What would be fairer to a Labradoodle?

[Sandra R]

Keeping him tied out on a leash because you do not have a fenced in yard or finding him a new home so he will have a yard to run in? Walking him every day or a dog park is not an option right now.

[Eva (Lilo and Rocky)]

If your dog is young and energetic and needs lots of exercise, I think re-homing with a loving and active person who can provide him that kind of life sounds like a really good idea...

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

What do you think?  

Why do you ask this question?  I'm asking because I'm  wondering if it is you, how can we help you?  Or is this someone you just know?

If it is you, there are some other options: doggie day care, a dog walker, a friend who the dog can stay with during the day.  I would love to have another dog come stay and play during the day and to keep my dog company-so no that is not a crazy idea with some of us.

Any of these ideas sound appealing or cross your mind as a possible option?

If not, drive him to my house tomorrow. I am about 2-3 hours away. I'll help him now, temporarily, or long-term.  How can I help you?

[Sandra R]

 Still thinking about it so I don't want to jump into anything quickly.

[Donna K & Quincy]

Are you talking about your own doodle? If you can't walk him or take him somewhere for exercise would finding someone who could walk him for you be an option? If you can find an area where you can take him to play ball, 15 mins of playing fetch with a ball launcher will get him a really good exercise session.

[Ginny Nightingale]

Personally, I could not give up a dog I was really attached to and would do all I could to make it work--maybe i would get a dog run for the yard though since putting a dog on a line in the yard can really mess up their neck and throat. I hope that everything works out for the dog and the person! 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Tying a dog out can also lead to aggression.

[Sandra R]

He's not aggressive at all. He's a big lover.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

No dog should ever be kept tied out on a leash, and that includes all sizes, ages,and breeds. It is considered unacceptable to most rescue groups, dog experts and dog trainers, and is actually against the law in some municipalities.  Many dogs, doodles included, do just fine without a fenced yard, but they must be walked and exercised on a daily basis. The dog should definitely be rehomed through a reputable doodle rescue group such as the DRC or IDOG.

[Adina P]

How long will 'right now' be and in what circumstances must said dog be outside on a tie out?

[Adina P]

More questions...

Aside from the lack of freedom in a yard (which isn't that big a deal because plenty of people have dogs and live in apartments without a yard), what else is he missing out on?  If he can't be walked or taken to the dog park, does that mean he's basically constantly alone except for short snippets?  There are many uses for exercise: physical health, dog's mental health and your mental health (a tired dog is a good dog).  A dog can be fine despite a period of sedentary life.  But if he's getting into trouble because of his extra energy, if he's basically alone all day, if he's stuck outside where other animals can come and bug him, feels unsafe, etc...that's a different story. 

All alone and trapped outside is worse than not being walked in my opinion.  I rarely walk my dogs--but with two of them they exercise themselves.  However, they live indoors and I'm home most of the day.  But even if I had only my one dog who is 6 y.o. he'd get about equal exercise with or without a yard because he doesn't exercise himself.  Most dogs probably won't exercise themselves, so simply having a yard 'to run in' won't necessarily make their lives better unless they are constant-on-the-go type dogs that don't sit still.  I think having companionship for most dogs and having something to do with their companion (work, play, etc) is more fulfilling for most dogs.  That's why I asked if this dog is alone all day outside or simply sent out for short snippets of time. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I agree with you, especially the part about being trapped and alone outside. JD does not run around or exercise alone in the yard. For that I have to walk him and/or play ball with him. In bad weather, he may not get more than two 10 or 15 minute leash walks a day and some indoor ball playing, which doesn't include much strenuous exercise since the house is small and he is large. But he manages just fine with that when it's the best we can do. 

But to me, if someone is so busy they can't find 10 or 15 minutes twice a day to walk a dog, they just don't have time for a dog, period. They wouldn't have time for grooming, training, petting, bonding, or playing, either. 

[Sandra R]

No he wouldn't be outside alone all day as if he was abandoned. My roommate is here with him during the day. Then I have him by side when I get home. He goes with me in the car when I leave and pouts if I don't take him. If I go to a neighbors house he barks and barks until I come back (if he sees me outside).

 What did you mean your 6 y.o. gets equal exercise with or without a yard because he doesn't exercise himself?  Does that mean you play with him to get his exercise? I do that also. We have a long hallway for him to run and fetch.