any tips, ideas, or thoughts?

Judging by Niko's behavior since we put our new kennel up (he'll go right in it and lie down if I open the patio door and say "Kennel, Niko!') and the issues we had with him for the first few months, it seems that it's very likely he was an outdoor dog. We're doing really well now, but it's always wonderful to gain some wisdom from the "been there" members.

It's hard to know a rescue's history unless it was an owner surrender (and they provide info...even then...not always reliable).

My female, Lola, loves her crate. The door is always open, but she spends a lot of time napping in her crate. Every night she goes to her crate around the same time and is there in the morning until she sees me get the leash for a morning walk. My male, Harlen, spends time in his crate, takes his favorite toys or treats to his crate, but will not sleep there as much as Lola.

Every dog is different, so hard to say if your dog was an outdoor dog or just likes his kennel.

Glad to hear he is doing well and glad that he is rescued!

I've only had a couple of fosters that were mostly outside dogs to my knowledge. I never have really seen had a problem with any "in the house" issues. I think the fact I have a dog door and once they get the hang of using it, it gives them the freedom to be where they want and nothing gets destroyed or peed on.

Jack was out in a yard at the rescue when we got him, but he came from an inside dog home, he was not out in the yard for but a few weeks before we got him so i think he still remembered the potty training things as in go out and not in the house. that would be the only thing i would see as being a big deal, the house training....or you just end up with a dog that likes to be out side a lot.