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Keeping your dog safely confined when you can’t properly supervise her is important for training a puppy or acclimating a new dog to your home. When it comes down to kennels vs crates, the choice is personal for what is best for your dog, home and family. Interestingly, while dog crates and kennels are normalized here in North America, they aren’t routinely used in other parts of the world like Europe or Australia, who instead create dog-proof areas. Some people use the words kennel and crate interchangeably, however a kennel is usually a large penned in container that includes space for a bed, food and water dish, toys and pee pad while a crate is a small container just big enough for a dog to turnaround in and sleep.

What are indoor and outdoor dog kennels?

A kennel is a permanent or portable contained area that can be used to contain dogs when you aren’t home or able to supervise. Depending on the size of your dog, you can use portable exercise pens (X-pens) as kennels setup in your home. Outdoor dog kennels setup in your yard is another option. However, it’s safer to setup dog kennels indoors to prevent exposure to the elements and reduce the chance of dognapping. Dogster recommends only kenneling your dog inside the home.

Dog kennels are larger than dog crates and are typically large enough for dogs to comfortably move around making it appropriate for dogs to be left alone in them for longer periods of time. In a dog kennel, it’s important for dogs to have safe and comfortable places to sleep, water, possibly a place to eliminate such as a puppy pad if you’re using them as part as potty training and safe chews and/or enrichment toys.

Some example of exercise pens to use for indoor kennels are:

1. $139. PEIPOOS Dog Panel Pet Playpen Kennel
2. $45. Frisco 8-Panel Plastic Exercise Dog Playpen
3. $108.99. Go Pet Club Heavy Duty Wire Dog Exercise Pen

What are dog crates?

Dog crates are smaller contained enclosures generally either plastic or wire that dogs can be put into when not supervised. Many dogs come to think of their crate as a comfortable bed and safe space. The appropriate size for a dog crate is big enough for a dog to comfortably sit, stand and lay down. Dog crates can be useful for giving dogs safe places to sleep at night. Dog crates can also be beneficial with supporting puppies learning potty training. Because dog crates are small areas, they are not appropriate to leave dogs in for long periods of time (more than a few hours). Here are examples of different types of dog crates:

1. $595. Fable Medium Dog Crate
2. $99.99. Frisco Heavy Duty Enhanced Lock Double Door Fold & Carry Wire Dog Crate
3. $499.99. Moderno Dog Crate
4. $299. PetSacee Wooden Dog Crate
5. $598. Orvis Wooden End-Table Crate
6. $375-$675. Revol Dog Crate

Creating dog-proof areas

Another option for keeping your dog safely contained when they are alone is to create a dog-proofed area of you home. Instead of using a crate or kennel you can use a smaller room (depending on the size of your dog), such as a bathroom, laundry room or spare bedroom to create a specific place for your dog to stay. If you want to use a dog-proof room as a kenneling area, select a room with easily washable floors. Remove anything from the room that could be harmful to your dog or that your dog could chew. Then add in necessities to keep your dog comfortable and engaged, such as water, a bed, dog safe chews and enrichment activities. Looking to block off a room to create a dog-proof area? Here are some examples of wall mounted dog gates:

1. $71.02. Frisco Steel 3-Panel Configurable Dog Gate
2. $59.99. The Safety Mate Gate
3. $249-$298. One-Touch Pet Gate
4. $139.50. Retract-a-Gate Retractable Pet Gate

Which is better: a dog kennel or crate?

Dog crates and kennels are a great way to keep your dog from getting into things around the house that could be dangerous when you aren’t able to supervise them. Crates can also help your dog to sleep through the night and give your dog a private, safe place to be. If you need to leave your dog for extended periods of time like when you are at work, it’s best not to use a crate. Instead create a dog-proof area of your home or keep your dog in a larger kennel to provide your dog with space to comfortably move around. If you must leave your dog crated for extended periods of time, it’s essential to hire a dog walker or have a friend or family member come and visit to give your dog a break from their crate.

Help for leaving your dog at home alone

If you are struggling with leaving your dog home even safely contained in a crate or kennel, seek support form an experienced dog trainer who utilizes positive reinforcement training techniques. A trainer will be able to help you work with your dog to develop and maintain positive associations with the crate. A trainer will also be able to help you assess if your dog is struggling and might need additional support with a separation anxiety condition, which could be preventing your dog from being able to comfortably settle on their own.

Providing your dog with a crate, kennel or other safe space to be when they can’t be supervised is an important part of training. Keeping your dog safely contained can help prevent your dog from chewing your belongings or getting into things that could be harmful to her. Determining the right sort of containment is going to depend on how long you need to leave your dog, and your dog’s personality. Crates are good for short-term containment, while kennels or dog-proofed areas of the house are best if your dog will be spending an extended period of time alone.

Everything about the Weimaraner telegraphs speed, stamina and clean-cut beauty. Once seen, this striking dog is never forgotten. Here are seven fun facts about the wondrous Weimaraner.

