you realy need to do something!! tying up is not a horrible thing if it is what keeps them safe!! even indoor dogs have risks! no sence in making that risk greater by just letting them run around at large!! We had an unfortunate accident with a dog we used to own 2 years ago. Missy was an inside dog, a beautiful yellow lab puppy of six months when, my then 4 year old son accidentally let her out while i was in the shower and my husband was working in the yard, And she got struck by a car!! right in front of my son!! she just ran out of the house and went straight for the road! It was a horrible thing for my son to whitness!! he has never been the same since. he is very cautious with our dogs, and constantly worries. Thankfully she was killed instantly and we didnt have to see her suffer! but no one should have to go through that!! you got very lucky that your dog did not get hurt! you wont be so lucky the next time!! if you tie your dogs up or at least crate them you will be saving their lives!!