Last Hope Article

Why Fenced Yards?

Proper exercise keeps the dog out of trouble. Without proper exercise dogs chew more, bark more and dig in the yard because they are bored. The barking causes neighbor complaints. If your dog gets off the leash, there is a high probability that they will run. Dogs run faster and longer than humans. Even small dogs can run faster than a marathon runner. Dogs tend to put their noses to the ground and follow a scent. Try catching a dog that loves to run and sniff.

It takes ½ hour of walking for every 10 minutes of running. A dog age 8 months to 3 years needs an average 3 hours of running each day. Jogging with a dog is not running. You would have to take a dog to a dog park every day to run free to equal the same amount of time running in a fenced yard. With responsibilities of family and work, this is nearly impossible.

Regardless of the time commitment, dogs need activity when it rains for weeks or it is too cold to walk, run or go to the dog park. Fenced yards provide a convenient and safe way to allow your dog to exercise year-round.

Tie outs are dangerous and are not intended for long term or constant usage. Tying a dog out create the potential for neck injuries, hip and joint problems, and broken bones. Walking and a long tie-out can't give dog the speed and motion they need to keep them healthy.

Two dogs cannot wrestle on tie outs without getting tangled within minutes. Tangling causes broken legs, broken necks and or as little as a broken toe, but always a trip to the vet and hundreds of dollars. When dogs get tangled they get scared and bite the other dog or the person or child trying to untangle them!

A running dog can be hit by a car causing serious injury, trips to the vet, huge medical expenses or he could be injured so badly that he may die. You may not know that you will be also paying for the damage on the car done by the dog because a "dog at large" is against the law. You may also receive a fine.

Other things to consider are: Loose dogs will have fights with other strange dogs and cats in your neighborhood. Your dog can be hurt by a children that are teasing your dog. Your dog could bite an intruder of any age and cause a lawsuit.

When you consider the exercise needs and the dangers that await a dog on the loose, you can see how having a fenced yard is a perfect solution for large dogs, highly active dogs, and sedentary owners.

INVISIBLE FENCING: Can it be effective?

Some dogs will take the shock for the thrill of a rabbit kill, or chasing a car or bike. They get running and cannot and will not stop!

Since children, other dogs and the repairman do not know the boundaries of the invisible fence, they could hurt the dog or get scratched or bit. Also, another dog, children or a stranger could hurt your dog.

The invisible fencing doesn’t work when the battery is dead; the line is cut (and you don’t know where) when the electricity is out, or if you forgot to reset it.

You must be so careful with all family members to never take the dog across the invisible lines for a walk or you may be teaching the dog that the invisible fence doesn’t work.