The Weimaraner dog breed backstory

The noblemen of Weimar (today in the state of Thuringia, in modern-day Germany) were keen hunters who pursued a variety of big game, including bear, boar and deer. The original Weimar Pointers appeared in the 19th century and were valued for their versatility, superb tracking ability and courage. The nobles bred the dogs to enhance these many qualities, all in a distinctive gray package. Availability of the dogs was strictly controlled. The German Weimaraner Club was formed, with restricted membership, and only members were permitted to own and breed the dogs. Few outsiders knew much about the breed, but stories abounded touting their hunting prowess. In 1928, Howard Knight, a sportsman in New England, attempted to join the German club. He promised to protect the purity of the breed, but the club still sent him two sterilized dogs. Knight wouldn’t give up. Eventually, he was sent three females and a male puppy in 1938. Other admirers of the breed in this country joined forces with Knight. In 1942, the Weimaraner Club of America was formed, a breed standard was written and an application was submitted to the American Kennel Club for breed recognition. It was granted the same year, and the Weimaraner was exhibited for the first time at the famed Westminster Dog Show in 1943. Americans had timing in their favor, as they began importing Weims from breeders in war-torn Europe. The breed was well on its way in this country.

The Weimaraner’s signature nickname

The Weimaraner quickly developed the nickname of dogdom’s “gray ghost” for its light eyes and coat color and stealthy hunting style.

The Weimaraner as a status symbol

By the mid-1950s, the Weimaraner’s ever-growing popularity proved to be a mixed blessing. Their success as eye-catching show dogs and big-running hunters soon made them a canine status symbol. Price tags soared, often for dogs with bad temperaments and second-rate bloodlines. Many a Weim who was bought in haste ended up being offered “free to a good home.” It took a decade for the breed to rebound from this explosive over popularity, thanks to the determination of responsible breeders working with a strong gene pool.

Weimaraner Temperament

The Weimaraner is a loving, energetic hunting dog. To repeat: The Weim is energetic. Tireless. Inexhaustible. They need lots of daily exercise and prefer to do it with you. They are not an independent breed and will not be content to sit in the backyard or a kennel run by themselves for hours. You must be willing to make the time to engage with them through games and play, providing an outlet for their energy. Otherwise they are prone to separation anxiety, which in turn can result in barking, whining, howling, digging, overall destructive behavior and even injury to themselves. As beautiful, sweet and faithful as the Weimaraner is, anyone considering the breed must commit to the need for training and owner engagement. More Weimaraners are surrendered to breed rescue for separation anxiety, most likely than for any other reason.

Another flavor of the Weimaraner

While the vast majority of Weimaraners have a short, smooth and sleek coat, there is also a long-haired variety, with a silky coat and an undocked, feathered tail. They are considered quite attractive by many, and you will find breeders in the United States who produce them. Although the long-haired dogs cannot compete in American Kennel Club dog shows, they can participate in all other AKC-sanctioned events like obedience, agility and rally. Long-haired Weims are accepted in the United Kennel Club’s dog shows here in the United States, as well as in Canada and overseas. The gene is recessive, so a breeding can produce long-haired puppies only if both parents carry the trait.

Am I blue?

Weimaraners also come in a dark, smoky or charcoal color called “blue,” in addition to the familiar shades of silvery gray that earned him his nickname. Many pet owners choose one gray and one blue dog, just for fun, enjoying the contrast in color. As with the long-haired Weims, blues can compete in all AKC performance events but are not permitted in the show ring.

Famous Weimaraner owners

With the Weimaraner’s sleek silvery coat, amber eyes and clean-cut physique, it’s not surprising that the breed has been favored by presidents, royalty and celebrities over many decades. President Dwight Eisenhower was accompanied to the White House by his Weimaraner, Heidi. Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco received a Weimaraner as a wedding gift before marrying Prince Rainier III. Celebrated producer and TV host of American Bandstand, Dick Clark, had Weimaraners. Adrien Brody, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Kendall Jenner and CNN medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta all own Weimaraners. The most famous Weimaraner owner is photographer William Wegman, whose striking dogs have graced the pages of fashion magazines and coffee-table books, as well as calendars and greeting cards, for years. If you’ve seen a Weimaraner pictured on roller skates or wearing a Marilyn Monroe wig, it’s due to Wegman’s fertile imagination and cooperative dogs.

A snapshot of the Weimaraner dog breed:

1. Where does the Weimaraner come from?

Germany. Weimaraners were bred as a hunting dog in the early 19th century and used by royalty for hunting large game such as bear, boar and deer.

2. How did the Weimaraner get its name?

It is pronounced WHY-ma-ra-ner. The name comes from the Grand Duke of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, Karl August, whose court, located in the city of Weimar (now in the state of Thuringia in modern-day Germany), enjoyed hunting.

3. What size is the Weimaraner?

Males are typically 25 to 27 inches, and 70 to 90 pounds. Females are 23 to 25 inches, and 55 to 75 pounds.

4. What is the Weimaraner like?

Friendly, fearless, alert and obedient. Very loving and people-oriented. They want to be with you. Without this essential contact, they are prone to separation anxiety, barking and destructive behavior.

