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We just moved from the city to a country house with five acres of woodlands. I think our two golden retrievers, Dodger and Yankee, deserve a chance to live the life of normal dogs—running loose, exploring the woods. Unfortunately, my wife is afraid they will be hurt, killed or stolen, and insists we walk them on a leash. We both have very strong feelings about this issue. What can we do?
Both you and your wife clearly care for these dogs and want the highest-quality life for them. Hire an animal behaviorist or local dog trainer who is familiar with the risks in your area. He or she can help negotiate a compromise with your wife regarding the appropriate degree of freedom for the dogs. Some kind of fencing will reassure your wife when the dogs are outside alone. Good off-leash obedience training will keep the dogs under control, even when they are out of sight. Certainly, both dogs should be neutered, microchipped and licensed to maximize their safety. If you proceed with understanding, you and your wife can find common ground. Watching Dodger and Yankee thrive in the country will be a wonderful reward for your patience!
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