urine does not go into the concrete. But my dogs are not in them for more than a few hours a day. 

And yes, I know what you mean by the dog taking the food out of the bowl. If he/she does this, perhaps just making sure the area is well rinsed with soap and water once in a while would be useful. Drainage is critical......

Good luck.

Thanks hodie