I think people assume everyone lives in town or the suburbs
We have 23 acres, so I get what you're saying. Not only is treating not feasible but not safe if there is livestock in your pasture.
If you own pasture, you're going to have to keep it bushogged to not only keep it in grazing condition but that will help keep the tick, flea population down.
We do have about 1/8th acre of fenced backyard and treat that on particularly bad flea years.
If you have carpet, you may have to have a professional come in and bomb the house. That means you folks and all the animals leaving for the day.
Having any sort of flooring that isn't carpet, helps a lot.
Buy a strong flea/tick shampoo, even if you have to buy it from the vet.
Sergeants always had a good shampoo but I can't find it anymore. All our WalMart carries is Adams.
We retired to Middle TN from the OH/PA border. Some things were quite an adjustment. I nearly threw up the first Spring I found ticks on my horses but I've gotten used to looking for, and removing them.
If your dog is outside a lot, you will have to check more frequently for ticks, since she goes into the woods. Ticks don't die in the cold months, they simply burrow further into the ground. That means you may see them on your Shepherd in the winter, along with the fleas
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