This National Puppy Day, choose the right fence for your dog.
If you doubt the intelligence of animals, put a dog in a fenced yard and see how long it takes to find its way out. At Hercules Fence of Newport News, we’ve seen some serious escape artists. So today, on National Puppy Day, we’re going to look at the best fences for dogs and issues you might run into with your pets and your fence.
Your Dog vs. Your Fence
To paraphrase Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War,” you must know yourself and know your dog to win the battle of the back yard. Before looking at fencing options, it’s important to understand how you and your dog will behave.
Is your dog a high jumper, a digger or a contortionist? How active is your dog? You’ll need to anticipate whether and how your canine companion will “attack” your fence. You’ll also need to consider your dog’s size — a Golden Retriever will have different fencing needs than a Yorkie or Labradoodle.
Will your dog be supervised in the yard? Are you willing to closely inspect and maintain your fence regularly? The right fence could mean the difference between having to accompany your dog outside and the freedom to allow your dog to handle its own business in the yard.
Your Fence vs. Your Dog
Different types of fencing offer different benefits and forms of protection for you and your pet. Remember that this fence needs to protect your dog and your home from intruders as much as it needs to keep your dog in the yard. Let’s look at some of the benefits and drawbacks of different types of fences for dogs to decide which is the best fence for your dog:
Chain Link Fencing is relatively low-cost and low-maintenance, making it an attractive option for many. But your dog may bark at people or animals it sees through the fence passing by if you don’t have vinyl slats or privacy screens. This visibility could also make your dog a target for theft. Be sure to pick a sturdy locking gate; some dogs can figure out how to open simple, unlocked latches. Consider also that a larger dog may require a taller fence, which may not look as nice as other options.
Picket Fences offer more aesthetic appeal than chain link, but has some similar drawbacks. Too much visibility could lead to more escape attempts or disruptive behavior like barking at squirrels. If the space between pickets is too large, your dog may be able to squeeze through or under the fence. Worse yet, your dog could get stuck and possibly injure itself trying to get free.
Aluminum, Wrought-Iron and other Metal Fencing is great for larger dogs due to its strength and durability. Like picket fences, you’ll need to look at the gaps in and under your fence to make sure the fence is safe for your pet and doesn’t offer any easy escape routes.
Privacy Fences offer the most protection and security for you and your dog. Your dog won’t be distracted by anything outside the fence and will have a harder time finding ways out of your yard. You’ll have to check wooden fences regularly for damage and wear, but materials like PVC will last a long time and require little maintenance. They also look great!
Get In Touch With Hercules Fence Today
Hercules Fence has experience with nearly every type of residential and commercial fencing material imaginable, from wood and aluminum to chain link, vinyl, steel, and even temporary fencing. We have developed a reputation for quality work and fair, competitive prices. Hercules Fence is ready to serve you from six convenient locations. We have offices in Manassas, Richmond, Newport News, Norfolk, Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina.
The experienced and professional team of Hercules Fence can help guide you through the process and design the perfect fence for your home or business. We are the residential and commercial fencing experts.
If you have any questions about finding your dream fence or fence maintenance, you can contact Hercules Fence today by calling (757) 316-3600 or visit FencesNewportNews.com today for a free quote!
SOURCES: http://www.grrmf.org/learn/fencing-your-yard/, https://fencecity.com/resources/choosing-a-fence.asp
