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want to pick the brains of some experinced houndsmen. Building kennels to keep dogs in or just putting them out in chains. I put some kennels up last year and they are working put they seem like a hassel compared to when i had my dogs on chains. Just want to know what you guys are thinking

I like both when set up properly. I like chains to be 8ft or more and Kennels to be easy to clean.This might sound dumb but when one of my foxhounds is running he has like most hounds some weight with the collars and junk on his neck I think the chain off-sets that a little. Here is one of my chain set ups-

kennel, the only time i use a chain is for tying up at tree when shooting a cat or a leash for walking, i think a chain is not good. that's my opinion !

CH- IYO why is the chain not good?

How about niether chains or kennels. Are you trying to do whats best for the dog or whats best/easiest for you? Fence in the largest area you can and let those dogs run around and play with each other every day. All the other problems with tender feet, barking because they are bored and many health related issues go away also.

FullCryHounds wrote:How about niether chains or kennels. Are you trying to do whats best for the dog or whats best/easiest for you? Fence in the largest area you can and let those dogs run around and play with each other every day. All the other problems with tender feet, barking because they are bored and many health related issues go away also.

i agree 100% , chains limit a dog to move around, i have to have a kennel as i live in town.

Have used chains for over 30 years and do not see no problem with them, had a kennel for a few years but I prefer to use the chains, they seem to handle better on a leash and if they ever should hit a snare I do not think they will have a problem with it.

I like chains because I think they lead better and it doesn't stink like kennels do. Even if a person keeps kennels clean I think they still stink.

Chains all the way for me but as of right now I have to use kennels and I hate them.

i have both here ,and definately prefer chains to small kennels as the dogs just sit in a small kennel . the chain is a small form of resistance ,acts as a doo doo grinder so the ground can absorb it . the small kennels are great for raising pups ,and bitches in heat . would i like it if they could run free like ol yeller ? of course ,but a free hound around here is dead hound with tread pattern designs . i think a huge kennel would be great if you have the money ,time ,and resources to keep it fool proof .

i'm building kennels but i know that most of my dogs are happier on a chain. kennels just look cleaner around the house my opinion.
bj

i am NOT a big Fan of chains except at the tree . I live in a very Rural area . Each kennel area is 20X 8 seperated by 8 ft high chain link fence . The dog housing is very similar to what Stuntman posted pictures of .However 2 years ago I got a DEAL on 500 ft of 8ft chain link fencing with posts and hardware $ 1,700.00 so attached to the kennels I put up a 125ft X 150 Ft run area with that fencing . That allows the hounds to intermingle with each other. I don't know if that has helped BONDING the hounds together but have NOT had any issues with it . Just seems to me that hounds on chains get BORED more easily .Not sure if it makes any difference on HEALTH issues or not. I do about 4-5 times per year on an individual basis let them run around the yard as I am mowing the lawn or doing yard work . Again I can't say but I have NEVER had any issues doing that
Again call me crazy but it is just my way of putting in more time with the hounds .

Bob I agree 100%. Any time spent especially if its not hunting with the mutts is quality time. Nothing more enjoyble than working with hounds that had their brains devolped. If on a chain or in a kennel {I have both} I try to road them or just take them places. Lucky I have to buddies have shown me the way lol. One runs 18 foxhounds and can take them anywhere almost off lead and another friend showed me you dont need a dog box If I had the $$$ I would make a big pen just to turn out a few times a week.

Stuntman : I thought in my strange ways I was just trying to build the relationships with the hounds on an individual basis . My wife had some of her Cronies come into the house today after a shopping adventure . Somehow the subject of RELATIONSHIPS came up . Knowing that I have a TV in my shop area 2 of the ladies suggested I gather up the hounds go into the shop and watch OPRAH Talk about confusing your hounds

i like both myself. they serve a purpose in diff ways. like the whole one big pen thing but sometimes you just can't do it.