Dog Kennels & Runs — The Complete Guide for Edinburgh Dog Owners

Timber kennels offer natural insulation, breathability and a comfortable environment that plastic and metal alternatives simply can't match. Wood regulates temperature — staying cooler in summer and warmer in winter — which is important in Edinburgh where temperatures can swing from -5°C to 25°C across the year. A well-built timber kennel also looks far better in your garden than a plastic moulded unit. Our kennels are constructed from pressure-treated softwood that resists rot, and they're designed to complement the style of our shed range.

Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably inside the kennel. As a guide: • Small breeds (Jack Russell, Cocker Spaniel): minimum 600mm × 900mm floor area • Medium breeds (Labrador, Collie): minimum 900mm × 1200mm • Large breeds (German Shepherd, Rottweiler): minimum 1200mm × 1500mm • Giant breeds (Great Dane, St Bernard): minimum 1500mm × 1800mm If you're adding an attached run, allow at least three times the kennel floor area for the run itself. Larger is always better — dogs that spend significant time outdoors need room to move.

Edinburgh winters regularly bring frost, sleet and biting winds. An uninsulated kennel offers minimal protection in these conditions. We recommend insulating any kennel where the dog sleeps overnight or spends extended periods during cold months. Our insulated kennels use 25mm polystyrene panels sandwiched between interior and exterior cladding, creating a warm, draught-free sleeping area. We also fit raised floors to prevent ground chill and damp, and offer optional wind baffles at the entrance.

An attached run gives your dog secure outdoor space when you can't supervise directly. We build runs using galvanised welded mesh panels on a timber frame, with a solid roof section for weather protection and an open section for sunlight. Runs can be built on concrete bases (easiest to clean and most hygienic), paving slabs, or purpose-built timber decking. We always recommend a slight fall towards a drainage point for easy hosing down. For multiple dogs, we can build divided kennels with separate sleeping areas and shared or individual runs.

Dog kennels fall under the same permitted development rules as garden sheds in Scotland. Provided the kennel is under 4 metres in height, not forward of the principal elevation, and covers less than 50% of the garden, you won't need planning permission. However, it's worth considering your neighbours. A kennel positioned right on a shared boundary, especially with dogs that bark, can cause disputes. We recommend positioning kennels away from neighbouring bedroom windows where possible, and using insulation to reduce sound transmission. In conservation areas, the same additional considerations apply as for any garden building — check with the council if the kennel will be visible from public areas.

Timber kennels need annual treatment with pet-safe wood preservative to maintain weather resistance. We use water-based, non-toxic treatments that are safe for dogs once dry (typically 24-48 hours). Inside the kennel, use removable bedding that can be washed regularly. We build our kennels with removable roof panels or hinged lids for easy interior cleaning — essential for flea and parasite control. Runs on concrete bases should be hosed down daily with a pet-safe disinfectant. Timber decking runs need periodic scrubbing to prevent algae buildup, which can be slippery for dogs.