Ok, I do NOT have a fenced yard (well, partial, but not all the way around). We will probably fence it in next year. Leo LOVES outside. When he needs to potty or just be outside with the kids, I put him on a dog run my husband built. He has a 30 foot tie out and can cover most of the yard. I NEVER leave him out alone for more then a few minutes. If he is sitting at the door to come in, he comes in and when he wants out, he goes out. Why is this a bad situation? I find it works out the best for his safety now that he is getting older (he likes to run around to the neighbors yards if we let him free too long (5 minutes)).