All of our Dog Dens are made with the same materials mainly consisting of two layers of 4mm rotomolded plastic, stainless steel hardware, rubber handles and feet. This way we have minimised weather deterioration keeping your dog(s) snug throughout their lifetime.
But, obviously with weather variations, mud, sand, water and dog hair - an element of maintenance is required to care for your Dog Den.
1. KEEPING IT CLEAN
To make this as easy as possible we have designed a drainage system on the base of the Dog Den to channel water and puppy fluids away from where your dog will be resting. When you notice this filling and there isn't a lot of hair, dirt or sand in the Dog Den, you can easily spray hose the interior and tip the Dog Den forward to let the water channel through the bung holes.
If you're giving the Dog Den a good scrub, we would recommend removing the base from the top, adding some soap and giving it a thorough clean with a soft sponge, mop and a rinse off with a hose. You can then either let it dry naturally or give it a rub down with an old towel ready for your best mate to get snug inside again. The same can be said for the exterior.
2. PROTECT IT
There is no doubt that despite stainless steels durability, relentless harsh exposure to the elements can result in to natural deterioration of your Dog Den. Nothing is made perfect and over time naturally features may degenerate. While the Dog Den acts as a perfect solution for your dogs, it is not recommended to consistently store it outside. Factors such as extreme UV exposure can effect the colouration and shape of the rotomolded plastic and stainless steel components. Equally, consistent freeze-thaw could potentially impact the hardware.
So instead we say simply say... look after it. When the Dog Den is not being used then we would recommend storing it in a secure dry environment.
3. SECURE IT
Securing your Dog Den is the most important thing you can do for yourself AND for your dog(s).
In the event of an accident, if your Dog Den is not properly secured inside or even outside you vehicle you can only expect the worst. We would ONLY recommend fastening your Dog Den either inside or outside using 1" or 2" ratchet straps. Think about it. If you have a 30kg labrador in your 24kg Dog Den, when you break at 30mph you exert 30kg + 24kg x 30mph (13mps) + 10% margin for error = thats 772.2kg worth of force.
By securing your Dog Den you are not only protecting your dog(s) from sudden movements but you are also protecting yourself and everyone else travelling in your vehicle.
4. LOCK IT
We would also always recommend locking your Dog Den. This will give your best friends a chance incase anyone decided to release them. While of course it is not impossible to steal your dogs, our paddle locks are designed to be lockable. Keep your keys handy - but don't panic if you have lost them. Just get in touch with us as soon as possible and we will offer you a replacement.
