I've got a Rottweiler and a little mixed breed that are inseperable which are both house dogs and housebroke.When i go away for 5-8 hrs i put them in a 12x12 home made screen kennel with a metal roof covering it that is attached to a 6x12 old pigeon coop converted to a storage building.Everything inside is up off the floor with 2 blankets for them to lay on when they want.I always keep a 2 gallon bucket of fresh water and an automatic dog feeder in there for them.I also installed an 80 foot cable to 2 trees with a 40 foot lead to give them plenty of exercise when needed.This gives them safe shelter from nasty weather and the exercise they need.Hope this helps with your problem.Oh by the way the screen kennel floor is concrete'no problems at all and i find this keeps their nails trimmed down nicely.Good luck