Free roaming time is important for the health and well being of your playful pup, but free roaming should also be allowed in a safe environment, which is why most dog owners choose to enclose their backyard or an area of their property. While this is definitely a thoughtful thing to do if you have a dog, you do have to be careful about the type of fence you choose so you don't end up wasting your money on dog fencing that does not keep the pet rightfully contained. Take a look at three of the biggest mistakes dog owners tend to make when choosing dog fencing and how to avoid them yourself.
Mistake: Not considering the height of their dog in relation to the fence.
Why? If you have a dog that is tall in stature, it is important that you choose a fence that is capable of containment. For example, a basic height chain link fence may not work if you have a large breed of dog, such as a greyhound or even a collie. For pet homeowners who have a taller dog, it is best to go with a fence that is taller than its height when the dog stands on its back legs. Otherwise, the dog will probably be able to jump right over it.
Mistake: Picking a fence that would be easy for the dog to climb.
Why? You should never underestimate the will of a dog if it wants to get out of an enclosure bad enough. Your curious pooch will do a lot to tray and get over the fence, even if it means it has to climb up the panels to get to the top. Some fencing types are easy for smaller dogs to climb. Chain link fencing, for example, will allow your dog to climb over because it can easily slip its feet in the openings.
Mistake: Not considering the fencing material when picking the fence.
Why? Dogs can be pretty destructive and you definitely don't want to install a fence only to see it destroyed in a short amount of time. Dogs will sometimes dig into the ground to try and get under, for example. therefore, you may need to pick a fencing material that is safe to bury in the ground to a certain depth to prevent escape. Likewise, wooden fences can be scratched and broken by a determined dog.
