Newbie q's re: leashing, etc

One other thing that you have to worry about with a dog in a FT situation is getting to a vet quickly. Medical issues (with people) are always a concern, but vet issues can add additional problems, since a vet and/or emergency clinic may not always be available. My nephew and niece-in-law had a Berner named Cody. He was a wonderful dog, full of life and loved everybody. They recently lost him while they were on vacation (without the dog) when he bloated. Most large breeds have health issues, and bloat is one that is all too common with these dogs. The problem is, if you can't get the dog to the vet immediately, the condition is almost always fatal. At the least, you will have to have a plan to deal with issues that develop wherever you are, whether they are with you, your spouse, your children or your dog.