Our home is our castle. At least that’s what our pets think.

If yours are anything like mine, they’ll defend it to their dying breath — the neighbour’s dog, the evil squirrel, the suspicious leaf. Protecting “home” comes naturally, and sometimes that vigilance follows dogs into other environments like dog daycare, boarding kennels, and even walks.

Whether anxiety stems from fear, separation, or reactivity, environment plays a far larger role than most people realize. While many kennel owners inherit their buildings and layouts, not all facilities are built in ways that support calm behaviour. When stimulation stacks without adequate recovery, dogs can tip into chronic over-arousal, a dynamic explored in redlining in dogs and behavioural overload.

1. Personal space

While a crate must allow a dog to stand up and turn around, long-term confinement in a small crate is not appropriate for extended boarding. Dogs need enough space to feel safe, comfortable, and settled — and they benefit from having a space they can claim as their own.

This becomes especially important for dogs that graze on food rather than eating immediately, become possessive of toys, or are anxious or reactive. Dogs that wake suddenly in unfamiliar surroundings can startle easily, sometimes reacting defensively. Larger, private rooms reduce this risk by providing predictability and a sense of ownership, which is closely related to the need for personal space and private areas for dogs.

With each suite having its own private patio, our design gives guests the perception of more space even when outdoor access is limited by weather.

2. Fully enclosed rooms

Does the kennel use wire crates or solid-walled rooms?

Kennels built with wire panels or partial walls allow dogs to see constant movement of other dogs and staff, which increases barking, fence fighting, and reactivity. This visual stimulation keeps nervous systems elevated all day.

Interesting fact: a dog’s bark can reach approximately 120 dB. Prolonged exposure above 85 dB can damage human hearing — and constant noise also raises stress levels in dogs. Health Canada notes that sustained exposure to high decibel levels contributes to physiological stress and hearing damage in humans, and similar principles apply to animals in noisy environments Health Canada guidance on noise and health.

Half-height walls with bars above don’t solve this problem for larger dogs and provide minimal sound dampening. In contrast, floor-to-ceiling walls prevent visual overstimulation, reduce noise bleed, and help dogs settle. Windows set at human height allow staff supervision without dogs visually fixating on one another.

For dogs that remain reactive despite these measures, having a separate building or quiet wing provides additional relief.

3. Temperature control

Some dogs love lying by the fire. Others thrive in snow. A kennel, however, should aim for a stable, moderate temperature — roughly 70°F (21°C).

Temperature extremes increase physiological stress and arousal. Dogs that are too hot or too cold struggle to rest, settle, and regulate emotionally. Kennels without proper HVAC systems risk chronic discomfort, dehydration, heat stress in summer, and cold-related health risks in winter.

Comfortable dogs lie down and rest. Uncomfortable dogs pace, vocalize, and remain aroused.

4. Segregation of spaces

Have you ever tried to have a conversation while your dog is barking beside you?

In a kennel with 20 or more dogs, constant noise quickly becomes overwhelming. Facility layout matters:

Is grooming located inside the main kennel space or in a separate room?
Do staff eat and take breaks near the dogs?
Is the office directly adjacent to kennels?

Facilities that allow physical separation between loud areas and quiet zones can dramatically reduce stress. Doors between wings, quiet sections for reactive dogs, and the ability to isolate particularly vocal guests help maintain a calmer overall environment.

5. White noise and sound management

Some dogs bark — a lot. Whether from separation anxiety, reactivity, or frustration, barking tends to spread socially. White noise can help dampen sudden sound spikes and reduce trigger stacking from other dogs barking.

Sound management must be used thoughtfully. Radios with human voices can agitate some dogs. Volume matters. Televisions can increase arousal if animals appear on screen. Music with a consistent tone and low variability tends to be more calming.

At The Loyalist Barkway, the original kennel design included built-in speaker systems rather than radios. We periodically adjust the audio environment based on how dogs respond, aiming for a calming, neutral sound rather than stimulation.

Why design matters

Whether you’re building a facility or choosing one for your dog, kennel design directly affects emotional regulation. When touring a kennel, observe:

Are dogs resting — or constantly barking?
Do you see scratching at doors, fence chewing, whining, or pacing?
Do staff seem overwhelmed by noise?

Design that reduces sensory overload helps dogs settle. Calm environments support emotional regulation. Regulated dogs are safer, healthier, and more comfortable during boarding.

If your dog struggles with anxiety, the environment is often the missing piece. Thoughtful kennel design can make the difference between a dog simply enduring their stay — and actually feeling safe enough to rest.