I have dog sat for family & friends for the past (15) years. My husband and I have fostered dogs with the organizations Guardian Angels for Soldiers' Pets 3 different time over the past 10 years. The first time was for two labs for 14 months and again for 6 months while the family got settled in Hawi'i. In 2014 we fostered a lab and boxer for 6 months and this year we fostered a yellow lab for 4 months. I'm not working right now, so I can spend quality time with the dog, whether it be taking them for walks, having play time with them or just sitting on the couch. We have fenced in dog parks fairly close, so, with the permission of the owners, we'd take them to the park to socialize with other dogs. Our house is kind of small, so that’s why I would only like to watch small dogs. We have a backyard, but it’s not fenced in. We do have a lengthy tether attached to the house to allow them to be outside for a duration of time supervised. In all the time I've watched dogs, not once has a pet gotten away nor have they had any run ins with other dogs. If the pet(s) are frightened by loud noise (thunder, fireworks etc.) there are quiet places within the house I can take them to keep them calm and feel safe.