Soundproofing A Dog Kennel

Soundproofing a Dog Kennel has benefits for both humans and the dogs. It reduces ear fatigue for the humans and reduces stress for the dogs (which causes them to bark less). A typical dog kennel has painted block walls, an epoxy coated floor and a painted open truss metal ceiling. All these surfaces are used because they are easier to clean and maintain. These materials also create hard, reflective surfaces, for sound. The result is a lot of noise reverberation in the room and sound pressure levels between 100 and 108 dB(A). For a room of this type, you probably want noise reverberation time of 1 second or less. You can begin soundproofing a dog kennel by adding acoustical materials to the room. This reduces barking noise and creates a more pleasant environment for people. It will also reduce stress for the animals.

• A material that is efficient in reducing noise. These materials will have a high NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) rating.
• A material that is cleanable with a water repellent surface.
• A material that is stain and mildew resistant.

The best place to install the materials in the room would be overhead in the ceiling area or the upper wall surfaces (if there is not enough room in the ceiling because of sprinklers and lighting.) Note: A hanging baffle is more efficient than a wall panel because more surface area (2 faces ad 4 edges as opposed to 1 face and 4 edges) is exposed to the room.

• Keep your acoustic treatment spread out in the room as much as possible.
• If you are using hanging baffles, hang them in both directions. (front/back and left/right orientations) This will prevent “open lanes” between walls where sound can bounce without being absorbed.
• Because of the 12' height in our example room, I would suggest using 2' height x 4' wide x 2" thickness hanging baffles, with 2 grommets on the 4' edge in the ceiling area. and 4' x 4' x 2" wall panels on the upper area of my walls if needed to get your required amount of absorption in the room.