I'm sorry to seem disagreeable but I too can't understand anyone wanting a dog and then keeping him/her outside. Dogs are companion animals and love human interaction! Since I was a child all of my memories are of my dogs being inside, very definite members of the family, snuggling up with me on the sofa and sleeping in my bed! This may sound harsh, but to me keeping a dog outside 24/7 is not much better than shelter life. Sorry.