A good kennel gives your dog somewhere of their own: dry when it rains, shaded when it's hot, and snug on cold nights. A bad one gets ignored. The difference usually comes down to a handful of things that are easy to check before you buy.
1. Get the size right
Your dog should be able to walk in without ducking, turn around comfortably and lie down fully stretched out. That's the test.
Bigger isn't automatically better. In winter a dog warms its kennel with its own body heat, and a space that's far too big for them stays cold. Aim for room to move, not a spare room.
To check, measure your dog from nose to the base of the tail, and from the floor to the top of their head while standing. Then compare those numbers with the internal dimensions in the Specifications section of each kennel's page. If your dog is still growing, size for the adult dog.
2. Look for a raised floor
A floor that sits off the ground keeps your dog away from cold, wet soil and lets air move underneath, which helps stop damp building up inside. It also keeps the timber itself out of puddles, so the kennel lasts longer. Every kennel in our range sits on an elevated base for exactly this reason.
3. Plan for an Australian summer
Heat is the bigger risk for most Australian dogs, not cold. Put the kennel where it gets shade through the hottest part of the afternoon, not just in the morning, and make sure air can flow through it.
A kennel is shelter, not air-conditioning. On very hot days your dog still needs plenty of fresh water, deep shade and, ideally, somewhere cooler indoors.
4. Think about weather and placement
A weather-resistant roof with a bit of overhang keeps rain off the doorway. Face the entrance away from your yard's prevailing wind and rain, and keep it clear of sprinklers and downpipes. A slightly elevated, level spot drains best.
5. Make cleaning easy on yourself
You'll clean it more often if it's easy. Look for features like a removable floor (the Slate Lodge has one) and wash bedding regularly. A quick check for loose screws and worn edges every few months keeps it safe and solid.
Where to start in our range
- Compact yards and smaller dogs: The Lookout gives reliable shelter without taking over the garden.
- A covered spot to lounge out front: The Estate adds a sheltered front area alongside the enclosed sleeping space.
- Bigger dogs and a real statement piece: The Barn, with its asphalt roof and sloped design to shed the rain.
Every kennel is built from fir timber with a weather-resistant roof, delivered free Australia-wide and backed by a 12-month warranty.