8 



THE BOOK OF THE DOG. 



be turned into almost unexceptionable kennels arc various and simple, but perhaps that shown 

 in Fig. 3 is as useful and effective as any. It will be seen from the diagram that all required 

 to convert an empty stall into an excellent kennel for a dog or dogs of any size are a few 

 strips of wood and some extra strong wire netting. It is always well to line the lower half 

 of the front (marked A in the figure) with wire, as well as the upper, as it prevents any pos- 

 sibility of the dog gnawing his way out. The upper half (H) is better fronted with wire only, 

 as it enables visitors to see the dogs more easily. The cross-beam (c) should be of con- 

 siderable strength, as great pressure is often put against it by the dogs if they endeavour 

 to escape. Of course, in the case of the larger breeds, or destructive specimens of the smaller 



FIG. 3. STABLE FITTED UP AS A DOG-KENNEL. 



varieties, it will be necessary to substitute iron rails for the wire and wood work ; but personal 

 experience has taught us that the additional expense of iron rails is in the vast majority of 

 cases quite unnecessary. We have kept scores of dogs, chiefly Bull-dogs and Bull-terriers, in 

 the above sort of kennel, and have never known one to eat out of them. Due attention must, 

 however, be paid to two things (I) get wire of extra strength and thickness, and (2) be sure 

 your doors come well down to the ground. 



Whilst on the subject of doors, attention should be directed to a most important feature in 

 their construction : always have two fastenings on each door. If there is only one, it is liable to 

 come unfastened in the night, either through the instrumentality of the traditional cat, or the 

 carelessness of the feeder ; and the result is a serious disturbance, and perhaps a free fight in the 

 kennel. Nothing seems to exasperate dogs when in confinement more than to witness a kennel 

 companion roaming about the premises alone, and we have suffered severely from dogs breaking 

 loose of a night. The best description of fastening by far is a bolt for the lower half of the 

 door (see E), and a hook catch on the upper. It is a good plan to fix the latter in such a 



