Doggone Etiquette —

Fence Me In!

By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Dog:           

When you arrived at your new home, your VIPerson must have explained to you all about something called a “fence.” You were told how it would keep you “in” and how it would keep others “out.”  If this is the very first time you’ve ever seen a fence, think of it as a good friend. Every fence is meant to keep you dogs safely within its borders on your own property. If this fence is new to you or just different, pay close attention when you are shown how it works. Your life may depend on it!

A Word to the Dog’s Owner:            

Not many dog owners today who live in houses (as opposed to apartments or condos) think they can have a dog without also having a fence of some kind. Those old lyrics, “Don’t fence me in” may apply to the wandering deer, but not to our pets. The main benefit of a securely fenced-in area is that the dog can be let in and out at the owner’s convenience, knowing the dog is okay and not annoying the neighbors or getting lost. It’s the safe alternative to an on-lead walk when we don’t have the energy, or the desire to battle the elements, yet Rufus has “gotta go.”

An area fenced-in for Rufus is not a prison. The dog still needs your companionship, obedience training and playtime, as well as on-lead walks to investigate the world beyond that secure boundary. You are still the caretaker because, while the fence offers protection for Rufus, no fence is perfect. Every one has some drawback, some fault or defect that some dog somewhere will be super-quick to discover. The lay of your land, and the layout of your home, must be considered when looking for the right kind of fence. There are also local ordinances regarding property lines to observe.               

Your dog, however, remains the deciding factor as to what type of enclosure you select. Your current dog’s potential as an escape artist needs to be taken seriously. Be guided also by the dog’s size, strength and temperament, as well as his breed instincts. A tiny dog like a Yorkie can manage to dig a hole big enough to get him to the other side of his fence! A large athletic dog like an Afghan Hound can hurdle a tall fence in a single bound! Know how determined your dog will be to catch the squirrel or fox that he can see on the other side of a fence — or that, by scent alone, he knows is on the other side of a solid stockade barrier.      

Whether you end up with split-rail fencing, a pretty picket fence, or a stockade, all are more secure when backed by sturdy wire extending into the ground to curb the determined diggers. Then there are the popular in-ground electric fences which are fine for some dogs, but again not for all. In this latter case, there is a different problem. It is not so much a difficulty in teaching the dog the boundary as it is the fact that stray dogs and cats, as well as wild animals, do not know where those lines are drawn and thus can cross them at will.   

The breeder, or a trainer, is the person to ask for guidance in choosing the fence that offers the best protection for your particular dog. Consistent training is essential in order to have the dog respect his enclosure regardless of what type of fence you install. Rufus has to learn what behavior is acceptable, and what is not, within his secure area. It is your responsibility to teach him what a lucky dog he is to have such caring, thoughtful VIPeople! 

Until next time – BE GOOD!

- Bardi

Bardi McLennan bred, trained and showed Welsh Terriers for 30 years, during which time she wrote a monthly column on canine behavior in Dog Fancy Magazine. In addition to contributing to numerous dog publications, she has written 15 books on dogs, the latest being Rescue Me!, which received the ASPCA Humane Issues Award in 2008.