Mush with P.R.I.D.E.

Basic Kennel Standards

Mush with PRIDE has summarized the following set of basic kennel standards from the Mush with PRIDE Sled Dog Care Guidelines. We believe that these are commonly accepted practices among responsible sled dog owners and offer this set of standards as an educational tool for novice mushers as well as regulatory agencies that may be charged with enforcement of humane standards.

  1. Daily Feeding. While certain specific training and medical conditions may warrant the temporary witholding of food, under normal circumstances all dogs should be adequately fed and watered at least once a day.
  2. Adequate Shelter. All dogs should have available adequate shelter from inclement weather. Usually this means a waterproof and windproof house or other shelter.
  3. Safe Confinement. Dogs should be securely confined and restricted in a safe manner. Chains and cables used to restrict dogs should be tangle-free and should include a swivel to prevent choking.
  4. Responsible Breeding. Any kennel that includes an intact female dog should have a heat pen capable of confining the female and preventing breeding with loose males.
  5. Adeqate Exercise. Confinement pens, chains, or cables should be of an adequate size to allow each dog to exercise.
  6. Fenced Yards. Kennels in areas that are visited by young children should be surrounded by a fence of an adequate height and strength to contain loose dogs and keep children out of the yard.
  7. Daily Scooping . All fecal matter should be cleaned up daily.
  8. Veterinary Attention. Dogs should be wormed and vaccinated on a regular basis and should receive a regular veterinary check-up.
  9. Socialization. Dogs should be socialized at least to the point of accepting handling from strangers. Special training, secure confinement and even neutering should be considered with overly aggressive dogs.
  10. Humane Euthanization Every dog should be trained to its highest potential. Euthanization is not a substitute for responsible breeding and training. Euthanization, when necessary, should be effected humanely by a qualified individual.

[12/19/95]