I'm no expert on dogs but from a purely emotional instinctive reaction I really dont know why people get dogs and keep them outside, my next door neighbours has two and they are permanently outside and when I see them they seem so sad, my dog would be bereft if I left him outside, when he does go in the garden after about 10 minutes he is peering through the window desperate to be let back in. I got my dog to be part of my family, and we live in the house so why wouldn't he? I dont baby my dog and I have 4 children so I dont in anyway confuse him for a child but still, it just seems wrong if he were exiled, no matter how much time you spend in the garden with the dog ultimately you are going to return to the comfort of your home. It just doesnt seem right.