What's the Best Fence for Fido?

Do I Need a Fence for My Dog?

If you live with dogs, then you may already have an idea just how valuable good dog fences can be. Dogs that are allowed to run freely through a neighborhood cannot only be a nuisance but a danger to themselves and others.

Lesser offenses can include getting into trash and harassing other neighborhood pets and residents, but circumstances can become even more serious than that. It only takes one dog in the road to cause an automobile accident. A single dog bite could result in having your dog removed from your possession and possibly euthanized.

Additionally, many local ordinances prohibit dogs from running off-leash, and local animal control officers will pick up loose dogs, licensed or not. It’s far better to avoid potential problems altogether by installing good fencing.

Choosing Fencing for Your Dog

There are many types of fencing that can serve well for creating dog enclosures. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making your choice.

The size of your dog is an important factor in choosing proper fencing. A large dog requires a higher, stronger fence for containment. The distance between the rails may not be a large concern as the dog is unlikely to fit through the opening. On the other hand, a small dog may not need quite the fence height, but the size of the openings in some fence styles becomes a major consideration if it is possible for your pet to slip partially or completely through.

Your pet's temperament will also play a part in your selection. Some fencing requires certain training techniques to use effectively. Some dogs may also require more privacy to be safe and content in their designated area.

Are you just concerned with keeping your pet in, or keeping other pets and people out as well? Many dog fences will keep your pet in the yard but still allow it to be seen, and possibly reached by other animals and people.

Types of Dog Fencing

Split rail fencing is attractive, but the large openings will not keep dogs from escaping. You can dog proof it by attaching the wire fencing to the inside of the rails to cover the openings. Now the fence is serviceable, but still looks good.

Chain link is sturdy and durable, but not particularly attractive. If you desire a nicer look, and a bit more privacy, you can purchase colored plastic stripping from a fencing supply store to weave through the holes.

Picket is strong and attractive, but spacing between pickets can be an issue. You can remedy large spacing by choosing a style with narrow spacing or by specifying that the pickets should be installed close together.

Privacy fence comes in various heights, from four to six feet high, and has little to no spacing between the slats. You also have the choice of wood or vinyl construction.

Installation Tips

Be sure there are no gaps between the bottom of the fence, and the ground that would allow your dog room to escape.

Bury the lowest part of your fencing below ground level during installation to discourage digging.

Check your local zoning ordinances regarding fencing regulations and construction permits before installation begins.

Summary

As you can see, there are many ways to fence in your yard, and each style offers a different level of containment and privacy. Consider your pet's individual needs and temperament, as well as your local city ordinances to determine which style of fencing is the right choice for your situation.

Additional source: dogs.lovetoknow.com

Taking Care of Your Wood Fence

A wood fence can be a great way to give a home a definitive border. It keeps children in and stray animals out. It also changes the look of the house. But if not taken care of properly, over time, wood fences can rot away. Before you know it, you and your neighbor's pooch will be growling at each other over the flower bed at the edge of your property. However, you can make wood fences last longer — and keep your neighbor's dog on his side of the yard — with a little care.

Today, many of the wood fences, especially those going up around newly constructed homes, are made of red-cedar, which is more resistant to rot and decay than other species. Of course, pressure-treated wood is a stand-by for a long-lasting wood fence.

When considering a wood fence, whether treated or cedar, homeowners should get pressure-treated wood for posts because they go into the ground, where they are susceptible to insects and moisture.

Within the first year of installation, the wood dries completely. Your may see splits or "checks", which are normal but warped boards within a year are not and should be replaced. In five to eight years, the fence may show signs of age, but it should last 10 to 15 years overall. To keep the wood from rotting, apply a wood preservative to seal it. Like wax on a car, it helps protect the fence from the elements.

Water-repellent preservatives and sealants are sold at home-improvement and hardware stores. Exterior stains, which usually also are sealants, are another option if homeowners want their fence to coordinate with the exterior of their homes. If wood has been pressure-treated, a sealant isn't necessary, as the wood already has been injected with preservatives, but it can go a long way in extending the life and beauty of your fence.

Homeowners also should keep sprinklers from wetting the fence, which can cause the wood to rot faster. Bushes and vines should also be kept off the fence. The less weight on the fence, the better, plus foliage will help keep it moist and help it rot faster.

Additional source: hgtv.com

Western red-cedar has been available as a fence material choice for many decades. However, the advent of pressure-treated wood, coupled with the higher cost of red-cedar caused this beautiful timber to lose popularity. Well, western red-cedar is back and gaining ground as the wood fencing product of choice for homeowners who are looking for chemical-free alternatives. There are many advantages to western red-cedar.

Western red-cedar contains natural preservatives that resist moisture, decay and insect damage. It is an all-weather product—naturally at home in the sun, rain, heat and cold all year round. Properly finished, western red-cedar will last for decades, even in harsh environments.

Western red-cedar has twice the stability of most commonly available softwoods. The stability is a result of its low density and shrinkage factors. It lies flat, stays straight, and holds fastenings tightly. There is minimal tendency to shrink, swell, cup, twist, or warp under even the most extreme weather conditions.

Western red-cedar produces long, lightweight lengths of timber with a fine, straight grain and uniform texture, enhancing the natural beauty of this product, especially when finished to a smooth surface. It’s very easy to work with and provides a firm base for many types of paints and stains.

The natural beauty of this product combined with its sustainability and other environmental attributes make western red-cedar the hot “new” product in fencing and other home improvement projects.

Additional source: wrcla.org

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