Very correct. The two most common reasons for abdominal surgery in dogs is due to either rawhide or gastric torsion.

I think Doc E is correct on the kennel run. I love having one because it completely eliminates the need for anything else if properly set up. My kennel run has a 3-walled roofed stable that is about 10 feet x 7 feet, wherein I keep the food and water and a 55 gallon barrel dog house. Then he has a run going straight south out of this for about 10 yards (30 feet) blocking the cold north wind, but then has an "east wing" where he can get right in the north breeze if he chooses to cool off some. He can dig, poop, and lounge. He can also chew on only what I give him to chew on. In fact, I keep my hunting dog on a farm 5 minutes away from my apartment right by campus. I'd rather him be out there than in my apartment, and I'm pretty sure he would rather be there too. I can get him and take him for a ride or hunt any time I choose, and when I am studying or in class or anywhere else, I don't have to worry much about him becuase I know he's in a fairly controlled environment. PS...Doc E, I bet the raised food and water is an effort to avoid straining your dogs body while eating? Also, buddysmom, why the aggression?