5. How active is the Weimaraner?

Very active. This breed needs frequent, vigorous exercise with his owner and must have an outlet for his energy. Lots of interactive games and play.

6. Is the Weimaraner good at any dog sports or activities?

Yes! Smart and versatile. Obedience, agility, rally, dock diving. They have webbed feet and make great water dogs.

7. Is the Weimaraner good at dog jobs?

Yes! They are great at search and rescue, detection, make fine service dogs … they really can do anything.

8. Is the Weimaraner dog breed good for first-time dog owners?

This is a large and very strong, boisterous breed. Probably not ideal for most first-time owners.

9. Is the Weimaraner a good family pet?

The best match would be active owners who like exercise and have a fenced yard. The breed has a strong, instinctive prey drive, so watch the pet cats, birds and rodents. Strong and boisterous enough to knock over toddlers. Not recommended for most seniors. Not a breed to be left alone all day; single owners and working households must consider doggie daycare or a similar arrangement.

10. Is the Weimaraner a good apartment dog?

Typically, no. A large, securely fenced yard recommended, along with plenty of walks on leash and safe, supervised, off-leash exercise.

11. How easy is it to train a Weimaraner?

The breed is very smart and learns quickly. Is it “obedient?” That’s a learned behavior that must begin at a very young age. Obedience classes in a group setting are recommended to instill confidence in the owner and teach the dog to work with distractions.

12. Is the Weimaraner given to excessive barking?

He can be, without appropriate training. Barking is a sign of boredom and, if ignored, can lead to destructive behavior and separation anxiety.

13. Does the Weimaraner make a good traveler?

Yes, when training begins early. Crate training is essential for safe car and air travel, hotel/motel stays, overnight visits to the vet, etc.

14. Is the Weimaraner easy to groom?

Yes! Occasional brushing to remove loose hair, plus regular nail cutting, and cleaning of ears and teeth. Be prepared for seasonal shedding.

15. How popular is the Weimaraner?

No. 40 in the American Kennel Club list of most popular breeds (there are 200 AKC-recognized breeds in all) in 2021, based on annual registrations.

All dogs pant. Many times it just means they’re hot.

California-based dog trainer Ash Miner, a certified trick dog instructor (CTDI) working on a master’s degree in animal behavior, says panting is the best method dogs have to disperse heat considering they can only truly sweat through glands located in their paw pads.

But there are other reasons dogs pant.

Why do dogs pant so much?

Dogs pant when they’re hot and tired. They pant to disperse heat by expelling the trapped hot air inside their bodies and breathing in the cooler air around them.

It is normal for dogs to pant. In fact, Ash says that a dog who can’t pant well may have airway issues or lung issues that should be looked at by a veterinarian.

In addition to physical exhaustion from activity and exercise, the panting can also result from mental exhaustion — like stress. It can also mean your dog is excited.

Dogs may pant when they are deep in play. Ash says that although dogs don’t start out panting at the beginning of play, they can pant after some exertion. She says sometimes they will even freeze and close their mouths to begin a game of “pounce” or “chicken.” But after a while, they start panting.

There are also medical reasons that dogs pant. Dogs who get car sick may pant before vomiting. Panting can also signal that a dog is in pain. For example, dogs with arthritis may pant from feeling pain in their joints, according to Ash. Other conditions include respiratory issues and heart failure.

Heavy panting in dogs can also indicate a serious and immediate condition like heatstroke.

Normal panting vs. heavy panting

Though panting is normal and healthy in dogs in many cases, there is also abnormal panting that can indicate a problem.

Ash says normal panting is:

• A consistent, even breathing speed
• The dog’s eyes are squinting.
• The face is relaxed.
• The dog’s lips are pulled back into a smile in order to widen the mouth for maximum heat expulsion.
• The dog’s ribcage moves, which may cause his entire body to move.

Beyond normal panting, heavier breathing may mean there is a problem that needs attention.

Ash says signs of heavy panting can often be spotted in the tongue.

• If the tongue is in a fairly normal position, this is light panting.
• If the tongue is moving aimlessly out of the dog’s mouth, this is moderate panting.
• If the tongue tip is widened, this is heavy panting.
• If the tip of the tongue curls back up on itself, this is a possible sign of heatstroke and the dog should be given cool (not cold or warm) water to drink right away and taken to a cool place, preferably with air conditioning.

What should I do when my dog pants?

Generally speaking, panting in dogs is a pretty normal occurrence to help them cool down, but there are times when it can signify a deeper issue like stress, pain or a medical condition.

If your dog’s face is relaxed, his breathing is even and his tongue is normally positioned in his mouth, this is all typical panting. Offer him some water and keep him in a cool location out of the sun if you see his tongue flopping out of his mouth because this is moderate panting.

However, if the tip of your dog’s tongue curls back on itself while out playing in the sun, he could be having heatstroke and he needs to drink cool water right away and possibly taken to the vet.

Also, if you start seeing your dog panting more than usual, it could be a sign of pain or a medical condition that may require veterinary assistance as well.