To me, it looks like you're being a responsible pet owner. Particularly for the breed you've chosen to love. They look happy and healthy. I am particularly moved by the photo of you and the sweet dogger putting her/his head under your chin. That's just sweet. Clearly there is alot of love there.

I've used a tie out before for my RB dogs. When they had to stay in the yard and the yard could not be fenced. There is a photo of them below in my signature.