It is best to purchase a crate or carrier that will approximate the puppy's size when full grown. If the puppy will be living outside you will need a dog house and bedding appropriate for your climate. It is best to have the opening to the dog house toward the south to avoid cold winter north breezes. Bedding used in dog houses or crates should be washable. It is not recommended to use stray, hay, or shavings in dog houses as they tend to cause skin irritations and can be difficult to keep clean and parasite free.
Many experts recommend crate training as an excellent form of housebreaking.
The crate should be large enough for the puppy to stand up, turn around, lay down and still not tip over food and water bowls inside the crate. The crate should be considered the puppy's den or cave much like a baby's crib. The crate is a safe place for the puppy to be when you are away from the house. Leave the door to the crate open and let the puppy know the food and water is in the back of the crate. You can put a few pieces of food around the outside to encourage the puppy to go inside the first few times.