Kennel Space Blog » Tim Berrisford

Campaign to address home dog boarding issues

Tim Berrisford — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 16:17:04 +0000

A campaign to tackle the lack of licensing by home dog boarding services is being tackled by the Pet Industry Federation. This growing area of dog boarding currently allows people to set up a business to keep other peoples dogs in their home and currently operates well under the radar totally unlegislated. All boarding kennels and catteries require a licence from their local authority to allow them to trade and it is this disparity between the two arenas which is a growing concern.. The rapid rise of home boardng is a major threat to the dog boarding industry and surely all dogs will benefit from a tighter control of these home boarding establishments.

A working committee of the Canine Feline Sector council, instigated and chaired by the PIF to examine this issue in detail, comprising charities such as the Dogs Trust, RSPCA, The Kennel Club and Hearing Dogs for the Deaf. PIF chief executive Nigel Baker said: “It’s not right that kennels and catteries have to obtain a licence and adhere to strict criteria in order to run their business, while many home-boarders operate under the radar.
“Equally though, home-boarders, by their very nature, should be judged by a different set of criteria to those of kennels and catteries. It’s this disparity that can ultimately compromise animal welfare and is what the group aims to remove, in the absence of any new legislation. We are delighted that so many high-profile organisations have agreed to get involved in the working party; it highlights how important this issue is.”

In recent times dog boarding has grown considerably taking away significant business from licensed boarding kennels and yet they do not adhere to any legislation whatsoever and their are growing concerns that the welfare of dogs can be put at risk from businesses that operate with no guidelines or monitoring.

The new committee set up to challenge these issues has already met and hopes to draw up a plan which can then be followed and implemented by the local councils.

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The season for maintaining your kennel

Tim Berrisford — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 11:50:25 +0000

Now is the perfect time to consider thoroughly checking your dog kennel and ensuring it can stand up to what is forecast to be a very harsh winter ahead. With wind, rain and snow forecast this year it is best to prepare now before the weather changes and get your kennel ready in advance.
Firstly consider how all the different weather conditions will affect your kennel and whether your kennel is weather proof. Strong winds we have already experienced are more than likely going to come again and you will need to make sure your kennel is secure enough in these winds. Are all screws and bolts fitted tightly and is the roof secure enough to survive the extreme winds.
We are used to rain all year round however in the winter sometimes we have extreme rainfall than can lead to flooding. You must ensure your kennel system is water tight as any gaps letting in water will leave your dog cold, damp and putting them at risk of getting ill. You need to look at the surrounding areas of the kennel, is it liable to flooding or is the entrance to the kennel very close to the ground. If possible look to raise your kennel off the floor as this will ensure your dog has a dry area to rest and will lessen the drafts coming off the cold ground also making the kennel a more comfortable living area.
If we have snow fall you will need to establish whether your kennel could support the weight of the snowfall on top of the kennel. To do this try to slightly push and rock your kennel to see if there is any movement throughout the kennel. If there is then it isn’t as structurally sound as it would need to be as you may need to consider changing some of the bolts and perhaps just tightening a few. Keep repeating the rocking motion and tightening bolts until you are happy it is secure. Once you are happy that your kennel is now weather proof it is prepared for all eventualities then you should move on to cleaning it for the winter period.
Working top to bottom clean the roof and walls of any germs or dirt and rinse well. Now clean the floor of kennel as this easier gets moss attaching to it which can become slippery and dangerous. Once the inside is clean ensuring the outside is clean also as this may be the last time it is cleaned throughout the winter months. Check the guttering on your kennel and empty any moss or leaves from them to ensure they will be working as this extremely important with the increase of rain forecast.
If you are looking to house your dog outside in the kennel for some or all of the time then you will need to heat the kennel. By law the kennel must maintain a constant temperature of 10 degrees at all times. Research kennel heaters and insulation as the most important issue would be retaining the heat once heated. Lastly, purchase a warm and comfortable dog bed that your dog can be cosy in and sleep well in. We would recommend a raised dog bed as they lift your dog up off of the damp cold floor which will keep them warmer and more importantly, dry. They are great as can be power washed clean and dry in seconds however if your dog loves their current bed or you would rather them have a high walled bed for the winter, you can place it on top of the raised bed and gain all the benefits from both of them.
Whilst we hope we don’t have a winter as harsh as predicted it is always best to be prepared and winter proof your kennel.

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City dog kennels struggling to cope with rise in abandoned dogs

Tim Berrisford — Thu, 29 Aug 2013 08:29:05 +0000

The owners of Stoke-on-Trent’s largest dog kennels have recently spoken about an increasing crisis in the area as the City Dogs Home is full to bursting with dogs. Manager of the dogs home Vicky Phillips says that financial pressures in the area mean more local people are struggling to keep pets and that staff have frequently found dogs tethered up outside the facility in recent weeks. Vicky said, ‘A lot of people are losing their homes and they can’t afford to keep their dogs.’

