We have not had a front yard since last April. The dogs we adopted made a sand pit and chased all wildlife away. I thought they just disappeared like other wildlife. It is so nice to hear the birds singing and even the squirrels running around burying acorns. Purple Martins, Blue Jays, Cardinals and others are glad to have their bird bath back. Even the butterflys left the yard. Foxy loves to bug dive, never knew of a dog that will spend hours chasing bugs and butterfly's like she does..
We put the dogs in the backyard which is where they spend a lot of time anyway, although they preferred the front yard and front porch where we spend most of our time when not busy. Back yard in larger but they like the run of both. We closed the gate to the backyard and closed them off. I miss seeing them all the time, but we do visit them. Spring we will plant more grass and once it takes root they can visit for short periods of time, not long enough to chase off birds and destroy lawn. We do let them visit on lease on porch and take them on walks.