I've had a dog of my own for over 14 years, named patch, and i have also been brought up with dogs all my life. Unfortunately, we had to have our Patch put to sleep as he was ill and old. I really miss him and the walking every day, he used to get walked 3 to 4 times a day, not in the hot weather though. I work from home 5 days a week and have a 6ft fenced garden, so dogs are safe and won't be able to get out, if they need to be crated then fine, but I never crated my dog, and being home all day doesn't warrant it. Looking forward to helping out other people while there away and spending quality time with pups/doggys making them feel safe and loved while there owners are away!