I'm worried about Murphy too. He hasn't been outside much yet because it's winter here. And, so far, he has always been on a leash. I did post recently that I bought him a 100-foot piece of clothesline - and he just loves going out and running all over when he's are on that. He almost never even goes to the end of it before he turns and starts running in another direction.
My yard isn't fenced either - and I think he'll spend most of his outside time on the long piece of clothesline. Even if he breaks loose, I can catch it without even going near him.
I am also whistle training him. He comes like a bullet in the house when I whistle for him (with a treat - a piece of chicken) --- and the two times I blew the whistle outside - he also quit whatever he was doing and came to me as fast as he could. I'll know by the end of the summer if this works all the time.)
I can imagine how you felt. It's frightening to loose a little dog - or any dog (or child) for that matter....right!
Good luck! Carol Jean |