The Big Backyard Myth

If you’ve ever looked at getting a high energy breed, chances are you’ve seen the phrase “this dog needs a big backyard”. Usually from people rehoming the dog at 9 months because it’s a teenage nightmare.

Facts:

👉🏻 Your dogs ancestors living on large farms etc likely didn’t get free run of the place all day. A lot of dogs spend most of their non working time contained in a kennel and run or a secure area resting.

👉🏻 Some of the most fulfilled dogs live on tiny properties or even out of vehicles.

👉🏻 Some of the most miserable and bored working type dogs are living on huge properties.

It’s not about the size of the property. It’s about the size of the life the dog is living.

A truly fulfilled dog whose owners put the work in getting the dog out and about and providing breed appropriate outlets is likely going to be quite happy in most properties. If the dog isn’t getting the work it needs, it doesn’t really matter how big the backyard is - you’re going to have issues.

Disclaimer - all that said, please don’t bring a well bred Huntaway into your town section if you can avoid it. If you’re really dedicated he might be happy with what you provide, but the neighbours probably won’t appreciate it!