I live in a spacious 5 bedroom home (most rooms are empty) and am happy to let the dog jump in bed or on the couch with me (size permitting). We have a fenced in back yard. Being only a mile away from a bike path trail, I often bring dogs there to walk and to a nearby field when they need to run in open space. I have 2 small dogs, but am able to separate them in a different section of the house if needed, (but they are very good with other dogs if the feeling is mutual). Between working at home and family coming home at different hours, the pets are never home alone and receive constant affection and attention!