How to Determine What Kind of Dog Fence You Need

Fences, both seen and unseen, keep dogs where they belong. 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. There are many dog fencing systems for personal needs, zoning, and aesthetic requirements. Base your decision on the type of dog that you have or are planning to acquire, to determine the height and most practical material. Generally a height around 6 ft is sufficient for most big dogs.

The types include traditional and electronic perimeter wired or wireless fencing.

Instructions

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      Traditional Dog Fencing

      1. Masonry walls made out of cement blocks or bricks are very secure and need no maintenance after constructed. They are expensive to build and not a good choice if you wish to maintain the maximum view from your yard.

      2. Picket fences are a strong dog retainer that won't obscure your view completely. These fences consist of narrow slats of wood nailed upright on a solid wood frame, are not as expensive as masonry walls, and look nice. They do not prevent people from annoying your dog.

      3. 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 or he will scoot under or through the rails.

      3. Chain link fences are fairly expensive but very long lasting. This type might not be suitable for very tiny dogs.

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      Electronic Dog Fencing (also known as e-fence)

      These systems are a pet containment system that creates an invisible barrier your dog learns not to pass. Training is needed from the owner for the dog and it won't work if he isn't wearing the special collar.

      Available wired or wireless, meant to keep your dog in, but will not keep other animals from entering your yard.

    • 3

      Smaller dogs can be contained in an outdoor excercise pen, sometimes called a play yard or pet yard. Many can be expanded so you can easily change the shape and size of the area. Because they are portable they can also be used indoors.