I have made houses just like the two discribed above and my dogs if given a choice will chose the barrel most of the time. People will tell you how uncomfortable the rounded bottom is, but as long as you don't tell the dog, he will love it. Two things to remember when using a barrel, (plastic, not steel) is to make the cradle so that the bottom of the barrel doesn't rest on the ground to avoid ground drafts. Also raise the rear about 2 inches above the front. Drill a hole about 3/4 in diameter in the front bottom. This will allow any moisture that should find a way in to be confined to the front and drain out the hole. Don't cut the entrance to low or your bedding will not stay inside.