Some pet owners choose physical fences as a way to contain their dogs, and others opt for electronic fencing. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
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Choose the Right Fence for the Dog
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Before you spend a cent on fencing, you need to determine what will contain your dog. As a rule, the Golden Retriever Rescue of Florida recommends a minimum of a 5- to 6-foot fence for any dog, but fences this high might be overkill, depending on your pet. Most large and some medium-sized dogs need 6-foot fences, but many smaller dogs do not. If you have a toy-sized dog or a smaller breed, a 3- or 4-foot fence will usually suffice, unless your dog is really an escape artist.
Most people choose chain link or a privacy-type fence. Both of these are relatively secure and contain most dogs, provided that the owner makes certain there are no gaps beneath the fence that an industrious dog could slip or dig underneath and get out.
Avoid any fence that has wide openings that would allow a dog to slip through. Barbed wire, chicken wire, field fencing, snow fencing and the like are too flimsy or have too many gaps to properly contain a dog.
Consider Covenants and Local Ordinances
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If you live in a covenanted community or subdivision or in a city or county with fencing ordinances, you may be limited by the type of fence you're allowed to have. Some-covenant controlled areas may not even allow visible fences, so you may have to look at electronic or "invisible" fences.
Consider using a combination of an electronic invisible fence and the covenant-approved fence if the physical fence is clearly inadequate for your dog, i.e., a Rottweiler and a 3-foot picket fence.
Choices for the Houdini Dog
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Most dogs are happy to stay within their fenced areas, but a few escape artists or Houdini dogs may be able to break out of even the most well constructed fencing. If you have a Houdini dog, never leave him alone in the yard. Dig up the dirt beneath the fence and put material down such as crushed rock that is difficult to dig through. If your dog is truly determined, you may have to install an electronic fence as well.
Electronic Fences
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Electronic fences are not a panacea for containing your dog. They may keep your dog in, but it doesn't keep other animals or people out, unless they're paired with a conventional fence. Electronic "invisible" fences require that you train your dog to respect the fence. The dog wears a collar that corrects the dog with a mild stimulus, usually in the form of a shock, if the dog tries to cross the boundary. However, some dogs learn quickly that they can escape the fence with just one shock.
Work with Your Dog
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Regardless of the type of fence you choose, a good way to ensure you dog stays in your yard is to train him to do so. Consult a professional trainer for ideas and tips on how to teach your dog to stay.
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