Breeds of dogs all differ, just as owners Differ. Housing your dog depends on many factors, such as your lifestyle, your dog breed and the amount of room you have to spare.

We can start by looking at which dog you have. Housing your dog largely depends on its requirements to stay safe warm and dry. Toy breeds, by the virtue of their petite size, make perfect house dogs. Many owners of small dogs such as terriers, shitzu or bichon are happy all the time, provided they are trained well!These small breeds respond well to the home environment, providing they know their place in the home! You'll probly find that a matt or a doggy bed aroun the size of a cat bed will suffice for these small breeds. Keeping them in garage or laundry could be ideal, provided that your dog feels safe and it feels like it has a little area of its own. Dogs after all, are very territorial by habit.   As for larger dogs, such as medum sized spaniels, boxers and terriers, you will find that keeping them inside becomes tedious and irritating. Not just for you, but for your dog too. They relish the space that an outside environment provides them.   Secondly, you will needs to consider the size and space you can offer for housing your dog. If your garage is well aired, cosy and there is not to much clutter, it might be a great place for your dog to live, if however its full of gear and your dog has to live in a corner where it cannot make its own space, it will quickly become fustrated.   For those of us that live in areas like apartments and duplex houses (or attatched units) you have to be very cautious of how your dog will be exposed to the neighours. Many dogs dont take to kindly to being housed where other people can annoy them and irritate them.   Youve also got to think about what sort of breed requires what sort of housing. Your breeder will have sussed you out before selling a dog, to see if your lifestyle suits that breed, however people often come across dogs in other circumstances. Always do lots of research into your breeds living habits.A lazy bulldog will surely be happy with a corner of the yard and not much space, but you try and keep a livly breed like a pointer in a small yard, and you'll drive the poor dog insane.Working and active breeds must have spacious runs, roomy kennels and should never be kept in tight quarters.   If your in this situation, and have a yard space for your dog to be housed and run around in, please please please ensure that the fence you put up or have, is in good order and is secure. Consider that your dog must not get out, but also consider if anything else can get in. Cats, other dogs and children are pretty handy at getting into places where they shouldnt be, and this can lead to obvious trouble!   Housing a dog also has situational requirements. Think about your climate, and where your kennel will be. Will it be cold? Windy? Directly sunny? Consider all these factors when pacing a dog house in your yard or chosen space. Kennel insulaton might be required if the area is frosty or gets snowfall regularly or intensely. Obviously, in this situation a saint bernard will be happier than a greyhound, so exercise common thought about the breed your dealing with.   Pay attention particularly to hot climates, which can affect your dog very fast. Black paint on that kennel might suit your house, but will it cook your dog....?   As far as getting a kennel goes, now days there are great off the shelf items that suit many lifestyles and designs. Plastic moulded ones are common, but if your dog is a chewer, watch out!Avoid fibreglass kennels like the plague, as the glass can lead to pain and discomfort for your pet.Wood is ever popular, and looks good and is very dog friendly. If you can afford a nice wooden kennel, go for one!
My best dog housing tips, and some great examples of kennels and enclosure designs can be found at my dog resource page on housing your dog. Check it out, and the rest of my site www.dog-hobbyist.com