The combination of an internal box and an outer pen is currently the system with the best results, except in the case of pack dogs. It is conceived to house two hierarchically compatible dogs.
Alone in their pens, dogs can get bored and develop tics and bad habits, adopting certain telltale behaviors (constant surveying of the pen, licking their wrists, gnawing, self-mutilation, etc.) that are detrimental to their health and their activity (weight loss, etc.).
The other extreme is also dangerous, since the more dogs there are in the same shelter, the greater the risks are for contamination and conflicts.
A good compromise is two dogs per pen.
The ideal surface of the pen gave birth to many debates. Indeed, Andersen's norms (3 square meters per 2cm and a half at the withers) can not be applied in canine breeding: 70 square meters would be required for a medium dog.
Besides, most dogs do not use such a surface and develop inhibitive behaviors through a lack of contact with the breeder or the other dogs.
Living space depends on the temperament of each dog, since it is based on the dog's "flight distance" (the distance the dog flees when faced with a stranger) and the dog's "critical zone" (when breached, the area in which the dog feels compelled to attack or submit).
It is also necessary to provide the dog with a private area (a box and a dog house) where it can feel safe from aggression. Modern dog houses are designed with this in mind, so the dog can actually hide from view.
As a general rule, the length of the pen should be at least twice its width. It should be at least 4 square meters for small breeds, 6 square meters for medium-sized breeds, and 8 square meters for large breeds.
Typical Design of a Box Yard Type Dwelling for Two Dogs
We recommend a design with the following advantages:- The box provides shelter from the elements and the yard allows for physical exercise (and a relaxing atmosphere).- A partially covered yard provides an area sheltered from sun and rain at the entrance to each box.- The dogs can see outside and watch neighboring pens.- Two adjoining pens can be separated from the others if a contagious disease that is transmitted through the air is suspected (respiratory infections such as kennel cough, for example).- Evacuation of liquids is created with an inverted slant at the division between the box and the yard. This design allows owners to alternately clean the yard while the dogs are in their boxes, and to clean the boxes while the dogs are in the yard. We recommend allowing the cleaned surfaces to dry completely before allowing the dogs to re-enter the area. This helps to prevent dermatitis on the dogs' feet which can be promoted by excessive humidity in the pads.- Ability to heat the boxes.- Food and water protected from inclement conditions and contamination. Food and fresh water can be distributed directly from the main corridor without having to enter the boxes.- Easy control of parameters for atmosphere.
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