Let’s talk about dog proof fencing

Dogs are a man’s best friend and we all want them to be part of the family, but trying to keep them contained and safe can be a tricky. Dog proof fencing is not only difficult to source but it can be an expensive task. According to the highways Agency, in 2016-2017 there were 286 reported incidents of dog deaths on UK roads. When it comes to installing a dog fence that is dog proof what are the options?

We have all spents hours searching online, gathering tips and ideas on how to install dog proof fencing, but we can still be none the wiser. Below are a few tips to help you make that decision that will save your dog’s life and put your mind at ease.

Traditional fencing – is it dog proof?

Some properties have no physical forms of boundary so the idea of traditional fencing could be the only option to stop their dogs making that run for freedom. The more common form of dog proof fencing is post and rail. This is generally a costly option as it is installed by builders who can charge upwards of £35/hr for labour and equipment and then there is the cost of the fencing itself which can be approximately £15/m. A customer recently spend £6000 for a 4 acre plot on this form of fencing and their dog was still escaping. Most fencing starts from around £30.00 per metre.

The fencing needs to be high enough to stop the dog leaping over it to get to the sheep in the next field. German Shepherds can clear a 10ft fence if they run at it. Your dog may work on a tunnel over several days, so you may not be able to see it until it’s too late. Having such high fencing can look imposing and may block any views such as pretty countryside. Especially if that naughty dog is clearing the fence and you need trellising on top. Also wildlife such as badgers and foxes can cause damage to the fence by digging underneath and chewing through it.

Caged in the garden in dog runs

Dogs love to run around and get as much exercise as they possible can but we cant always see where they are. Runs and cages are a way to keep them contained in an area and to still give them some outside time. Whilst cages are most certainly dog proof they don’t give much opportunity for exercise. For some dogs such as Labradors, Lurchers and Jack Russells they thrive on running around and chasing anything that moves so being in dog runs may not be enough for them. These are only advisable as a temporary measure. This type of dog proof fencing costs in the region of £300 for a 7.5ft dog run and goes up to around £1500 for an outdoor kennel.

An adult dog can be caged for as long as eight hours on occasion, although daily crating of this length can have negative effects on your dog’s well-being. Make sure that they received adequate exercise before a long stay in the crate. the exercise should be at least 30 to 60 minutes.

All tied up – or dog fence?

Most rural gardens are not dog proof. It can be tricky to monitor dogs all of the time in the garden. They pick up a scent of a rabbit or see a group of people walking across a field and they want to go and say hello. Taking your eye off them or not having complete control can result in dogs running into the road and getting injured. Dogs might be attacking sheep in the next field or you could risk losing them down rabbit holes for hours on end. According to the RSPCA tethering isn’t illegal but it does have advisories.

“Tethering up dogs is only suitable for a very short periods of time, as dogs left for longer may become distressed or potentially cause injury to themselves”. Dogs love freedom and tethering them up isn’t the best way to give them that freedom.

DogFence containment systems – are really these dog proof?

Interestingly eere at Dogfence Ltd one of our common questions is “what is a dog fence”? At DogFence Ltd we supply and install hidden electronic dog proof fencing to keep your pets secure within a boundary. This keeps them safe from roads and away from the threat of a farmer’s gun. The cable is installed underground around an agreed boundary, white flags are then placed around the perimeter so that the dogs have a visual aid during the training. A radio signal is run through the cable from a transmitter and sent to a small collar which omits a warning when the dogs approach the boundary. Our systems are far more dog proof than a traditional fence.

This form of dog proof fencing is positive because it gives the dog their freedom. A Dog Fence gives you as a pet owner the peace of mind that the dog is safe and also it strengthens the relationship between owners and their dogs. Below are a few other deciding factors:-

An electronic dog fence is affordable for most people. Although electronic fencing can be expensive, it is often significantly less than the cost of materials and installation for traditional fencing, particularly the high-end options required in some places.

Electric fences give homeowners some flexibility. Electric fences (stock fences) should not be confused with electronic dog fences. Of course electric fences are still a physical fences and if touched by a human or child will give a significant jolt. They are also aesthetically unpleasing as they are designed for agricultural and not domestic users. Electronic fences don’t interfere with surrounding views. In addition, an electronic fence can be installed more quickly than many traditional fencing options and are safe to both wildlife and humans. These fences are often referred to as “invisible fences”.

An Invisible dog fence is proven to be effective. Many dog owners choose this fence because other alternatives have failed to keep their dog within the boundary. The dog either climbs over or digs under a traditional fence. In most cases, dogs quickly learn to stay within the boundary line to avoid the warning signal and correction. They work silently 24/7 covering all areas of the property, even driveways and open areas.

Electronic dog fence – a fraction of the cost of traditional fencing.

There are many types of fencing and when it comes to choosing dog proof fencing this will depend on your budget. If you choose to go down the traditional route this will be a large investment but it may also enhance your properties value. Electronic fencing is most certainly the cheapest option. This type of fencing can be moved from one property to another making it the most effective method of dog proof fencing.

To obtain an estimate or learn more call us on 01628 476475.  https://dogfence.co.uk/quote/