Have you got any ideas?

Question

We are "Thinking" of extending a brick built shed at the bottom of the garden into small kennels for dogs(thinking of breeding them)

what is the best way to do this they will need to be scrubed out so maybe drainage etc etc........

In response to susan l

I am a 34 yr old woman who takes even the idea of breeding dogs a very serious matter and have gave it plenty of consideration thanks.

I just wanted to know how to build a "Kennel"
and the right way to do it for the ultimate happiness and welfare of the dogs involved.

Answer 1

1) talk to any neighbours who may be impacted by a kennel (sound or smell or drainage) - you will need them on your side to gain planning permission

2) Apply for planning permission - it can take up to 6 months depending on the council (and they can force you to demolish anything already built without it) - they may also have information about standards

3) Visit other kennels to find out what they use.

4) Determine the infrastructure first. Certainly you are going to need: water supply, drainage, separate brick or concrete, pest-safe storage for food and waste (think how this will be removed from the premises as your water board may not allow you to use the normal drains), electricity for light and heating in winter, etc.

5) Look up sites like the BVA (British Vetenary Association) or your local council for standards for breeding cages and run-space. They may also recommend the materials to use. You may also need a separate area for birthing (though 30 years ago, our boxer was quite happy doing that in the hedge...), or isolating any sick pups.

Further information is available here: http://www.kenneldesign.com/

Answer 2

I have bred my dog, twice and it is not easy and certainly not in a kennel in the yard. If you think you make money, to do it right , no. By the time you pay the vet bills, stud fee? , complications and there can be , there goes any profit , not to mention, time, effort. Do you remember one puppy and the mess now multiply that; you are training them to go to the bathroom wherever in that environment, bugs, time of year, so your baby pups will be faced with mosquitos, flies , sounds like a healthy environment. Now, throw in less human contact. Are you going to screen people or if they have the buck they get the pup; we turned down well over 30 people each time and we have boxers. We only did the two litters for a pup for us to keep each time for our family and now that is done, no more. breeding. The nuts that called, I want a pup for my pitbull, my uncle broke my other dogs legs; my father kicked my other dog, we had to give our dog away, my wife doesn't like animals, I want to buy all the females so I make them breeding machines, I am never home, I want a pup for my 2 year old and my girlfriend hates dogs; these are just some of the people who had the money but didn't get the dog; you have to take back a pup if need be; what if the pups are sick and need vet help etc ; there is a lot to consider for the life of the pup not just you; look at the pound , look at the shelters, look at animal rescues; we had the pups in the house; we lived pups for 10 weeks; we cleaned after them, played with them, trained them, exercised them, socialized them; gave them time with Mom and each other to learn ; we keep in contact with ALL the puppy owners for now 5 years , both litters, we have return visits, pictures, assistance; we did this to make sure that they have a good life; we gave up 2 summers to give them the best time to be puppies; it is more than drainage.

p.s. If it wasn't a problem, you could have said , I know you are right and thanks for the heads up but no; take a look at every animal in a shelter, pound , animal rescue who has heard that before; I know first hand and was passing on advice for the future puppies who I care about; I must have hit a sore spot to get a personal note addressed to me.

Answer 3

I would try the aspca.
There are specifications for the size of kennels and cages and dog runs that are approved by that organization. In addition you might visit the local animal shelter for information.
I would take that approach rather than suffer the consequences of anyone reporting something to authorities after the fact or expense of questionable facilities for the animals.

Answer 4

How big is the shed? How many dogs? Have you considered building an enclosure of the shed. Therefore they can have the shed as shelter, and the outside area for funning around. Could be a viable cheaper option.

Answer 5

i believe you need P/P for that and if that is the case then all things needed will be on the plan