Dogs are naturally curious, and will take any opportunity to wander off and investigate an interesting smell or sound. Fencing in the yard will help protect a dog from not only roaming away from home, but also from other animals. It’s a dangerous world, providing a secure area for the family dog is a responsible decision for any pet owner.

There are some important considerations when choosing the best fencing option. Making a well informed purchase will save money and worry in the long run, so research all of your options thoroughly. In addition to ensuring the purchase of high quality materials, it is also important to investigate the reputation of the business from which the fencing is purchased.

Start with the following 3 questions:

1. Is the dog a digger? While digging is a behavior that can be controlled with proper positive reinforcement, even the most well trained dog may engage in a little digging from time to time. Some fences are more suited to dogs that dig, and may extend deeper into the soil.

2. Is the owner prepared to spend the necessary time to train the dog? Even the best fence will not stop a determined dog from seeking freedom. Providing a dog with the training necessary to avoid destroying the fence is a critical part of the process. Spending lots of time outdoors with a pet, praising him for behaving and redirecting him when he doesn’t will make training go quickly.

3. Make sure the fence matches the dog. A short fence will be nothing more than a minor distraction for a large dog leaping to pursue the neighbor’s cat. Wide slatted fences are inappropriate for tiny dogs that can easily slip through the boards. Wire fences may not work for dogs who chew or dogs with long coats that may tangle in the wire.

Can't I just train my dog to stay on the property without a security fence or leash?

Short version: No. Yes, dogs do respond very well to training and it is feasible a dog could be trained to stay in the yard without a boundary. However, unpredictable things happen all the time. Even a well behaved dog may not be able to resist chasing a wily squirrel or attempting to retrieve a child’s thrown toy. Dog owners in rural areas may have more freedom to let a pet roam, but pet lovers in the city or suburbs, which frequently live on busy, heavily traveled streets, have a greater responsibility to pet safety.

Letting your puppy wander without a security fence or leash is not just a dangerous thing but it is also virtually impossible, especially in places where there are other houses, streets, and sidewalks. It takes a specific type of dog temperament to successfully train a dog to stay within certain confines of your property without fence like the ability of service dogs. Keep your dog safe and happy.