[Britster]

I live on a farm, technically. Even though we're only 10 minutes away from Annapolis and about a 30-40 minute drive from DC and Baltimore. But, we live on a house on a big hill far away from the road with 3 acres of land. Behind us (basically our backyard) is 60 acres of farmland that our "far away" neighbor owns. In the "country", dogs just run off leash, lol.

My mom's 4 year old cockapoo (who is SUCH a tomboy) runs this place, lol. She's always just had free roam of the yard and goes everywhere - down to the farm to greet the farmer, etc. It's just what we've gotten used to with her. I do let Jackson outside without a leash but he doesn't go unsupervised for more than 3-5 minutes at a time. Him & my moms dog have so much fun together outside and they stay really close by all the time. I can keep a watchful eye through the sliding glass door all the time. I love the fact that Jackson is sort of a farm dog and loves being outdoors. I can totally trust him off leash (however, I wouldn't allow it at a public place with a bunch of other dogs) but it's nice to know he'll be right there beside me w/o a leash. I have two different sides of me - one part of me is very laidback with him and doesn't worry too much but on the other hand, I can be very overprotective as well. For example, my mom and stepdad wanted me to meet them for dinner last night forgetting I had had Jackson w/ me. My stepdad told me to just leave him in the car while I ate and I was appalled! LOL. I would never let that happen.

The farmer owns 3 black labs and they come down by themselves and visit often!