Dickens Llewellin Setter Housing

Each Cell unit is purposefully 10' X 6' X 6 ' as to offer room for my Llewellins to move around but not become overly active in their separation (private) time. The English setter is easily excitable and energetic and can jump and climb, thus a larger moving space increases their mobility and chance of escape and injury; I want them safe and they are very content in their cells! Since they get their daily training and exercises under my immediate supervision, I consider their kennels more their safe zone rather than a kennel.

Each of Llewellin Setters has its own external connected housing unit which is (W3’ x L4’ x H32" 3 feet by 4 feet) and offers each Llewellin Setter

plenty of roomy sleeping quarters. As a matter of fact, each dog house will easily accommodate 2 Llewellins Standing up or laying down should I pair a male and female in the cells. This is a quite viable idea in winter time when its cold as the pair can share body heat to hlep keep them warm.

Each housing unit is elevated off the ground by a support base that is approximately 6 inches above ground level as to help prevent leakage and runoff waters from seeping in. The walls of the dog houses are insulated/corrugated (½ inch thick) PVC panels that act as insulation from the outside weather and noises. As for the interior flooring, each dog house floor is covered with ½ inch thick shag carpet, which provide them with insulated and comfortable flooring/bedding area.

Lastly, the Dog house are also inspected as to maintain my standards of habitable living environments and subjected to monthly and/or quarterly cleaning and treatments against fleas, ticks and other unwanted insects.

Kennel Cleaning Schedule

I currently maintain a daily, weekly/biweekly and monthly cleaning routine of the kennel. On a daily basis all dog's cells are cleared of droppings and washed away if needed. Fresh Spring Water is provided to each Cell in 4 gallon containers and is replaced every other day. In addition, on a biweekly basis, each container is cleaned and sterilized as to deter water born bacteria such as Giardia or Coccidia and/or other health issues.

Each week the dogs kennel cell receives a floor cleaning with water and is sterilized with chemicals as to help prevent common bacterial health problems as well as cut down on natural odors.

On the topic of Odors and droppings: I strive my best to eliminate odors but that is not always possible as 8 Adult Llewellin Setters (plus any Llewellin Setter Puppies) do not always cooperate with my daily efforts. This can be a never ending battle as there are many times I will clean the cells and immediately after I finish, one or two dogs will litter up their cell as to donate and contribute to my efforts.
Gee! Thanks Guy's and Gals!!!!

Since Llewellin Setters are easily excited, I will often ask that visitors maintain a distance of 100 feet from the kennel until I can tidy up the area before they approach the fences. Noting like 8 Llewellin Setters flinging a mess on a visitor as a "Welcome, Nice to See you.. Pet Me First!!!!!!" as to curl the nose and offend those nice clean clothes.

Lastly, Stainless Steel Feeder Bowls are provided to each individual Llewellin, and are cleaned and sterilized on a regular basis and as needed.

Training and Exercise

As routine and/or as accommodated by time and weather constraints, under my supervisions all of my Setters are allowed to exercise each day on a 58 acre farm. A majority of the time I allow all my Llewellin Setters to Exercise, run and play with each other as to encourage interaction and intense exercise. However, in summering months when the weather is extremely hot and humid, as to prevent the potential of heat exhaustion, I limit the time and closely regulate their outings and restrict it to a one on one period of low key exercise.

In Training session, an additional 30 minutes is added to each of their schedule and is separate from the free time of exercising. I train in several in forms/types of commands (verbal, hand gestures, whistle) as well as use special techniques and training devices. However, I do not force train as I believe dogs should not associate anything as a forceful effort; it is their natural tendency to resist any force and react as if it is punishments.

Quality Time

At any given time, each one of my 8 Llewellin Setters are allowed into my house where I may Bathe, Groom, and/or spend quality time with them laying about, playing, petting, loving, and/or watching that remarkable flat screen TV thing.

It is important to them and myself that bonding be part of our lives and their training as a pet that has no ritual of interaction will tend to be less attentive and cooperative to commands. In saying that, With the gentle and affectionate nature my Llewellins, it is hard to resist giving them the special attention they deserve!