Over 43 million households own at least one dog. Owning a furry friend brings tons of joy to peoples lives, but it also requires responsibility and care.
One aspect of owning a dog is ensuring they get enough physical activity and remain safe. Installing fencing is just one option to help make it easier to achieve these goals.
Wondering if adding dog fencing is the right choice for you and your doggie? If so, check out five things you should definitely consider before starting the process.
1. Physical or Invisible
One of the first decisions you will need to make is about the type of fencing you want to use. While many of us probably would initially think about a physical fence (chain link or wood), there is another popular option.
Invisible fencing operates using a cable that is buried on your property. This cable creates a signal that acts as a boundary. It links to your dog’s collar and if the transponder on the collar passes the cable boundary, it will emit a warning tone.
This type of fence can be helpful if you have certain neighborhood regulations that would prevent installation of a physical fence.
2. Height
If you decide to go with a physical fence, think about how high you need it to be. The answer to this question will be driven by the breed of dog you have.
A Pug or Dachshund doesn’t need a huge fence, but a Golden Retriever or Husky could easily leap over a three to four-foot fence. For these types of breeds, stick to five or six feet options.
3. The Opacity of Dog Fencing
Do you want to block the outside world from your dog? Although he or she probably doesn’t care if others can see them, blocking their vision may cut down on barking and other behavior.
Dogs will bark at animals like squirrels that are on the other side of fences. If you want to cut down on this activity, avoid chain link fences and stick to wood or composite materials.
4. Make It Unclimable
As mentioned above, you want to choose a fence that can’t be jumped over. But even a tall fence can be conquered by smart dogs.
If you suspect your dog will attempt to climb, avoid chain link fences. These give dogs of all sizes endless footholds to use.
Stick with solid fence material like wood to cut down on the likelihood your dog will escape in this manner. Fencing made of PVC also makes a great option.
5. Maintenance Required
Do you have a dog that may occasionally misbehave? Some dogs, especially if they are bored, will chew at fencing. Over time, this can make for expensive repairs.
Wooden fences may look nice, but if you are seeking low-effort options, vinyl and aluminum don’t require any major maintenance and will be more durable than wood.
Installing the Perfect Fence for You and Your Furry Friend
Taking care of a pet can be stressful and rewarding all at the same time. Hopefully, with these tips, you can decide if dog fencing is the right choice for you.
Looking for more helpful information on installation? Take a look at these answers to common fencing questions!