What kind of fence?

The standard 10 X 10 X 6' tall chain link panel kennel kits can be the ideal start of your dog's safe home.  If you have a very small dog the kennel pen doesn't need to be that tall and the 100 square feet provided could be adequate for fairly long stays in that space.  A big dog will require much more space for day time stretching but the 100 square feet can be a good night time place if it has shelter within it such as a good quality dog house.

The day time play yard should be big enough that the dog can actually break into a run, at least for short distances so if space is limited, a longer narrower space is prefered to one that is more square. . .  thus the term, 'dog run.'  Daytime shelter is required within the play yard as well as the night time enclosure.  A dog house, a roofed porch, whatever can be provided to provide good shade and shelter from wind, rain, snow, etc.

There are a number of good fencing options for dogs.  There are now well tested 'underground' electronic fences and the wireless fences, both of which will alert the dog as it approaches it's boundaries by stimulus through a device on the dog's collar.  These are different from the older style 'electric' fences that actually have an electrical charge pulsing through wire that is run from post to post around the dog's boundary. Back yards can be fenced with wooden 'stockade' type panels making an enclosure that cannot be seen through.  Chain link fencing, woven or welded wire fencing are other options for fencing off a good play yard.

Each of these options has strong advocates.  We know of dogs who stay well within their yards under each of these kinds of fencing.  We also know instances of dogs who chronically escape from any or all of these!  Dogs are able to jump over, dig under, chew through or climb just about any type of reasonable fencing that can be imagined.

The real key to keeping a dog safely contained within it's appointed play yard is relationship.  A well loved and well disciplined dog will know the 'master's' desires and will choose to live within the boundaries set once trained to it. There is effort and perseverance required to training the puppy or young dog to respect the boundaries.  You cannot leave your dog unattended for long periods of time or without toys or amusements to keep it entertained and expect the dog not to attempt to 'break out.'  Your loving relationship with the dog must include bountiful times in your presence as a companion and adequate stimulation to satisfy it's need for amusement for the dog to be content to stay within the fence . . .  whatever kind of fence it is.  If the dog is content, it will stay in a good play yard.

If you have adopted a dog that is old enough to have already developed some behavior problems, it can be a major challenge to work through them.  There are great consultants that can help with dog behavior problems.  Occasionally those problems are the result of a temperament quirk in the dog.  Usually dog behavior problems are the result of human problems the dog encountered or endured.  Most often the problems can be corrected . . .  even the determined escape artist!

Until next time . . .   Eliot    www.rosehallkennel.com