This situation is mirrored just across the border in the area at the Alsager Animals in Need, also reporting their busiest time ever. This news comes as the Stoke-on-Trent City dog warden team tracked down 866 dogs over the last 12 months, the team responds to around 1,900 calls a year from local residents reporting stray and abandoned dogs.

Local residents have also complained about being kept awake at night with barking and dogs on the loose at night. Vicky sympathises with these reports saying, ‘I don’t blame the public for speaking out, a lot of people are nervous of these dogs because you don’t know their temperament and when it is happening week in and week out you are going to get fed up.’ Pat Lawton a trustee of the Animal Lifetime charity in Cellarhead said, Things are seriously bad at the moment, we have so many dogs that we are using boarding kennels and even our own homes as overspill.’

This growing crisis is one that is a concern for local residents and the dog rescue centres, however it is not only an issue in Stoke-on-Trent but is one that is mirrored in other areas of the country too.

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Dog kennel owner increases kennel security

Tim Berrisford — Thu, 04 Jul 2013 10:28:17 +0000

The owners of a dog that escaped from a boarding kennel in Chertsey and died on a railway track are urging the public to thoroughly check the kennels that they are planning to leave their dog at. Lily a six year old Alsation cross breed scaled a 5ft high fence from Wey Farm Kennels in West Byfleet, and tragically was struck by a train on a nearby railway track. Whilst on holiday in Germany the dogs owners Dave and Teresa Armstrong were devastated by the news and now urge all owners to pay their kennels visit in advance of leaving them at the kennels. According to Mr Armstrong he had been assured by the kennels that Lily would not have been left unattended when outside. The kennels also confessed that a dog had previously escaped and not been recovered for four days.

Kennel owner Mr Le Mare said ‘His staff had been devastated by the incident and security at the kennels had been tightened, including raising the height of the fence that Lily had escaped over.

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Blackpool Dog Show in full swing

Tim Berrisford — Fri, 21 Jun 2013 15:38:32 +0000

Blackpool is set to see thousands of dogs descend onto Crown Fields, Westby for the Kennel
Club’s Blackpool Championship Dog Show this weekend which is run annually and nationally. The finest dogs will be out in force all hoping to win the ‘Best in Show’ prize which would give them a chance to qualify for next year’s dog show, Crufts. It is expected that approximately 170 different dog breeds will enter the competition over the weeken 21st-23rd June..

Blackpool is set to see thousands of dogs descend onto Crown Fields, Westby for the Kennel Club’s Blackpool Championship Dog Show which is run annually and nationally. The finest dogs will be out in force all hoping to win the ‘Best in Show’ prize which would give them a chance to qualify for next year’s dog show, Crufts. It is expected that approximately 170 different dog breeds will enter the competition over the weekend.Visitors will be able to get up close and personal watching their favourite breeds in action and speaking to owners about certain breeds. Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary stated, “The show is always very popular and is brilliant fun for the whole family. In such close vicinity to one of the UK’s most famous seaside resorts, it is the perfect opportunity for a day or weekend out.” The Blackpool show is one of 37 shows run throughout the year to get dogs to qualify for the next Crufts. Each day will see different breeds being judge followed by the final on the Sunday where different breeds will compete against each other before the winner is announced.

The Kennel Club has noted that only dogs which are competing at the event may be taken to the show. “Under no circumstances are dogs are to be left in cars at the show, as dogs can quickly overheat and even die when left unattended in a car, even on a mildly warm day, so visitors are asked to leave their own dogs at home.”isitors will be able to get up close and personal watching their favourite breeds in action and speaking to owners about certain breeds. Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary stated, “The show is always very popular and is brilliant fun for the whole family. In such close vicinity to one of the UK’s most famous seaside resorts, it is the perfect opportunity for a day or weekend out.”

The Blackpool show is one of 37 shows run throughout the year to get dogs to qualify for the next Crufts. Each day will see different breeds being judge followed by the final on the Sunday where different breeds will compete against each other before the winner is announced.The Kennel Club has noted that only dogs which are competing at the event may be taken to the show. “Under no circumstances are dogs are to be left in cars at the show, as dogs can quickly overheat and even die when left unattended in a car, even on a mildly warm day, so visitors are asked to leave their own dogs at home or in dog kennels.”

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New dog bowls coming soon

Tim Berrisford — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 14:06:33 +0000

Our new dog run bowl is about to land at KennelSpace HQ and we are really excited as we believe this is the best dog run bow on the market! We looked at all the problems associated with existing dog bowls and felt we could come up with a design that was simple to use, clean and hygienic and fitted easily. The new dog bowl designs have been tried and testing by both KennelSpace staff and most importantly our dogs so we know it will please anyone who has dogs and dog runs.
It doesn’t come with any hooks or clips that can get ingrained with food waste so it s the most hygienic bowl on the market. The simple spring loaded design meaning it will stay in place until you decide to remove it and clean it or fill the bowl. Due to it being spring loaded, you can easily take the bowl off and clean it then re attached within minimal fuss, . The bowls can be attached to any dog run panels whether bar or mesh and can be fitted at any height to fit your dog’s needs so it is perfect for all dogs no matter what breed or size they are.
You can have completely confidence in this design being safe for your dogs as it is so secure, your dog will not be able to take it off and do as they please with it. It’s the perfect dog bowl to add on to any dog run and is designed for both food and water so don’t waste any time and place your order for yours now.

