Using fencing to stop runaway dogs

If your dog is a habitual runaway, there could be several problems that must be resolved to make the pet safe. Of course, if your dog is out "looking for love in all the wrong places," he/she must be sterilized. This is a huge responsibility for pet owners. (S)he cannot go to the vet by himself/herself, and sexually frustrated animals that hump humans and other animals do not make good pets.

A tired dog is a good dog. Exercise in the form of daily walks or play time - fetching ball, swimming in a child's plastic pool, chasing Frisbee, or simply running around the yard after a play-pal (another dog or even a cat buddy) or a playful family member - creates a more contented dog that is less likely to run away.

A bored dog is as dangerous as a bored child. Trouble is brewing. Appropriate toys, Kong toys, and appropriate-sized bones make good time fillers. Ask your vet or a salesperson at a good pet shop for other ideas.

A runaway dog could quickly become road kill or the cause of a car accident. He could fall into the hands of dog-nappers. If he bites someone, it could mean a lawsuit and you could be forced to have the dog euthanized.

Consider fencing for to prevent your dog from running away.

Invisible vs. Visible Fencing for Dogs:

Chain link: Pros: +Can be good for small dogs and gives a nice appearance and open look to the yard while still maintaining control. +Not outlandishly expensive. +Allows you to let your dog out readily off-leash for bathroom duties; especially nice in inclement weather and with a dog that needs to go out often.

Cons: *Unless customized, the standard height for chain link is four feet, not enough to contain large or high-jumping dogs. *Some dogs are good climbers and others are great diggers so you have to bury a portion of wire to discourage the burrowers, an extra expense and concern. Or you can use underground fencing as a back up.

*Leaves your easy-to-see pet vulnerable to theft. *Dogs can see everything going on and may bark at everything and everyone passing by. *Children can easily harass the dogs with sticks through the fence, stones over the fence, and verbal abuse. They can also taunt with food or actually try to feed the dog and take a chance on getting bitten.

Gates are all important for containment and sometimes can be opened by the dogs themselves.

A custom-made, higher fence with vinyl-coverings could be a good option over the more expensive wood fencing. Check out the better

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about How to keep your dog from running away?
We want to hear your view. Write now!