Various Types Of Dog Fences

The black labrador was out on the road every day, running loose, begging at the bagel shop. Out on a country lane, Pam saw him each morning for three days while she was heading for work. When she inquired at the bagel store, she was assured that he was indeed owned and this was his routine when his owners let him out every morning. Pam wasn’t convinced that this was such a safe scenario for this dog. On the fourth day, she saw him crossing the street and was growing sufficiently worried for his safety. Running late for work that day, she made mental note that if she saw him the next morning, she’d pick him up and take him to the local shelter, but on the next day he was dead on the side of the road.

Some owners think that it’s not fair to keep their dogs fenced in and let them run free. Free-roaming dogs are a hazard in many ways, and dogs have no sense of reason or logic. When they’re fenced in, they don’t know they’re missing anything outside.

The real problem is that loose dogs have a negative impact on others. Some people don’t like dogs; some are afraid of dogs; some have been bitten and do not trust strange dogs. It doesn’t matter if your dog is nice or not. Too many recent news reports have documented the injury and death caused by loose dogs (and not just pit bulls either). Loose dogs have attacked people and dogs they were walking. Loose dogs have also killed neighbor’s livestock.

In one well-publicized case, three loose dogs were involved in an attack on a child in which the child’s parents had to beat the dogs off. They were two pit bulls and a bulldog. Even though it was thought that just one pit bull engaged in the attack, the fact that the other two were somewhat involved meant that all three got the death penalty when caught. The owner not only lost his dogs but he was also liable for the child’s medical bills.

Loose dogs on the road cause potentially disastrous situations as concerned people try to stop traffic and retrieve the dog. Not only is there a risk of the dog getting hit, but there is a risk that the motorist could be killed as a result of the chaos of trying to avoid a dog on the road.

The best way to allow your dog access to the outdoors safely without your needing to walk him is by fencing his area in.

Fencing can be a pleasant addition to your home’s landscape. Think of the all-American picket fence or split rail.

Picket fences are expensive but are strong and attractive; however, homeowners need to check zoning laws to determine if they are allowed. Drawbacks include that people can tease the dog through the fence.

Split rail fences provide a more open view and are attractive fencing; however, fabric needs to be added along the open gaps to prevent the dog from going through the fence openings. Split rail is a very strong fence but a bit on the expensive side.

But if those fence types are too expensive, you can opt for the lesser expensive snow fence or farm/sheep fencing.

Snow fencing is a fairly inexpensive option. It is a low-gauge wire and available in various heights and is installed on brace and t-posts. It must be stretched during installation to ensure strength. Drawbacks include that the wire can corrode, so it must be checked and repaired as needed. It is also not very sturdy when compared to other forms of fencing.

Farm fence (also known as sheep fence) is the least expensive fence. It is a loosely woven narrow gauge wire available in varied heights. It is installed over brace and t-posts and requires stretching to ensure strength while being installed. The drawback is that it may corrode and must be checked. It is probably not the best fencing for small dogs that could get through the holes on the bottom. It is best for larger dogs.

Also there are chain linked fences, hybrid fencing, hidden fencing (hidden dog fence).

If your dog injures or kills another dog, if your dog bites someone, or if your dog causes an accident, you can be held liable. You will do your dog and society at large a kindness by keeping him fenced in on your property, which both safeguards him, your neighbors and helps protect you from possible liability.

Next article: Selecting Fencing When Considering Zoning Laws