I live and work in a fairly rural area. I will start by saying that there is something very beautiful about seeing a farm dog roam free. It warms my heart to watch them work and/or play. They always seem so content and happy...

I hope I make sense on this part...I also think that dogs born in the country have a different mentality then city dogs. For instance, my dad's neighbor dogs were all born out there. They have the sense to keep out of the tractor's way, to not lay in the road, to not get over excited when chasing a rabbit, etc...My dogs and my dad's dog, on the other hand, are besides themselves when they are off leash out there. They are so goofy and excited that they lose all logic. If I let my dogs roam free out at my dad's, they'd get themselves killed.

My dad does let his boxer loose when he's outside working in the yard. Slowly, but surely, Joe is getting some smarts and not acting so city like. BUT, he did get hit by a car before he figured that out.

If I was to move my dogs out into the country, I would more then likely keep them enclosed unless I was around. But, I have seen many many many dogs who were born and raised in the country lead wonderful lives free.