Dog fence
Getting
a dog fence
Dog owners
need to consider how having a dog may affect the neighbors, or how the
dog will react to outside influences if he should escape from their property.
Dogs that are prone to jumping over garden walls and roaming free are
a liability and a nuisance and may even cause accidents if they are not
controlled properly. Dogs are also in danger of being teased by people
passing by if they are accessible and this can cause them great distress.
Fences, both
seen and unseen, keep dogs where they belong. There are many dog fencing
systems available to satisfy personal needs, zoning, and aesthetic requirements.
When beginning your search for the ideal fencing method, it is important
to look for the most practical fence to suit your situation. Base your
decision on the type of dog that you have or are planning to acquire,
as this will then determine the height that you need as well as the most
practical material. Be sure to check your community regulations to see
if there are any restrictions on height or materials used. Generally a
height of about 6 ft is sufficient for most big dogs.
Traditional
Dog Fencing
The choice of traditional seen fences includes:
- Masonry
walls are expensive but are the ideal way to fence a large
dog in. Although masonry walls can be made to look quite attractive,
they may not be a good choice if you wish to maintain the maximum
view from your yard. They can be made out of cement blocks or
bricks.
- Picket
fences are ideal if you want a strong dog retainer but don't
wish to obscure your view completely. These fences consist of
narrow slats of wood nailed upright on a solid wood frame. Installed
at the proper height for your breed, they are a very strong dog
containment system. They can span the gaps in a solid wall or
stockade fence. They offer the strength of wood yet don't totally
block the view. Picket fences are rather expensive, though not
as costly as a wall or privacy fence. They are fairly good looking,
do not prevent people from poking things at the dog, but may be
prohibited by some zoning laws.
- Split-rail
fences are a good mid-price fence that provides a much more
open view. They usually consist of wooden brace posts joined by
two or more wooden cross rails. This fence looks nice and is often
incorporated into professional landscape designs. Split rail fences
provide a very strong base, but fabric must be added inside the
fence to confine the dog. Otherwise, he will scoot under or through
the rails. (Make sure the fabric is added inside the fence or
the dog may be able to climb to rails and ooze over the top.)
The fabric becomes almost invisible, particularly if shrubbery
is planted along the fence line. Cost is midway between expensive
solid fences and cheaper fabric fences. It combines well with
other fencing and can be used to dress up the more visible portions
of a fenced yard.
-
Chain link fences are fairly expensive but very long lasting.
It is a strong deterrent for dogs trying to get out and intruders
trying to get in!
- Snow
fences are a cheaper option but also very effective. They
are not as long lasting as some of the other choices. It is composed
of low-gauge wire fabric of two-inch by four-inch rectangles.
It is available in various heights and is installed on a series
of brace posts and t-posts. The fabric must be stretched when
it is installed to ensure added strength. The nice thing about
snow fences is they hardly obstruct your view, and the openings
are small enough that even small dogs can't poke a head, paw,
or other body parts through the fence. Be aware that the lower
gauge wire of this fence can rust through, so periodic checking
for holes is necessary.
- Farm
fence or sheep fence is the cheapest fence and fabric that
will restrain a dog. The fabric is loosely woven, narrow-gauge
wire with larger rectangles at the top and smaller ones at the
bottom. It comes in various heights and is installed over brace
posts and t-posts. It must be stretched for strength as it is
installed.This
is the cheapest fence that will confine large breeds and, while
not beautiful, it barely obstructs the view. The bad points of
this fence are that the narrow-gauge wire corrodes, so it must
be checked and repaired; a medium-sized dog can stick her head
through the holes at head height, and, if so inclined, could nip
a passerby; a small dog can walk through the bottom holes; and
many urban communities prohibit this type of fence.
Types of
Electronic Dog Fences
Unseen
Border Fences for Dogs
In addition
to conventional options such as wooden, rail, or chain link fences, one
of the newer and increasingly popular alternatives is an underground wired
or wireless pet fence, better known as a pet containment system. A pet
containment system creates an invisible barrier that your dog learns not
to pass, and is a safe and humane way to accustom your dog to his boundaries.
However, it won't work without training from the owner.
Underground
dog fences - Wired Underground Pet Containment Fencing Systems:
Wireless
dog fences - Wireless Pet Containment Systems
Dog
Fence and training - Fencing and training system in one.
Electronic
dog fence tips and advice
Electric
dog fences - Training Your Dog to Learn the Containment System's Corrective
Field:
Pros
and cons of electronic dog fences
Things
to keep in mind
The
bottom line
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