Fencing, Tie Outs & Containment
Over the 11 years of Sven’s life so far, we have fenced in 3 properties. Luckily, Sven is larger s o she could not escape through the fence gaps. She was never a jumper, a digger, or a fence challenger, but fencing can be pricey, and at the time, we lived on several acres. She is however, a BEAST when it comes to strength. Before we had a fully fenced yard on our first property with her, before she was even full grown, we had her on a line- the kind that hangs between two trees, and has a long lead, so she is secured, but has lots of space to run back and forth. Well, this worked, until it didn’t. One day she saw a small animal that she wanted to chase, and bolted toward it, tearing apart her collar and the entire cable system, WITHOUT FLINCHING. This property was on the highway, so containment was literally life or death, so nothing was off the table. I bought an electric fence system, which emits an electrical current when the special collar passes the line, aka a shock. Again, my tough cookie showed no reaction to the sensation… not a thing. So, we bought some used T-posts and fencing at a second hand shop and fenced in the entire property. It worked. Despite the condition of the used fencing, she stayed on the property. She never tried to push through or find a way out, but accepted the fence as her boundary.
That said, our current fence was built for Sven. We have a rectangular property and each edge is a different fence type. Two are solid. the front fence is cattle panel, which is SOLID , welded steel, but the openings are just big enough that Grassie and Tiki can slip out. Our one side that touches the neighbors fence is old and the wire is stretching out, sagging and also large enough gaps for the puppies to get out. Tiki has not tried to leave the property, but Grassie did once, and I am not willing to risk any incidents, so they are now being trained to tether when outside. I have a large pen, approx 4 × 8 feet, which I plan to use for whelping and puppies, and brought it outside as an alternative to the tethers, but they seem to like it less, so might tuck it away for now. My husband will be replacing the unsecured fence lines soon, mostly for my convenience, but I do think there is benefit to having them train on a tether, so I am not sad it has worked out like this. They have water bowls, shade, and I would not leave them on the tethers when I am not home supervising, but I am proud they are learning the skill of being tethered.
I am sharing this story to give you insight as to why fencing is NOT on my application, though you will see it on so many other breeders’ requirements. My brother lives in an apartment in the city, without a yard, and he takes excellent care of his dog, who gets plentiful walks and exercise. I’ve tried many different containment methods, and I trust my puppy parents will figure out what works for them given their unique situations! The most important thing everyone with a dog should commit to is manding, or teaching, “Though shalt not pass” through any doorway without permission.