I agree with Jen as well. I see why you would want to keep the dog outside with the kitties being inside and all, but a dog kept outside all the time will become lonely. And there may not be Cyotes, but there are small things like Raccoons that could kill the strongest domesticated dog in 4 seconds flat. Anyway, hope you can figure something out. Hey, maybe if in your new house you could have a room just for the dog, and there could be a doggie door leading outside, so it could be outside and inside whenever it wants. But that is just a suggestion. Good luck.