The Ultimate Guide to Building a Dog Kennel in Your Bournemouth Garden

Bournemouth is undoubtedly one of the most dog-friendly towns in the UK. After a long, sandy walk down at Hengistbury Head or a run through the pines at Meyrick Park, there is nothing better than knowing your dog has a safe, comfortable, and dry outdoor space to relax in.

Whether you have a working dog that lives outdoors, a messy pup that needs a place to dry off, or you run a local dog boarding business, building a high-quality outdoor kennel is a fantastic investment.

But a great kennel is more than just four wooden walls and a roof. If you want it to last through harsh Dorset coastal winters and keep your dog healthy, you need to build it right. Here is our ultimate guide to building the perfect outdoor dog kennel.

1. Size Matters (But Bigger Isn’t Always Better)

The most common mistake people make is building a kennel that is too large. Dogs are den animals; their body heat is what warms the kennel during the colder months. If the space is too cavernous, the heat escapes, and your dog will be shivering.

The golden rule for sizing: Your dog should be able to comfortably stand up, turn around completely, and lie down stretched out. Anything significantly larger than this is wasted space that will let cold draughts in.

2. The Golden Rule: Get the Foundation Right

This is the single most critical step that most DIYers get wrong. Never place a wooden kennel directly onto grass or soil.

The ground retains moisture. If your kennel sits directly on the earth, the wood will rot, rising damp will seep into the kennel floor (leading to joint problems and arthritis for your dog), and you provide an easy tunnelling route for foxes or rats.

For a Small, Single Dog Kennel:
If you have a small spaniel or terrier and a compact wooden kennel, a DIY base is usually perfectly fine. You can dig out a shallow area, lay down some weed membrane and sharp sand, and level out some standard paving slabs. As long as the wood is kept off the wet mud, your dog will be happy.

For Large Breeds, Multiple Dogs, or Boarding Businesses:
If you own large breeds like German Shepherds, have a multi-dog household, or you are running a commercial dog boarding/breeding business, a DIY slab base simply won’t cut it. Heavy-duty kennel blocks and integrated metal runs weigh a massive amount. Over time, heavy kennels on soft ground will sink, causing the doors to jam, the roof to leak, and the warranty on the kennel to become void.

For this, you need a professional foundation. This is where local experts like JustBases come in.

Based just up the road in Ringwood, JustBases specialises in precision-engineered foundations. They can pour a steel-reinforced concrete pad or build a heavy-duty raised timber frame to the exact millimetre measurements of your new kennel block. Not only does this guarantee your heavy kennel won’t sink, but it also allows for proper drainage to be built in (essential for hosing down dog runs). Plus, because they are specialists, every base they build is backed by a rock-solid 10-year guarantee.

3. Insulation and Airflow

To make the kennel a year-round home, you need to insulate it. A twin-wall construction is best. Build the outer frame with sturdy, weather-treated timber (make sure the treatment is pet-safe!). Line the inside with foil-backed foam insulation board, and then cover that with an inner layer of smooth plywood. This keeps the kennel cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Make sure the door opening faces away from the prevailing wind (in Bournemouth, that usually means facing it away from the south-westerly coastal winds).

4. The Roof and Overhang

A slanted roof is essential so that rainwater runs off immediately. Cover the roof in heavy-duty felt or, even better, asphalt shingles.

A great pro-tip is to build the roof with a large overhang over the front door. This stops driving rain from getting inside the kennel and gives your dog a dry spot to lie outside their door while still watching the garden.

5. Flooring and Comfort

Inside the kennel, the floor needs to be comfortable but easy to clean. Removable, heavy-duty rubber stable matting is the ultimate flooring choice. It is soft on your dog’s joints, provides an extra layer of insulation from the ground, and can be easily pulled out and hosed down when it gets muddy or starts to smell.

Summary

Building a dog kennel is a highly rewarding project that your four-legged friend will thank you for. Remember, use pet-safe materials, insulate it well, and most importantly, make it feel like a warm snug home for your furry friend! .

Author: jeff

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