Providing A Safe Environment For Your Dog

This is hands-down the most overlooked thought when individuals are in the process of getting a dog. Their initial thought is of how much fun the dog will be or the companionship that the dog will provide. A safe environment is particularly important when it comes to owning a second-hand dog. The reason being is that the dog hasn’t had the chance of bonding with their new owners.

According to dog shelter personnel, animal control officers, and from interviewing numerous pet owners it is agreed that dogs allowed to wander unsupervised or that are tied out unsupervised are dogs that are at risk of getting lost, stolen, or injured.

Another thing to consider about dogs that are allowed to run loose or that are tied out is the risk that that they may incur. The owner is potentially exposing the dog to other rabid animals, which could lead to bringing the fatal disease back inside the home. Also by leaving a dog tied out alone over time can lead to undesirable aggression, which leads to a greater chance of your dog actually attacking you.

It is the opinion of expert dog handlers that you have a fence around your yard if you plan

on owning a dog. If you decide to obtain an order dog (eight years or older) in most cases a fenced in area isn’t necessary.

Keep in mind that the fenced in area isn’t intended as a place for the dog to live or sped the majority of its days. It is however intended to serve as a secure outdoor area for your dog.

Most dogs are intelligent, and inquisitive and should be with their owners, or should be safely inside the home if the owner cannot supervise them.

I don’t mean to keep harping on the same thing over and over. I do however want you to understand how important it is to provide a safe environment for your dog. And at the risk of sounding redundant I would like to expand upon what I mentioned earlier. Dogs left outside alone even in a fenced area for long periods of time can develop such problems as digging, barking, and fence frustration at not being able to join people or other dogs outside. It is crucial that this fact is understood.

I feel it is only appropriate for me to take a moment and explain to you what is considered to be a satisfactory fenced in area. Your fenced in area can be constructed from a stockade, chain link, heavy wooden posts with heavy gauge wire, or metal posts with wire. Although no dog should be left unattended for any length of time it is especially so if you plan on building a fenced in area with metal posts and wire, because it is easy for most dogs to escape from such an enclosure.

Your fence should be at least four feet high, however I strongly recommend six feet if at all possible. You should check the zoning laws in your area before attempting do build such a fence. A lockable gate is also recommended for your fence. Special attention will need to be taken when it comes to the security of the bottom of the fence in order to prevent your dog from digging out.

The location of your fenced in area is also important. It should be directly accessible from the house so it will ensure an increased measure of safety for your dog as well as be convenient for you. I recommend that the fenced area is at least large enough to provide a comfortable and safe environment for your dog. Your dog should have room to exercise, get fresh air, and be able to alleviate itself. Shade and shelter from sun and other outdoor elements should also be provided.

NOTE: You do not need to fence in an entire yard – just a portion will do.