There is no use in putting off the construction of a fence if you're a dog owner. Most obviously, keeping your dog safely away from the street is paramount. A fenced-in yard allows a dog to run, jump, and play which simply means life-enhancing exercise. A fence allows a dog to safely do what a dog must do: employ their senses--smelling, chasing rodents, and guarding the house from passersby, to name a few. Activity is a joyful aspect of a dog's life and health, and a fence offers a measure of freedom. Still, a well surrounded backyard doesn't preclude the need for the joy of fido's joys--being walked--a roam around the neighborhood to broadcast his essential message: I'm here and I matter.
Very helpfully, a fence...
- lessens the number of times a day a dog must be walked.
- is a good substitute for a trip to the dog park (particularly if your dog is aggressive with other dogs.)
Enjoying the Security
And once behind the fence, alleviating boredom with your presence is the greatest reward for a dog who desires your leadership. Activities behind the fence may include training exercises or teaching tricks, throwing a ball or playing Frisbee, using toys and then swapping out the toys to maintain interest, with breaks from being fenced in. Hiding a favorite treat or toy to discover in the backyard can give an opportunity for distraction. If a grooming session is something that your dog enjoys, do it in the yard so positive associations are made.
- Remember that herding or sporting breeds need more distraction.
- Walk around the yard and make sure there's nothing that would help a dog escape, like stacks of debris or wood.
Remember: even your dog can be unpredictable and this fence...
- protects others
- guards against injury or awkward mishaps and unfortunate encounters
- keeps you from liability issues
- wards off intruders, accompanied by your dog's bark, of course
Height is important--if you have a big dog, a 4-foot fence will not suffice. Anywhere from 5 to 7 feet is required depending on the size and agility of your breed. For smaller breeds, four feet should do the trick unless you have a dog who is Captain Marvel and should be wearing a cape.
What type of fence?
There are some common but questionable choices out there:
Chain-link or large openings--efficient for some things, but sadly often climbable--a medium or large size dog can easily gain a foothold and get over a fence. Chain-link also won't win you any points with neighbors aesthetics-wise either. Gaining a foothold is possible with other styles of fence, too--call Louis Page for advice.
Electric--an invisible fence might solve the boundary and aesthetic issues, but for a dog, the shock can be received as a punishment, when delivered it can be misconstrued with whatever the dog is perceiving at the time of the shock so fears can result. And it can in some cases be breached if the incentive is great enough.
Here's an option to check out:
Apron Fence--A great option for medium and some large dogs, especially if your dog is a digger. This line wire, running the length of the roll, acts as a guide for the bending or folding the bottom 12 inches of the roll to create an apron. When folded at a 90-degree angle, this part of the fence lays on the ground. Grass or vegetation will grow up through the apron, securing the hexagonal mesh to the ground. This eliminates the need for the digging of a trench and burying wire in the ground--nice chores to avoid. When your dog comes up the edge of the vertical fence and starts to dig, the wire mesh stops them. To keep your dog within the enclosed area, place the apron to the inside and the apron will prevent digging under the fence.
Other Options
Call Louis Page and talk with us about your dog and the particulars of your property and we will advise you as to the best style and grade of fence for your situation. We will take the guesswork out of creating the right enclosure for your four-legged best friend.
