JORDAN LINGLE
UKC Forum Member
Registered: Feb 2011
Location: Salisbury, NC
Posts: 269 |
quote:
Originally posted by rmcmillan
ARE THERE ANY GOOD KENNEL IDEAS OUT THERE. POST SOME PICS.
I've been wanting a legit kennel setup every since I started hunting. I've read a lot on the subject and I've seen a lot of nice setups. After talking to several different professional borders/trainers about theirs, I believe that I have finally decided on the type of setup that I'd like to go with. I will be doing a lot of the work myself so as soon as I get some time I will be starting on mine. Hopefully this summer. 
I will start with a 40'x80' pole shed closing in part of it in for various different uses. It will have a shop in the front 40'x30' and a small living quarters area in the back half 20'x20', tack shed/feed storage area, grooming and medical examining area also in the other back half 20'x20'. The remaining 40'x30' will be left open under the same roof. I will set my kennels up under this portion running power and water throughout. I will be using 2'' round smooth river rock for the flooring. I will bury some drains under the gravel to help channel the water out of the kennel area and into the septic tank. Most of the people I spoke with recommend the 360 degree view approach as the dogs seemed less stressed and happier overall, barking and hyperness was lessened and trainability was improved. The kennels will be set off the wall by about 10' but will still reap the benefits of it as a wind break.
The floor seems to be the biggest debate for everyone when it comes to building kennels so I'll let you in on my reasoning. The large smooth river rock is easy on a dogs pads, it drains very well, it helps tone and work a dogs feet vs. hard flat surfaces which will cause their feet to flatten out. It also helps keep their nails shorter. Health is my main concern and I don't mind a little extra work cleaning if the other benefits out way the work. I plan on scooping the poop and rock out each day and hosing the rest down. A kennel floor cleaner could be used if needed and would work just as good on rock as it does on concrete or wood. I plan on periodically using a concrete mixer to wash and clean the removed rock and then replace it.
Concrete was an issue for me because #1 cost, #2 the health of the dogs feet. Pads aren't an issue as long as the concrete is smooth finished but the feet flattening out and added maintenance of clipping toe nails are a issue.
A raised wooden deck had some draw backs for me as well. The cost being #1 again and since I will already have a roof in place and will being using 10'x10' kennels a raised deck wouldn't be very economical for me. #2 The wood deck also poses the same issue of the toe nails, pads and feet as the concrete does.
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Last edited by JORDAN LINGLE on 03-27-2017 at 03:03 AM
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03-18-2017 08:41 PM
