Dog How-to Quiz: How to Know If the Pop Open Dog Kennels Will Work for Your Dog

Have you seen the pop open dog kennels and are you wondering if one will work for your dog? The pop-opens are light weight and versatile, you can pick them up and easily move them with one hand, and they fold flat for storage (see "Review of Pop Open Dog Kennels Manufactured by Sport Pet Designs."). However, because the majority of the pop open dog kennels consist of a lightweight metal frame covered by a nylon/polyester shell, and most have mesh windows and doors, they might not work for all dogs. Take the following quiz to see if the pop-open kennels will work for your pooch.

1. Is your Babykins already kennel trained? (Yes = +10 No = -10)
A dog that isn't previously kennel trained will typically find a pop-open to be an unnerving experience. Kennel training requires patience and an atmosphere that provides your Babykins with safety, security, and a sense of enclosure. A dog's natural instinct makes kennel training a possibility, but no dog would choose to den in a wibble-wobbly nest in a tree ... and that's what the pop open dog kennels may seem like to an untrained dog.

2. Is your Bruiser a vigorous chewer? (Yes = -5, No = +5)
If your dog worries a rawhide bone until it's only slightly soft, swallows it in one gulp, and then starts chewing on the table leg, the pop-opens may not work for him. Dogs that are vigorous chewers may eat through the nylon/polyester shell and could easily munch on the mesh windows and doors until there's nothing left.

3. Does your Rocket move at the speed of light? (Yes = -5, No = +5)
The fact that the pop-opens are light weight is a terrific advantage. However, a dog that rushes into the kennel as if he's bent on bursting through the other end might find the kennel flipping on him. Some kennel models have a thicker, tubular frame and are more stable, but because they are soft-sided, if your Rocket is a rambunctious dog (regardless of size) it's possible he may knock his home over while inside.

4. Is your little Foo-Foo a Nervous Nellie in disguise? (Yes = -2, No = +2)
If your Foo-Foo is a nervous dog who shrieks at the least amount of movement in her kennel, a pop-open isn't for her. The kennel's soft sides sway when pressure is put on them. If she's an anxious dog, she'll most likely bolt when her portable home shifts, and you'll be lucky to ever get her back inside. Putting a dog pillow in the bottom of the kennel creates a little more stability, but overall, a superstitious dog that moves around a lot will not fare well in the pop open dog kennels.

5. Is your Mad Max a short-haired dog that gets cold easily? (Yes = -3, No = +3)
Because the kennels have a cloth shell, and many of them have mesh windows without a cover flap, even light breezes can create a chill when the temperatures are cool. Because the outer shell can't completely stop a draft, if your Mad Max is one that gets cold easily, the pop-opens may create a situation where he can't get away from the breeze and you may find a trip to the vet looming in your near future. Draping a towel over the window(s) will often cut down on the draft.

6. Does your Buddy live outdoors 24/7? (Yes = -10, No = +10)
Although some pop-open brands advertise themselves as spring/summer kennels, if your best friend lives outdoors 24/7, he needs a kennel that provides protection from adverse weather conditions. Most of the pop open dog kennels will provide a small degree of protection for short term, but extreme conditions will leave your dog exposed to the elements.

SCORING: Total all points, subtracting and adding as indicated above.
26-35: (Very probable): Your dog is an excellent candidate for a pop-open, and with a small amount of training will probably enjoy the kennel.
16-25: (Possible): As long as your dog is already kennel trained, does not live outdoors 24/7, and you are willing to invest a moderate amount of training to overcome fears/behaviors, the pop open dog kennel may work for him.
0-15: (Unlikely):The pop open kennel is not likely to meet your dog's needs. However, you could still consider one for your cat!

Sources:
Embedded links as listed above
Petrix.com/dognames
Sport Pet Designs product pamphlet

(Disclaimer: The scoring for this quiz is entirely subjective, and the responsibility for determining whether the pop open dog kennels are suitable for a particular dog lies with the owner. )