If there's one thing I hate, it's being away from my 2 year old berner longer than I have to. Luckily I work a job where I can stop home to care for her twice a day. If the weather is lousy, I opt for putting her in my garage. Rather than limiting her to a crate, she has a 6' X 6' (4 foot high) kennel in the garage. I know most chemicals in the garage can be fatal, so all chemicals are kept locked up in a special cabinet. I built the best outside personal home kennel imaginable. 10' X 20', five foot high chain link fence, with the top covered in fiberglass and the sides surrounded by arborvitaes. The floor is EP Henry pavers so she can't dig her way out. There is a double walled dog house big enough for her to fit. The two gates to the kennel are locked with a combination lock and only my neighbors and my family have the combination. If you choose this route, do not use wood for any of the trim, once they urinate on the wood, you will never get rid of the smell. My berner is only in this kennel if the temperature is between 40 and 80 degrees and no precipitation. She actually likes the kennel and my dog owning friends have duplicated the kennel at their houses. (Pictures are available upon request if you are looking for a safe way to house your dogs). If you spend enough quality time with your dogs, there is no reason to leave free to roam your house.
Buncha berner hugs - Christine Kelliher, Kina 2 yo berner and Cozmo 4 yo Lab Philadelphia, Pa.
