[alaskayorkie]

A friend recently told me about a dog who was crowned an obedience champion one afternoon and then darted across the street chasing another dog and was killed that evening. I don't think you can ever be 100 percent certain that a dog is going to stay within the boundaries you set without a fence. If he sees something that interests him more than you do, he may very well bolt.

I let my dogs off leash more than most but only in a controlled setting at the park. I don't trust them in traffic, and I don't trust them when there's anything around that I feel will tempt them to run off.

That said, I admit, some dogs seem to know how to stay away from traffic. I've just never owned one of them.

Is there any way you can buy a couple Xpens and set them up? I realize it's not the same as having a yard, but at least it will keep them safe.