How We Keep Dogs Contained and Safe at Stohner Kennels

Containment is one of the first things I would ask about before leaving a dog at any boarding or training facility.

Dogs can act differently away from home.

A dog that has never tested a backyard fence may dig, climb, squeeze, or bolt when it is in a new place. A kennel should be designed with that possibility in mind.

Here is how containment works at Stohner Kennels.

Individual indoor and outdoor runs

Each dog has its own indoor and outdoor run.

Individual runs reduce the need to move dogs through shared group spaces and allow each dog to rest, eat, and receive medication without pressure from unfamiliar dogs.

The indoor area is climate controlled. The outdoor runs are covered and connected to the dog's indoor space.

Dogs from the same household may sometimes stay together when it is appropriate, but unfamiliar dogs are not automatically grouped.

The secured air out yard

Dogs receive time outside in a dedicated air out yard.

The yard uses six foot no climb fencing. The mesh is designed to make it difficult for a dog to get a paw hold and climb.

The fencing also continues below ground. A dog that begins digging meets fence instead of an open path underneath.

A welded top rail adds strength and helps the fence maintain its shape over time.

A second perimeter fence

The air out yard is not the only fence on the property.

The larger property has a separate six foot perimeter fence, creating another layer between the dog areas and the road.

Multiple layers matter because no single gate, latch, or fence should be the only thing standing between a dog and open property.

Controlled movement

Good containment is not only about the fence.

It also depends on how gates are used, how dogs are moved, and whether the person handling them is paying attention.

Drop off and pickup are by appointment so arrivals can be managed instead of having several owners and dogs moving through the same area unexpectedly.

Dogs are handled individually based on their behavior. A dog with known escape behavior, fear, or poor leash manners needs a different level of caution from a calm experienced boarder.

That is why honest intake information matters.

I live on the property

Stohner Kennels is located on the same 11.5 acre property where I live.

Living on site does not replace secure construction, but it does mean the kennel is not left as an unattended commercial building after business hours.

I personally manage the dogs and know what is normal for each one during the stay.

Cleaning and health are part of safety

Safety also includes climate control, fresh water, sanitation, medication, and watching for changes in appetite, stool, breathing, movement, or behavior.

A secure fence does not help if the daily care is poor.

The entire system has to work together.

What we do not claim

No responsible kennel should promise that risk is impossible.

Equipment can fail. Dogs can behave unpredictably. Weather and emergencies can create problems.

What I can do is explain exactly what we have built, why we built it, and how dogs are managed.

Owners should be able to make an informed decision instead of receiving vague reassurance.

Stohner Kennels is located in Poetry, Texas, near Terrell, Rockwall, and Forney.

Contact me if you want to ask questions about the containment setup or arrange a time to see the facility before boarding or training.