this is how i grew up as well, rural setting with a (big) dog (or two) that roamed our property (the boundaries of which they more-or-less knew). however they'r

this is how i grew up as well, rural setting with a (big) dog (or two) that roamed our property (the boundaries of which they more-or-less knew). however they're pack animals and would rather be with their humans, so they usually stayed close to the house, but sometimes they get bored and chase something in the grass or in the wind or whatever, and come back later. i now live in an urban area and walk my (little) dog at least twice a day, which gives us both exercise (5+ miles/day), and she seems pretty content with the amount of outdoor time she gets.