Question

Dear Penelope

We just got a new Lab/Shepherd mix (7 months old) and are constructing a "dog run" on the side of the house (about 5 feet wide and 70 feet long) with a cement floor and "see thru" gates on each side of it. When we are not home during the day, do you think we should put the dog in this area, or should we let her roam around the yard freely? Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Penelope's Tips

I'm assuming that the yard is also fenced in. The run you are building sounds great. Does it have a top on it? If not, you might want to consider one - they sell tops that give filtered shade. You also want to be sure she has some shelter, like a dog house.

If it was me, I would not let the dog out loose in the yard while I was gone during the day. Too many things could happen such as escapeing, harrassment from people or other dogs, dog napping to name just a few. Your dog will be much safer in her run because, if the yard is fenced, she will be protected from whatever happens along the fence line. I would add one more safety measure and be sure the gates to the yard have locks on them.

Penelope