We have a large home and our dog has full access to the house during the day. We only gate the stairs at night and he sleeps on the main floor. Our lab shares my office as "his" room and water is available in that room. He has a large crate in there, but we never use it. The crate is one of many napping locations with bedding throughout the house. I can close off the office and have room for another crate if your dog requires a smaller space at night. We generally put our lab in the office with my sister's lab at night when they come to visit as her lab is more comfortable in the office with a companion. We have a big yard, but we do not have a fence. While my dog is trained to go out on his own, I will always leash and accompany your dog when going outside.