Before we start a discussion of why to fence, and the pros and cons of different types of fencing, let's lay some quick ground work so that everyone understands the needs and concerns that lead to the question, "Do you have a fenced in yard?"
Act 1 - 'Lucky the Dog' - As a breeder living in a rural area, I can't tell you how many calls we receive from distraught owners looking to replace their beloved 'Lucky' who just got hit by a car. Believe it, or not, this single reason accounts for better than 50% of our local telephone inquiries for puppies. Worse yet, when questioned 8 out of 10 bereaved owners have no intention of adding fencing to their property for the benefit of the new puppy they are seeking. History has proved that the sale of a puppy to one of these perspective owners is a virtual death sentence. It may take a few years, but it will happen. Is it any wonder that caring breeders who invest time and sweat into healthy, vibrant, well socialized babies are hesitant, if not downright resistant, to placing a puppy in such a home?
Act 2 - 'Those Awful Neighbors' - Equally as heartbreaking as Act 1, are the telephone calls and print media regarding that "Bruiser of a neighborhood dog (Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Doberman Pincher, etc.) that came into our yard and killed poor Laddie when he was just minding his own business, on his own turf." Remember dogs are territorial. No matter how small and vulnerable Laddie is, he will fight to the last breath to defend his owner, property, and doggie girl friends. The Bruiser breeds mentioned above can make quick work of dispatching Toy and other small breeds. Often the deed is done before the owner can even start to respond.
Act 3 - 'Lady and the Tramp' - "(Sob) You know I just let her out for 5 minutes to go to the bathroom and before I knew it that darn neighbor dog got her. Now what do I do with these 9 mixed breed puppies that I can't even give away? I can't bear the thought of having the cute little things put down." It is hard enough to supervise dog hormones when you are set up for proper isolation as a breeder. They are impossible to control for the novice owner without a fence.
Now that these pleasant realities are planted in our heads, I need to make the point that pets do not have the cognitive abilities that a Human Being has. That is why we are the Master. That is why everyone talks about the Responsibility of pet ownership. The truth is, as upsetting as Acts 1, 2, and 3 are; the owners of these pets did not act responsibly. A dog does not look both ways before crossing the street when he is chasing a rabbit. Although the neighbors could have been more thoughtful and responsible, stray dogs are not the only predators that can threaten your dog. And hormones being hormones, responsibility is simply the logical solution. We the Masters, have a responsibility to anticipate harmful situations and to do the right things to protect those in our care. Much like children, if we aren't willing to do what it takes to protect those that are not in a position to protect themselves, then we are not responsible owners. Quite logically, my theory (and the theory of all responsible breeders) is that fencing an area for the safe care of your dog is a major part of responsible pet ownership. The logical corollary to this is a breeder who does not ask this question should be suspect as to their ethics and motives for breeding dogs.
THERE IS NOTHING LIKE A REAL FENCE! I'm talking about a chain link or wood privacy fence. I'm talking about something with ELEVATION to it to create a true PHYSICAL barrier. The height of such fences is determined to a certain extent by the size of the breed you own and want to contain, right? WRONG! Remember many unwelcome big dogs can easily jump a 4-foot fence, especially when hormones are at play. In my humble opinion, the biggest problem most people have in the thought process regarding fencing is the concept of 'CONTAINMENT' (wrong approach) versus 'PROTECTION' (right approach). When viewed from this perspective the reasoning for a higher fence (minimum 5-foot) for even the smallest of breeds becomes immediately obvious. By the same process, it is easy to understand my problems with giving a stamp of approval to invisible fencing. To add quickly to that story, besides the obvious lack of a PHYSICAL protective barrier, consider the common problems caused by a power outage or break in the perimeter wire, or the real possibility of forgetting to replace collar batteries in a timely manner. Worse yet, if your dog happens to get past the perimeter (say during a brief power outage, or is scared through by an intruder chasing it, or being scared through during a storm), once the power is restored, the invisible fence now becomes a deterrent to your dog returning home. Again remember these viewpoints all center around 'CONTAINMENT' which is not the correct way to view this, but even so, from this perspective there are many problems with invisible, or radio fences. Read Acts 2 and 3 again. Would an invisible fence have prevented these events? The point here is that some well meaning people who are really trying to be responsible find out the expensive and sometimes hard way that corporate marketing does not always tell the whole story. The ultimate goal of this article is education.
For those who live in restricted communities where PHYSICAL barrier type fences are not allowed, make sure that you make this clear to the caring breeder when questioned about fencing. Realize going in that you will need to sell your unquestionable responsibility. Many breeders understand this situation and will work with superior owners who are responsible. The reality is you are either responsible, or you are not. If a breeder is comfortable that you are responsible then he will feel comfortable selling you a dog. Your job is to convince the breeder that you truly are responsible.
Let's make it simple. I want everyone who reads this far to remember one thing from this article. Just one thing…
When thinking about fencing, think 'PROTECTION', not 'CONTAINMENT'.
· Home · Our Dogs · Puppies · Facilities · Philosophies · Stories & Poems ·
· Friends & Pets · Sheltie Tetherball · The Grapevine · Seasonal ·
· Rescue · Sheltie Links · Awards · Contact Us · Site Map ·
© 1999 - 2001 by John E. Rueckert - All Rights Reserved
· Friends & Pets · Sheltie Tetherball · The Grapevine · Seasonal ·
· Rescue · Sheltie Links · Awards · Contact Us · Site Map ·
© 1999 - 2001 by John E. Rueckert - All Rights Reserved