Creative solutions needed for dog-proofing fence!

[Skylucy]

We are in the process of adopting a pup who will be around 4.5 months when we take her in August. She's a mixed breed and it's thought she'll grow to a medium size.

We have a 300ft garden with a 7ft fence along one side and at the bottom...and an assortment of fencing arrangements along the other side. Around 2/3 of this which falls 2ft short of the shelter's 5ft requirement.

Fortunately it's our fence, and we have very lovely, laidback, doggy-loving neighbours (who interestingly bought a puppy because it was cheaper than heightening the fence when they wanted to adopt a few years ago!!)

Some of the existing low fence is basic wooden panels, but most is metal railing style fencing with some chicken wire attached. (See pic.)

I've got some fence builders coming to view and quote this week, but I would be interested to hear/see any solutions that don't involve replacing huge sections of established fencing to great disruption and cost!

Also, do any experienced dog owners know if the high fence needs to be a permanent fixture? i.e, could it be a temporary solution to prevent a new, frightened street pup from bolting? Could we even consider erecting a temporary high barrier across the garden so the pup would still have plenty of space, but we only have to raise some of the side fence?

Any advice/examples greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.

[PollyPolson]

In my experince it needs to be permanent. What type of dog are you getting?

Many dogs can easily get over a 5ft fence. If Ihad the money I would replace with a solid fence. I guess it does depend what is on the other side but it is also required to stop things,animals people getting into your garden when the dog is out there as well as stopping the dog getting out.

Enjoy your new puppy

[Skylucy]

Thanks @pollypolson. The tricky thing is, the pup is a complete mixed breed and was abandoned, so we've got no idea about mum/dad! She's looking quite lab-like but I suspect she'll be leaner and smaller.

Our house is a terrace so it's extremely tricky to get into the garden, especially unseen. Plus, there's a huge Viszla next door!

[vanillandhoney]

5ft isn't particularly high. My beagle can leap over a 5ft wall easily (and has done numerous times!)

I would be making sure the fence was at least 6ft as a minimum, and ideally make it so that the dog can't see out, to try and prevent nuisance barking.

[Scattyhattie]

I've got livestock mesh to increase my fence height however if you've got a neighbours dog behind that metal fence I'd prefer something solid between. If neighbours dog's male may fancy a visit when she comes into season.

[Lurchermom]

We have waist height fencing topped up to 6ft with trellis. It doesn't block the light and we've grown climbers over bits of it. We installed it for our rescue. She doesn't seem tempted to jump or bolt so we're tempted to lower it slightly but it's not offensive so not in any rush.

[Skylucy]

Interesting @vanillandhoney. Gah, 6ft would make our garden feel like a corridor. Particularly if it has to be a solid fence! We've just found out that our pup is actually a boy, and next door's is a girl, so that could cause issues as @Scattyhattie mentions.

@Lurchermom is your waist-height fencing solid wood panels? I don't think our fence will take a 'trellis topper' easily.

[Lurchermom]

I have attached a photo (of the dog lol but you can see the fence in the background). The fence below is normal style fencing but the trellis isn't actually attached to it - as it belongs to the neighbour we installed our own fence posts and the trellis is attached from waist height and upwards to those be fence posts. Same on both sides. And at the end of the garden (looks out onto a shared drive way) we just have 6 foot high trellis. Our gardens are quite thin so we're concerned about the corridor feeling, especially as all the neighbours (5 in our terrace) have waist height fencing! This has worked out beautifully and we are very happy with it (as have the neighbours!)

[Lurchermom]

This is the other side (we also don't own that fence) and you can see more clearly the new posts we have put in.

[ButOneMistressHere]

I've known an in season female to 'back up' to gaps in the fence - like others, I personally would consider that fence asking for trouble for this and other reasons.

Sorry OP

[Skylucy]

Thanks for the pics @Lurchermom!

"Backing up", oh good lord @ButOneMistressHere !!! Yes, I've no intention of having a pup with that current stretch of fence, I'm just after cheap, cheerful and effective solutions!

[Motorina]

If the dog is determined, no cheap and cheerful fence will keep him in. This is the voice of experience - my beagle was bought home by the postman on two or three occasions, having taken herself off on adventures. Professional fencing (6ft up, buried 6” down) stopped it.

Suggest asking your fencer for options and costs.

I’d also suggest doing some research on the rescue. Some overseas rescues are very reputable, and some are not. This matters, because it impacts on the accuracy of the information you get before the dog reaches you, and whether there’s decent aftercare if things go wrong. The fact that the dog’s gender has changed is ringing alarm-bells.

[Skylucy]

Thanks @motorina, yes, the sex change has worried us too!