He needs to have a home that will be comfortable, yet not too large. If you get TOO large of a kennel, the puppy will end up soiling in half of it, while laying in the other half. This is not a good thing. Usually, it's not good to keep the dog inside for more than 8 hours straight. Young puppies cannot hold their bladders for a full 8 hours, so you must get up at night about half the way through, and take him outside.
Dens are small caves usually in rock or other areas, where the dog feels at home.
Puppies are born and raised there, and automatically STAY there while Mom is out looking for food. It's where they feel MOST secure. Even older dogs, introduced to kennels beyond puppy hood, begin to love their Kennel. Case in Point. Our Lab, Beauty was raised without a kennel.