Transition to outside kennel

[nater]

I wanted to see everyone's thoughts on this.

I purchased a house and got a lab puppy this spring before I got married and didn't have the time or a location to put up a kennel outside. Right now he is 8 months and sleeps in his crate in the house.

I still want to put up a kennel outside and transition him into living out there. I was wondering how well he will handle being moved outside? Does anyone have any ideas to make the move easier on him?

[Slowfinger]

All I can say to you is "good luck". If you're going to do this transition, do it soon. And do it slowly...maybe in stages. I did it too fast and had nothing but problems. My Brittany (who could jump like a deer) tried to jump out the top and got her leg caught near the top of the kennel....the cops called me on that day. And later, she actually busted the door in half. I don't know how, but it pretty much ended the experiment.

[LABS4ME]

My labs all spend the 1st 9-12 months of their life in the house and then move to outdoor kennels. I do this to teach them manners in the house (to be used later in motels on hunting trips), to potty train them (keeps the kennel clean) and to begin the bonding process.

I move them outside in the summer months and start out by putting them in the kennel during the day and their crate at night. You can buy a BIG smoked beef bone to 'entertain' them in their outdoor kennel. Only allow him to chew on it in the outdoor kennel and it will be a "good' place that he will want to go in to. Over a couple weeks time they begin to sleep in their new digs. I do this part over a weekend so I am around if they start barking. Be ready with a bark collar if they develop this habit.

Never had a problem in 22 years. All dogs made the transition rather quick and easy. The only problem I see with any consistancy is barking. Which is quickly corrected.

Good Luck!

Ken

[nater]

LABS thanks for the advice.

Do you typically put anything else in the kennel for them to sleep on or in? Such as a house?

Also, how have you handled barking if it is a problem? I am thinking he will bark sometimes since he is a talker in the house.

[LABS4ME]

They have houses. I've used K-9 Kondos for the last 12 years. They are indestructible. They also can use the top deck for lounging. No bedding in the summer, straw in the winter. I don't like blankets... they get damp and dirty.

Many will develop a barking habit... like I posted above, be ready with a bark collar. I believe Fleet Farm still sells a cheap version for around $40.00. This is usually adquate being it will only be needed for a few weeks.

Good Luck!

Ken

[Down2Earth]

Bark Collar. Dog barks and the collar shocks him/her.