Tips for Choosing the Best Kennel for your Hunting Dog

Crating your Dog for Safety and Travel

Hunting and sporting dogs need a safe home away from home when traveling or confined in the field. However, choosing the proper kennel can be a difficult task when many low-quality options exist on the market, not suitable for the unique needs of a hunting companion. Listed below are considerations that must be made when choosing the best crate for your hunting dog, and why the Ruff Tough Kennel is one of the best options.

Size
Dogs are den animals, which mean that they feel safest in small areas. Choose a crate that is just large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around in. If your dog is between sizes and the crate is only used for traveling or field work, choose the smaller option. Ultimately, if you were ever to be in a car accident while transporting your pet, the less open space for him or her to be tossed around inside the kennel the better. Ruff Tuff Kennels are available in small, medium, intermediate, large, and extra large sizes, practically guaranteeing the perfect size will be available for your dog.

Quality
High quality materials are important when purchasing a dog crate. Look for a kennel that is designed and molded from a single piece of material, like the Ruff Tough Kennel which is comprised of a single piece of PE plastic.. Avoid crates that consist of multiple pieces put together, as this type of crate will be more likely to come apart in the event of an accident.

Protection
Unfortunately, accidents sometimes happen, whether in the field or in the car. A good crate for your hunting dog will protect your pet from even the most horrifying incidents, such as stray gunshots or a vehicular roll over. Hunters should look for materials that have been rated for utmost protection for your dog. In a “torture test” performed by the Ruff Tough Kennel manufacturers, the kennel was dropped four times from a height of 12 feet with no structural damage. In addition, the crate was shot at from a distance of 15 paces and few pellets actually penetrated the crate. Most were simply lodged within the crate walls, making this kennel an excellent option for keeping your pet protected.

Safety
When a crate is primarily used for travel or for containing your pet in the field, additional safety features are important. Look for a crate that can be easily tied down onto the bed of a truck or attached to a second (or third) crate in order to eliminate the possibility of the kennel sliding around during transport. With the addition of the crate coupler kit, two Ruff Tough Kennels can be strapped together in any configuration.

Easy to Clean
Finally, sporting/hunting dog crates are bound to get wet, muddy, and dirty. Look for a design that is easy to clean and water resistant. Thanks to the one piece design of the Ruff Tough Kennel combined with the durable plastic material, crate cleaning is made easy!

Read More – Crate Training Your Gun Dog.

Joe Scarpy – Owner / Trainer

At HuntEmUp.com, we know sporting dogs. From the time they’re a puppy, through their senior years, we’ll keep you informed on the latest news and information. For more information on Training, Preparing and Caring for your Dogs, read our Hunting and Sporting Dog blog.