what about a combination of both during the winter. Will he consider the garage outside? I've heard some people put a pan in the garage during the bad weather. We are from central new york and live in the snow belt. There is no way he can get through the snow. I took the pan out and will try again. I really prefer the outside, but he will be small-about 3 lbs. and I will have to make concessions for his health and safety. Both my husband and I grew up in Chicago.