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New kennels for Birmingham Dogs Home

Tim Berrisford — Wed, 29 May 2013 17:12:11 +0000

Recently it has been announced that the Birmingham Dogs Home will soon to be relocated to a purpose built state of the art dog kennels. This fantastic news means that all the rescue dogs in the Birmingham area will be housed in a much better environment. The new kennels will be able to accommodate unto 150 dogs so all the lost or abandoned dogs in the Birmingham area should in future be housed in much better conditions.
The new dog kennel has been designed by the architect firm ‘Associated Architects’ and should feature a suite of veterinary facilities, a behavioural suite as well as high end kennels and exercise areas. It is also expected that there will be excellent dog grooming facilities so that dogs can be prepared for their new owners. The new kennel will be designed with green measures in mind and many sustainable materials will be used and the kennel should be well lit with a glass roof being proposed.
High levels of insulation and natural ventilation should set to earn it a Breeam ‘Excellent’ rating. Construction is due to start on the new kennel system in early 2014 with the opening day set sometime in 2015 which can’t come soon enough for the staff at the dogs home.

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Benefits of a dog run

Tim Berrisford — Thu, 02 May 2013 15:12:52 +0000

Having a dog run is a fantastic way to give your dog space and freedom outside whilst remaining as secure as indoors. Every dog would love the chance to have fresh air daily, space to run around and play; a dog run gives a dog exactly that.
At this time of year many people consider having a dog run outside their home as it becomes warmer and you will want to prevent your dog from overheating indoors. Dogs love interaction and being outside will let them see what is going on whilst being safe inside the run. A dog run can be bolted down to the ground, have attached roof panels and can all be fitted with a padlock so that you have complete peace of mind that your dog is safe and secure whilst playing outside.
When choosing the dimension of a dog run, be sure to leave enough room so that your dog can run and turn easily without touching the sides, this will allow for your dog to have the right amount of freedom. Please be aware that it is suggested to always provide a place for your dog to shelter from the sun or the cold and a space to drink water and eat food. A dog run is to be treated very similarly to a home and should be kept clean at all times.
Dogs are happy being outside with all the different smells, the space to play and the noise that goes on in everyday life. Having a dog run will also free up your life as if you wanted to nip out you can do so knowing your dog will be entertained in the run and safe.
Dogs happily spend hours in their run in the fresh air however if you want your dog to sleep in the dog run then you should look at adding a kennel into the run so your dog will have somewhere to retreat to.
Whilst we believe that dogs who have plenty of time outside in a dog run are happier, healthier dogs we do not suggest that you leave your dog unattended for a great length of time as dogs love attention and companionship. It is best to see the dog run as an extension to your home and spend as much time as possible playing with your dog inside the run too.
If you require any advise on dog runs, then please contact us on 08451801010

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Dangers of wooden dog kennels

Tim Berrisford — Wed, 01 May 2013 15:49:04 +0000

The dangers of housing dogs in wooden kennels are becoming more apparent recently there has been a spate of issues with wooden kennels, recent press articles have condemned using wood in any sort of animal housing.
When investing in a dog kennel you want to have reassurance that the product you have purchased is made from high quality materials, safe for your pets to live in and built to last however if you look at buying a wooden kennel there are several issues you must consider.
Firstly as wood is a living material depending on the season and weather it can warp, move, crack and discolour; all of which you wouldn’t want happening to a product you have recently purchased. To prevent this from happening you can try to maintain the wood but this is very time consuming and has to be done on a regular basis to protect the wood all year round. Many dog owners have complained of splinters whilst cleaning the kennel so as you dog would live in there, you are risking them getting splinters too.
It is also worth noting that wood can become very unhygienic as mites and insects can harbour within the smallest of cracks and are very hard to get rid of once they have laid their eggs putting your dogs at risk of catching diseases. Wood is impossible to keep clean and hygienic and therefore by using wooden kennels you are putting your pet at risk.
In recent news, a local cattery in Cannock burnt down after the heater set fire to the entire wooden structure and left devastating fatalities making it even more important to ensure your kennel is safe to house your dogs in and is fire proof.
When making such a significant investment as a dog kennel you want it to last for a good many years and as long as possible, unfortunately a wooden kennel will just not last very long and could need replacing within a couple of years. At KennelSpace we design and build dog kennels that are hard wearing, easy to maintain and safe for your dogs so ensure you do your research before making a purchase of a dog kennel.
For further details on a new dog kennel then please call us on 0845 180 1010.

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