Dogs and Fences

Fences are great, they are designed to give our yards privacy, keep out nosy neighbors, and protect our property.  But, when it comes to our dogs and fences, here are a few things to remember.

By nature, dogs are very athletic and determined, a fence alone can not contain all dogs; I personally have two dogs that can very easily jump a six foot fence.  Even small dogs who may not be able to jump over your fence can still dig under it, or pull boards out and squeeze through an opening.

In addition to escaping over, under, or through a fence, we have to also account for fence fighting.  If your dog spends hours a day fence fighting with the neighbor dog over and over again, what do you think his or her reaction would be to meeting a dog without a fence in between them?  Fence fighting severely limits social progress and builds frustration that will reappear in the presence of other dogs outside of the backyard.

So what is a dog owner to do?  Well if you ask me – Don’t Hold a Fence Accountable to Training and Managing Your Dogs!  Bottom line, dogs require supervision, care, attention, effort, and time; something a fence cannot provide.

• Do not leave your dogs outside unattended for extended periods of time.  When everyone is at school and work, leave your dog inside.  If they cannot be trusted alone in the house, crate train them.
• Do not chain your dog in the backyard.  Besides being illegal in many areas, it can cause behavior issues.
• Be able to call your dog off of your fence if you witness him or her fence fighting or intently charging your fence, don’t allow him to practice this behavior.  You cannot control what your neighbors do with their dogs, but you can manage and control your own dog.
• Make sure that your fence is in good condition and free of any holes and missing or loose boards to ensure the time spent with your dog outside is enjoyable.

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