At home I have an open yard with a long lead from the house to the shed. Granted I have trained my 3 dogs to be trained to not run off and stay in their yard. I do find it necessary at times to attach them to the lead when neighbors are out. With this I understand the importance of keeping dogs safe. While in the home I have three dogs bearing in age and eating at the same time I know that some need to be separated in order to eat and have boundaries. Same goes with cats. I've had to lock my kitten in the bathroom so she wouldn't steal the males food in the evening.