Do you tie your dood?

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

Grayson runs free on our 7 acres in the country.  For the first few months he was in our outdoor pen---with our yorkie---then he jumped the side, LOL.  Then we tied him up off the front porch.  But for the past 6 months he has been a free dog.  He loves to venture into the woods and run in the back field.  I have a whistle--very loud!--and taught him to come to 3 short bursts (so even the kids can call him).  And no matter where he is on our land he comes running!  The longest he is out is 30 minutes or so, and I check on him frequently---I am teaching him that one blow means stop and look at me.  He has never left our property.  Today, our neighbor rode his 4 wheeler through our yard--which we have asked that he not do!  So, now I am worried G will try to chase him---he has never seen the 4 wheeler, just heard it.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Before now, all my dogs were in the yard when my son's were outside playing.  When the boys went out ( human), the boys went out ( dogs).  The dogs seemed to think they were in charge of yard guarding or babysitting.

The only one I placed on a run was my last dog and that was when he went blind ( obviously he needed a run to keep safe). My doodles, Spud has been off leash in the yard and stays right with us.  But we have never just opened the door and let him out alone.

Starlit, is the first dog I can not trust on recall.  She will never be off a run or without being in a fenced in area even if she improves.   

Lucky you.  I loved having an off leash dog in the yard.   Some can some can't.

 

As far as that 4 wheeler, yes those are a huge problem.  What the rider needs to do is to slow down until he is almost at the dog, then take off quickly--for his safety.   If he is smart though, he needs to stay out of the yard.  Hope all goes well.  I have no answers about 4 wheelers  for you :( 

[Jennifer Tramell]

We have a very similar situation - 6 acres surrounded by other acreage and a neighbor with a 4 wheeler.  It was not a problem with just Webster.  He would take a little run and come home.  The problem started once Charlotte got too old for her puppy pen.  Now, if Charlotte is out by herself, no problem. If Webster is out by himself, no problem. BUT if they get out together?  They disappear - Presto! Chango! Gone Oh!  Oh, they come home but I am a nervous wreck until they do.

One of our solutions is a long, soft, thick rope with a dog leash attached.  We put one of the dogs on the rope and they both stay home.  We only do this when we are home and available to keep an eye on them.  They are tied within easy view of the house and I frequently look out to check on them.  The first few times we did this, we kept a very close eye to make sure there was no problem.  The dogs actually seem to like it and will follow me to wherever the rope is waiting and wait for it to be attached. It has worked well for about 6 months. 

Last weekend we fenced in a yard area behind the house.  We used cedar posts from some trees we cut down and livestock fencing (50 cents/ft).  Now the dogs have a secure area they can play without anyone being tied.  We will still use the rope occasionally but I am SO happy with our new doggy yard.

[Lorraine Bromley]

Our dogs always had free rain. They also were taught to come to the cow bell. It never took them long to show up after one good shake. We had 50acres. They stayed out all the time and were rarely in the house. Now that we have had our last farm dog in town and now Neely the doodle in the house I would have liked them inside too. I do think bringing them indoors at night is a good idea as wildlife has gotten out of control in our areas (coyotes) Back then there wasn't an issue like today. They were never far away and always came and slept in our barn. The happiest dog is the dog untied. They don't have to struggle to be free so stay put. They only run away if they are trying to get free or are a breed that is inclined to put their head down and follow their nose. 

They also always came to the front porch and lane at bus time to meet the kids off the bus.

Neely has an electric fence so has never been tied either.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

That is my dream acres for my dogs to run and them come to a bell or a whistle.  As long as they come I would not worry, they must be having so much fun!

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

I have a question....how does your dog KNOW where his property ends and others begin? :-)

 

Lucky you for having the ability, Daisy is much to frightened to be outside alone, she scares easily and just bolts in no particular direction.