Winter Ready: Enhancing Your Gunner Kennel for Cold Weather

As winter's chill settles in and arctic fronts sweep across the country, hunters and their retrievers face the challenge of keeping warm during those cold-weather adventures. For those of us chasing ducks, our retrievers might spend more time in their kennels during travel. One crate that stands out for its performance in colder conditions is the Gunner Kennel G1, a top choice for many.

Why Gunner Kennels Shine in Cold Weather

Gunner Kennels are known for their durability and effectiveness, particularly in extreme conditions. Extensive testing, including cold weather assessments, has demonstrated that Gunner Kennels can maintain an interior temperature up to 20 degrees warmer than the outside air. However, wind chill remains a concern, potentially leading to hypothermia in dogs. This is where the Gunner All-Weather Kit 2.0 (AWK) comes into play.

All-Weather Kit 2.0: Design and Function

Unlike typical "cold-weather" kits, the AWK is designed to be an all-year solution. This kit allows for continuous use, without needing to remove it during warmer seasons. The AWK covers the windows on the Gunner Kennel—two on the sides and one on the back—with flaps that can be rolled up to ensure ventilation when needed.

Installation of the AWK involves removing the six bolts that hold the kennel’s top and bottom sections together. The AWK’s bottom section fits between these parts, and the bolts are reinstalled to secure it in place. Adjustable straps ensure a snug fit. This setup might seem cumbersome, but it’s worth it to protect your dog during those cold winter months.

When installed, the AWK's flaps are held down with Velcro and snaps, preventing movement during travel and blocking cold winds effectively. Constructed from TPU-coated nylon, the AWK provides excellent wind and water resistance.

Show Off Your Kennel’s Style

While the AWK offers exceptional protection, it doesn’t hide the distinctive style of your Gunner Kennel. The cover’s design lets you showcase the kennel’s sleek look, access the handles, and utilize the tie-down bars. The Gunner logo on the AWK matches the emblem on the kennel, maintaining a cohesive look.

The Impact of Keeping Your Dog Warm

Even though a kennel provides shelter, it can be taxing for a dog to maintain its body heat in extremely cold conditions. Regardless of whether your retriever is a Springer Spaniel, Golden Retriever, or Labrador, they expend considerable energy trying to stay warm. This increased energy expenditure can affect their overall performance and require more food to replace lost energy.

The AWK significantly enhances your dog’s comfort and performance by minimizing the energy they spend on staying warm. As a Labrador kennel owner and founder of Cornerstone Gundog Academy, I can confidently say that the Gunner AWK is a valuable investment for cold-weather travel.

Addressing the Door Dilemma

Previously, Gunner offered no solutions for covering the ventilation holes in the door, leaving a potential for wind and precipitation to enter. Recently, Gunner has introduced the Cold Weather Door Cover. For a detailed review of this new product, check out the video review by CGA Founder Josh Parvin!

Stay warm and keep your retriever comfortable with the right gear this winter.

- Barton Ramsey