Fence Considerations: Dog Owners

Dog Fencing and Escape Artists

There are many extremely agile and athletic and dog breeds that one might attempt to contain like the American Pit Bull Terrier, Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, Boxer, Britney Spaniels, Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer, Jack Russell Terrier, Siberian Husky, and Vizsla. While some dogs are more prone to bolt others are more capable jumpers and climbers. Then you have dogs that love to dig like Beagles, Jack Russell Terriers, Fox Terriers, Siberian Huskies, and Dachshunds. Followed by certain hounds, that when on a sent will stop at nothing to get to the end of the trail.

Fence climbing Dogs

If you have a climber chain link fencing is an exciting yet dangerous challenge for your super dog. The open diamonds serve as toe holds and the top rail a ladder rung. Unfortunately the protruding wires above are what cause the most injury.

Another consideration with climbing dogs is the rail placement. With 2x wood rails placed on the dog side the result is a nice climbing ladder for the dog, this is especially true with a 3 rail fence. The simple solution is obvious to place the smooth side of the fence toward the yard with dogs, simple as long as the neighbors don’t own a climbing dog breed. We also suggest you consider a Canyon Winds Cedar fence or Trex Seclusions ® composite fence both do not have a mid-rail and they use an overlapping board design for strength.

Under the Fence Dogs:

With chain link fencing your dog may find a spot to push under, yet this can be a problem with any fence depending on the placement of the fence in relation to the existing grade and landscape. While fencing can be reinforced, and or boards placed to fill in gaps, we suggest bringing the grade to the bottom of the fence. With dogs that like to dig consider buried chicken wire, rocks, or concrete edging.

Fences and Dog Training

While it is important to address the security and safety of your dog and neighborhood in your fencing choice don’t discount the importance of proper obedience training which should reduce the likelihood of an AWOL pet. However, a dog left in a yard all day with nothing to do is the most likely escape artist regardless of the breed.

Ultimately, when you consider the propensities of your dog by breed and personality, you can make a better choice in fencing material, style, and construction.

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