If you are against the electric underground dog fences, you probably need to consider if this is the right time to get a dog. I have not seen even the most well trained dog stay in their yard exclusively. Many times, they will push the boundaries while owners are away. They typically will not leave the immediate area, but can get into your neighbors yard and the street (which is obviously dangerous).

As for leaving it outside, generally dogs can be left outside, if they are properly acclimatized to the weather and have adequate water/housing. Your vet can probably offer some more advice on this topic, especially as I do not know what type of dog you have.

I think an underground fence is a good option, if you are completely against a traditional fence. They are easy to install and you can adjust the amount of correction needed to keep your dog in the yard. There is still a lot of training involved, even with these types of fences.

You need to be prepared to spend a significant amount of time training your dog no matter which option you think is right for you.

When our dog is outside she has a long leash that is attached by a pulley to a metal line we put up between two buildings, this gives her room to move around and decreases the possibility of getting tangled up on things.

A couple of reasons that it’s not a good idea to keep a dog outside all of the time. There’s the danger of predators (other dogs, coyotes, bears, etc depending on where you live) or rabid animals (raccoons, skunks, bats) or weather (too hot or cold) or getting caught on something and choking.

Without a fence it amounts to animal abuse – you would have to tie him up – horrible!!!
That makes a dog mean and nasty or just plain miserable.

Outside dogs are unhappy and uncomfortable – dogs want to be part of the family.

Reconsider, either get a smallish dog you are willing to keep in the house unless you are out with him, or don’t get a dog at all – try another kind of pet.

My advice is to instead crate train your dog. When you aren’t home or cannot supervise, your dog can be in his/her crate. Dogs will grow used to their crates – even going in them willingly if trained properly. By crate training, you help give the dog a secure spot (a den), you help him control his bladder and you ensure that no damage occurs to your home in your absence. This way you don’t have to worry about all the issues of an outside only dog (fence or lack thereof, escaping, strangling, people stealing or taunting the dog, etc.).

Electric fences may work for a short term or with supervision, but if the battery ever dies, your dog may walk beyond the barrier and escape. Even if your dog is very loyal, all it takes is for him to stray gently onto the street and some bad timing before he’s gone.

Of course, you stated that you don’t want an electric fence. You also stated you can’t put up a fence. This leaves you no choice but to tie your poor dog up outside all day and night for the rest of his life. And you say you are a dog person? I can’t imagine tying my dogs up outside all day and night forever! Plus, even a strong leash can break and again, your dog can wind up lost, stolen or dead.

My advice – do not get a dog or reconsider your options of an outside only dog at this point. I recommend inside crates instead.

If he doesn’t learn to get out, and an agressive stray dog gets in where will the dog run to?

Tying up a dog is not the greatest idea especially being out 24/7.

I really fencing is the only answer. If you can’t do that you may not be able to handle the dog. Dogs are companions and want to be with its family. Being outside in the elements would b difficult and may cause the dog to excessively bark and irritate you neighbors.

I really thing you should reconsider and not have a dog at this time. Sorry to say that.