Building work nearly complete, how much time can we keep them out for?

[hercules1]

So the dogs will now have a fenced of area of the garden with either mulch or gravel for themlselves and a sheltered patio area to dry off in. We are also looking into getting an outside kennel too.
We had intended on them living indoors originally but the mess is putting us off but we dont want them to be outside all the time as we do want well socialised family pets.

How long do you reckon is okay for them to be outside during the day?

They can be outside for as long as you want during day, as long as they have water and shelter.
If you bed down a kennel/hut with a thick straw bed/shredded paper they will be warm and dry off quickly if they're wet.

My springer lives outside and gets good walks. IMO he's actually happier outside cos he's not getting into trouble/shouted at(he was forever raiding bins/dd's toys/dd's clothing).
I feel that living outside has settled his personality too, he is very firmly bottom of the pack now. Hopefully this will make him a better dog around dd later.

If you've got more than one dog buy a cheap shed and put one of those heaters in it that looks like a bit of grey plastic pipe - think you can buy them in Wickes.
Buy or make a 'dog flap' - an off cut of vinyl flooring is ideal - 2 flaps secured at the sides so the dogs can push their way through.
Then the dogs can be out for as long as you want.