Using a kennel outside?

[LegoAcupuncture]

Is it ever a good idea to leave your dog outside with a kennel for shelter when you're not in? Obviously providing they are safe, have enough water and shelter.

We have a doberman/lurcher x puppy. She is nearly 5 months old. She loves being outside, spends most of her time there when we are in. When we are out she is crated although working on her stopping in the kitchen in a few weeks when we are out with use of a baby gate.

I think she would be fine left outside, with kennel during the day, nobody can get to her, our garden is very secure. DH is dead set against this though. She is a big dog and I think she would enjoy the space to run around in. She is left maximum of 2 hours a day when I go to work.

Growing up, we had dogs and they were left outside in the summer, but I did live abroad so different environment. DH has never left a dog outside, but his parents garden was not secure enough to do so.

[toboldlygo]

You will probably get a lot of negativity on here but I agree with you. Given lots of stimulation either side and provided it's a spacious, safe and secure arrangement it's no different to leaving them in the house and for some dogs will prove to be much better.

For me though this would not be a garden but a proper kennel and run with bars or mesh panels, solid flooring and a roof.

[Daisybell1]

Our working dogs live outside most of the year. They have pretty palatial quarters and enjoy the freedom but can also switch off and recharge their batteries.

[Geeklover]

Ex mil does this. She is also never out for longer than a couple of hours.
Her kennel was built by a friend and is huge and lovely and comfortable. She has a big secure garden and the dogs prefer it.
It's insulted so cool in the heat and warm when it's cooler.
She did I'd because both her dogs choose outside most of the time even when inside is an option.