Doodles without a fenced yard

[Jen & Ember]

Hi there. I am excitedly/impatiently awaiting the arrival of my doodle in late August/early September and have been planning like crazy in order to help pass the time.

 

I live in a (small) house which does not have a back yard. It does have a fairly large front yard and a patio area. The patio area is in front of the front door, and is all gravel, with a privacy fence that does not have a gate. The yard itself is not fenced except at the border between properties.

 

I am wondering about others' experiences with having a doodle and no fenced-in yard. Thoughts? 

 

Also... does gravel hurt dogs feet?

[Taylor & Huff]

We do have a fenced in backyard but the front yard is not fenced. We don't have grass in either of our yards. Huff is allowed outside in the backyard but he isn't allowed back there alone because I am afraid he might eat something he isn't supposed to or even something that is not edible. He still does that at nearly 2 years old but not as much as he used to. When he was a puppy and he wasn't vaccinated, we mostly took him potty in our front yard (we have wood chips and plants there. After he got all of his vaccinations we started taking him to the park across the street. We live literally right across the street from the park haha:) Lucky us. I don't think gravel hurts dog's feet. Huff walks on it sometimes and he doesn't complain. And believe me, his feet are very sensitive. haha:)

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

We have a 4 yr old and a 3 yr old mini goldendodle, I just wanted a fence so badly so they can be off leash and play! We finally took the plunge for a fence last year, we have a small yard. I just wanted them so badly to run around off leash and play but we still take them for multiple walks and we take them on leash to potty in the yard. They are not left alone out there ever. You will do ok, a dog park would let your pup run off puppy energy once he has all the required shots of course. Congrats and good luck!

[Susan, Zeke. Lily & Jasper]

We have 3 doodles and no fence.  All potty times are individual and always on leash.  I just count all the up & down the steps as part of my daily exercise.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Been there...done that! Lived in a condo with two dogs, one for 7 years, one for almost 2!  Leash every time...

Now I am in a house without a fence (saving up for one) and we continue to walk them on leashes. It's not too big of a deal, but I would love love love a fence. Mainly because we like to entertain a lot outdoors and I would love for the pups to be able to just hang out and leave me worry-free.  You can do it :)

[Jen & Ember]

Thank all of you for all your thoughts & advice. It sounds like it is VERY possible and good. I'm very excited to embark on this journey. You all are very helpful and welcoming--thank you again. I so appreciate the kindness and suggestions! :)

[Adina P]

It's definitely more work, but doable.  I think the only problem with gravel would be repeated running on it, but just walking on it should be fine.