40 THE AIREDALE 



dogs in one. In this way there is opportunity 

 to give each building a rest once in a while, and 

 this should be done in the case of the individual 

 runs and pens, if not for the whole building. 



Good hard wood, varnished and kept clean and 

 well drained, is the most popular floor for ken- 

 nels. Concrete is cold in winter, asphalt is far 

 from desirable in summer, and both are hard on 

 a dog's feet. Dirt, gravel, and ashes are very 

 hard to clean. Cork is expensive and rots out 

 with amazing speed. 



The sleeping benches ought to be about two 

 feet off the floor and so arranged that they can 

 be taken down, cleaned, and set out in the sun 

 to dry. Plenty of elbow grease, backed up with 

 a good strong disinfectant and fresh air and sun- 

 light, these are the secrets of a successful kennel. 

 Cleanliness means that disease and parasites will 

 be unknown. 



Wheat or rye straw or wood shavings make the 

 best bedding. The straw costs more than hay, 

 but it is ten times as cleanly, lasts twice as long, 

 and is much better for a dog's skin. Very often 

 shavings will be given away for the carting of 

 them, and they make a flne summer bedding, 

 though they are not very warm for winter. 

 Shavings, especially pine shavings, make a very 

 poor home for fleas. Excelsior is not popular. 



