Even though I'm up and about sometimes as early as 3,4,5,6 am, my dog is not allowed to go out because he will find a way to make a noise and annoy my neighbors. He has plenty of space and a pad down if it comes to that which so far haven't had a problem with. Same with the cats - no breakfast until 7 when everyone gets fed. And, if dog does go out and finds something to bark about early am, then I have to grab the flashlight and leash and catch him and bring him in all before I've had my own coffee, while wearing a robe.