January 2012: Fencing for Dogs

A huge dog, tied by a chain, was painted on the wall and over it was written in capital letters "Beware of the Dog." ~ Petronius Arbiter ~

It's not a good idea to routinely tie, or tether, a dog. Animal advocates consider it inhumane and some jurisdictions restrict tethering. A tied dog will understandably consider itself at risk from human and dog predators, and become dangerous itself. While occasionally tying a dog may be unavoidable, routine restraint can result in a very unhappy and dangerous pet.

Containing dogs is important not only to pets and owners, but also to neighbors and the community at large. The old proverb, "Good fences make good neighbors" may be especially apt when applied to dogs.

If the only purpose in putting up a fence is to keep a dog in, electronic fencing may be a good choice. If there are other reasons, i.e., children, keeping other dogs out, etc., wood & rail fences may be another option. In addition to keeping your dogs in and others out, a fence is an aesthetic asset--or liability--to property, so try to fit the budget to a fence you can enjoy. Check your county or sub-division/community zoning restrictions to be sure you meet their guidelines.

If primarily to restrict a dog, consider fencing only an area large enough for your particular dog(s). Always tailor the style & materials to a dog's breed & individual traits; for instance, be sure it's high enough to prevent jumping (German Shepherds can scale a high fence). Six feet will do for most and eight feet for skilled jumpers. Keep potential launch pads such as lawn furniture, dog houses, trash cans, etc., away from the fence.

Dogs are social creatures and a bored dog, or one determined to join a pack beckoning beyond, will dig, so it's a good idea to dig a trench following the fence perimeter and fill it with concrete. If it's a solid fence line, extend the bottom several inches below ground level. Be sure that whatever fabric used to construct your fencing is too narrow for your dog to stretch or slip through.

Stone or Mason Walls are, of course, a guarantee to keeping a dog confined, but the cost of building one is so prohibitive, better instead to consider:

Chain Link is the fence of choice for many professionals, such as kennels and doggy day care centers, and also the most commonly installed in private residences. Though not cheap, it's available in a variety of heights, and is safe, reliable, durable and largely maintenance free. It may not be the most aesthetically pleasing, but it doesn't obstruct the view.

The narrow slats of wood in Picket Fences are more pleasing to the eye and also don't obstruct the view. Though expensive, if height & digging guidelines are followed, they're considered effective in preventing canine escape (and entry).

Split Rail is a lovely fence, and provides an open view, but it's not particularly strong in keeping dogs confined because a small dog will shimmy between and under the rails and a large dog will step or jump over. If it is to be incorporated into the landscape, and used as an adjunct to confine a dog, bolster it with strong, invisible, fencing fabric.

Hidden, or Invisible Fencing is a system where a buried wire carries a low voltage signal to a transmitter. After hearing a warning beep from a receiver attached to a dog's collar, the dog will receive a mild static shock if the wire is crossed. This system can be purchased through a home retail center or a professional service that will install the system and train the dog(s). It's essential that dogs be properly trained and batteries replaced. We chose this several years ago for our German Shepherd, Captain. At first, given his menacing looks, the technician was concerned he wouldn't be 'correctable'. But Cap learned quickly to avoid a shock when he heard the warning 'beep' that signals proximity. In fact, after his initial encounter, Captain would get up and leave the room when the 'beep' from my electric space heater was activated! I don't like hurting a pet, even once, but, because of our perimeter size and proximity to a busy highway, it's a good system. Hidden fencing has drawbacks; it's only a deterrent to the dog wearing the collar and doesn't keep other dogs out. Also, dogs with a high tolerance to pain, or who are not easily correctible, will, if the temptation is strong enough, run through the wire, at which point it becomes a liability in that the dog probably won't cross back. Also, a frightened passerby won't know that a barking or menacing dog is being restrained invisibly, nor will delivery, repair, and postal workers, once inside the fencing, be protected.

Some fencing companies (from my experience with the invisible) give a discount to pet professionals, so, if you're a groomer or other professional, be sure to ask.

If you would like to learn how to become a dog groomer, our classes begin the second Tuesday of every month. Please contact our Dumfries School at 703-221-3647.

~ Written by Rebecca Nilson ~ nilsonowensrebecca@gmail.com

540-829-6665: Wash & Wag of Culpeper, 217 Southgate Shopping Center

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