Hello everyone, so impressed with all the advice that can
be picked up on this site, especially for a complete novice like me. New puppy booked to be collected in August, and counting down the days already! I am looking at options for an outside kennel and run for occasional use during the day, and am totally confused. Why do some have a wooden floor built in? Is this hygenic? Would I be better with an open run and concrete floor? Hope someone can help!
Tracy

Hi,

I think a lot depends on the breed of dog! Size, coat type/colour etc. Give more details and I am sure we can help. I have small dogs (American Cockers and Pugs) and have just had my kennels 'redone' in UPVC. They look great, are easy to clean and should be very low maintenance. The runs are galvanised weldmesh, with concrete floors, coated in plastic type floor paint. The floors inside the kennels are still of wood, with a top layer of commercial grade vinyl floor covering.
I have one run which has gravel o n the floor, which is sued for the parti- colour "Yankee" pups (when I have them) to avoind staining.
bye
Gwen

The sleeping compartment at the back of my kennels is wooden but the run part is flagged. I've seen some gorgeous kennels with an all wood flooring but personally I would prefer concrete.
I personally think it depends on the dog (not breed) - but how they behave in the kennel. Mine are very clean and only eliminate outside in their pen (unless they are ill). I wouldn't like urine etc.. soaking into a wooden base :(
With flags I can use the pressure washer to get them spotless in no time (or even the hose alone) - and the squeegie pulls almost all of the excess water off so they dry in minutes at this time of year.
Another down side of too much wood is getting a dog that chews or scrabbles with its feet causing extensive damage :(
Lara x

We have a wooden box and slabs in the run. I would have thought a wooden run would be difficult to keep clean and free from smell.

Helen

Thanks everyone - will keep you posted:)
Tracy