keeping dog home

Question
I have a ten month old lab.  He's housebroken, but when I let him outside he just won't stay in his own yard(4 acres).  I also think he must be eating somewhere else as he doesn't eat that much at home.  Can you help me keep him on his own property?

Answer
Hi Joe,

At ten months old, your dog is still a puppy! It's not hard to imagine how temptingly easy it must be for him to get distracted by just about anything, and be lured away from your yard. I'm sure you've come to realize that without any physical barriers, your dog can't be contained on your property or trusted.

There is a product called invisible fencing (there are other similar brands too), which train your dog not to cross over the parameters you've set. If you're handy, you can install it yourself, if not you can have invisible fencing installed. You can read more about it here:

http://www.invisiblefence.com/
http://www.canismajor.com/dog/fences1.html
http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=8455244417...

If the underground or invisible fencing doesn't sound like the option you want to use, maybe try using a dog "trolly".

A trolley/dog run is better than a fixed chain, because it does give a dog more freedom of movement, it allows your dog unsupervised exercise. A trolley system is like a clothesline that the dog is attached to by a leash. The leash is attached to the line by a rolling trolley. The dog can run back and forth the length of the line, so it's better than just chaining your dog out to a stake, yet he can't run away.
Read about dog trolly's here: http://www.unchainyourdog.org/Trolley.htm

http://www.doctordog.com/merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=DDHCAPM&Pr...

You can " boundary train" your dog. Just know that it takes a lot of time, working with a professional dog trainer would probably help.
You can read about it here: http://www.softcom.net/users/aprilr/tips.htm
(scroll down to BOUNDARY TRAINING)

Though I've never used this product, it sounds like they had your dog in mind: http://www.dogproblems.com/boundary.htm

You could always fence an area, and let your dog run within that space. As your dog ages, he'll probably learn where he can go, and where he shouldn't and you may find that you no longer need a fence.

As far as eating, or being fed while he's outside, the big issue is supervision.
If you're not out there with him to offer a correction as far as the do's and dont's, your dog is not going to train himself.

If you can't trust the dog to stay close to your home, and only eat what you provide, then you can't let him outside by himself. No dog is going to turn down a handout, or not eat something you'd find repugnant if he happens to find it.

Best of luck,

Patti