Outdoor Dog Kennel

An outdoor kennel gives your dog somewhere of their own in the yard: out of the sun, out of the rain and out of the wind. Done well it becomes a spot they choose to use, not somewhere they are shut away.

The range covers weatherproof houses, tent style shelters and larger enclosures with roof covers for dogs who spend real time outside.

Size, Shelter and Weatherproofing

Bigger is not better here. A kennel should be just large enough for your dog to stand, turn and lie stretched out, because a snug space holds body heat in winter. What matters more is the roof and the floor. Look for a genuinely waterproof roof with an overhang, and a raised floor so rain does not run in and damp does not rise. Face the entrance away from the prevailing weather, and put the kennel in shade for the hottest part of the day rather than in the middle of the lawn.

Comfortable Through the Year

In an Australian summer, shade and airflow beat insulation every time, so ventilation and a shaded approach are worth more than a thick wall. Keep water available outside the kennel where it will not be knocked over, and add a cooling mat on hot days. Through winter, dry bedding raised off the floor makes the biggest difference, and a heated bed suits older dogs and thin coated breeds.

Maintenance and Safety

Check the roof seals after storms, sweep out leaves and hair weekly, and hose the floor down monthly so parasites do not settle in. A kennel is shelter, not a substitute for company, secure fencing or supervision. A pet gate at the back door helps manage the traffic in and out, and a poop bag dispenser by the yard makes daily cleanup quick.

Time to sort the backyard? Explore the RPBA collection of outdoor dog kennels and pick shelter that suits your climate.