Fencing For Pet Protection – Room To Roam But With Limits

By CHRISTINE LYNCH

Pets love the freedom to roam. Even when they’re dreaming, we can see their paws moving excitedly. Dogs enjoy walking with their owners, which gives you both healthy exercise and strengthens your relationship. Still, there are times when your pooch just needs to duck outside quickly, often during the middle of the night and/or during foul weather when you’d prefer not to have to bundle up and trundle out. Giving them unrestricted access to rove isn’t smart or safe, so it’s handy to have a secure and enclosed outdoor space, especially if you live on a busy road. Otherwise, the pet could not only be in danger but it could also cause an accident with drivers and cyclists.

Holly Hoyt and her husband, Randy, own DogWatch of Cape Cod, an award-winning enterprise in Marstons Mills that Mr. Hoyt started in 1997. The couple have two beautiful springer spaniels, Jeddy and Tess, that are successfully contained by a DogWatch Hidden Fence System.

“We care about dogs and know that dogs are family,” Ms. Hoyt said.

She spoke about pets and using a containment system.

“I had grown up with a similar product and recognized its value,” she said. “The environment in which we live has changed…with more people, more cars and more enforcement of leash laws.”

But does a regular fence or an electric one work best?

Each or a combination of both might work better for certain animals and their owners. A pet’s age, temperament and life experiences must be considered, Ms. Hoyt said.

“There are reasons to choose one type of fence versus another type of fence,” she said.

For instance, she said DogWatch does not encourage owners with aggressive dogs or those younger than 6 months to install invisible fences. That also goes for small pets that are vulnerable to the Cape’s growing predator population: coyotes, coywolves and fisher cats, to name a few. Hidden fences don’t stop wild animals.

Another factor for property owners to consider is whether they want or need privacy fencing, which a physical fence can offer. For an unobstructed view, a hidden electric fence will contain a pet without spoiling the view. As for cost, on average, invisible fences run about half what a regular fence does, but prices vary for individual requirements.

Physical Barriers And
 Privacy Fencing

At Walpole Outdoors, a general contractor in East Falmouth, sales associate Justin Crompton said, “Our design consultants take careful consideration into the unique layout of the property and customers’ desires.”

The company can also create a kennel or roomy dog run within a property.

“All of our fencing is customized to fit someone’s unique landscape, and we have the ability to make adjustments on-site to bring the whole project together,” Mr. Crompton said.

Walpole Outdoors staff members discuss with customers the optimal type of fence.

It is “dependent on what type of pet you’re trying to contain,” Mr. Compton said.

The company manufactures fences in both wood and metals, and Mr. Crompton said they are the leading fabricator of AZEK. This product is a solid cellular vinyl that is durable and low-maintenance, with the look and feel of real wood.

Typically, fencing costs range between $10 and $30 per square foot. All fencing should be checked regularly and maintained for holes and broken pieces that could hurt an animal or provide an escape route. There also are dogs that feel compelled to dig, dig, dig. If this is a problem, Mr. Crompton said his company takes extra precautions to block the dog from going under or over. Digging barriers that block deeper underground than a fence does can also be purchased from Petco, Lowe’s and other retailers.

Hidden/Electric Fencing

In the early 1970s Richard Peck created his electronic feedback system after seeing countless stray animals hurt or in danger on roads when he drove. Working with an electrical engineer, he laid down boundary wiring for a specified area. A collar with a small receiving box was put on a pet. The pet’s owner was trained to use the varying control levels, which ensured the pet’s understanding of territory limits. Extensive testing was done by specialists at The University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine, who determined there were no lingering adverse effects from the system. Mr. Peck’s patent was called “Method and Apparatus for Controlling an Animal.” Now, many versions of the system exist, including types that use sound or smell as deterrents and indoor systems that mark off-limit or dangerous places in the home.

Friends of ours who have a magnificent golden retriever had a hidden system installed more than four years ago. They are pleased to be able to let their beautiful dog run freely, saying, “She has all this freedom in our big yard. She can run around and be safe.” Ava, who is gregarious, can readily look out into the neighborhood but is prevented from trotting off into the woods or onto roads. A neighbor noted, “Their electric fence allows those of us who are allergic or not wanting to get jumped on to still connect and talk with Ava when we walk by.”

In fact, displaying a sign that clearly states “Dog is contained by an electric fence” is helpful, so that people know the animal—that is seemingly out in the open—cannot charge up to them. Most installers will supply these signs, or they can be purchased.

Do-it-yourself installation kits cost between $500 and $600, but there often are hidden costs or other factors. For instance, a neighbor’s hidden fence’s signals could cancel yours if they are placed too close together. Besides the equipment, stringent training is required, so before going the DIY route, do some homework.

Professional installers offer specialized instruction to owners and their pets to build understanding and trust rather than fear and anxiety. Ms. Hoyt said with each installation DogWatch provides training.

“The client must be involved in the training as it is a process, which has been tested and enhanced over the last 25 years to provide excellent results,” she said.

The goal is to have the dog feel safe on the property and learn to respect the boundaries.

“Our training method has been proven to be not only effective but also less stressful on your dog,” Ms. Hoyt said.

DogWatch systems have a median price of about $1,450.

Success depends on the individual animal. The most effective methods offer five different corrective levels with increasing intensity. As the dog adapts to it, lighter feedback usually does the trick. Still, it is best to ask your veterinarian for a professional assessment before investing in any fencing.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the majority of veterinarians approve electric fences, especially when the surrounding area might be dangerous for an animal. However, most rescue organizations and shelters feel strongly about not subjecting traumatized animals to the electric shocks of these systems and smart collars. Rescued animals might have bona fide trauma, causing difficulties with the feedback training.

Dr. Foster Palmer with Deer Run Veterinary Services in East Falmouth has talked with staff members and patrons who feel the hidden fence works well, but noted that its success depends on the dog. He emphasized the importance of proper training. “It’s necessary for the owner and pet to have training, and not only in the beginning when it’s new. Instruction should be ongoing as needed, and every two to three years the system should be monitored and evaluated.”

Also, animals should not be left alone for long periods. Owners should get out and interact with the pet. Besides having fun, it also helps to “make sure they aren’t eating rabbit or geese droppings,” Dr. Palmer said.

Catios/Petios

Cats should stay in the house for both their welfare and the outside wildlife, but access to fresh air is beneficial. One solution is a catio. For fun, do an internet search for the word, which brings up lots of photos showing screened-in areas with playful cats. Rescue shelters and veterinarians agree that cats should not be allowed to run freely outdoors. The safe way to provide fresh air access is by enclosing a space with strong screening material. The emphasis here is on strong, because people with cats know what a determined cat can do given a little time.

Some friends have constructed their own pet verandas. These outdoor holding areas are special spots for housebound kitties all year long. Rather than catio, though, maybe petio is better, because they work for any small dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, tortoises, et cetera.

You can find a contractor to construct an attached customized pet porch. And there are companies that make and ship freestanding screened enclosures. Interesting add-ons include tunnels, turrets and other features ranging from simple to over-the-top. As we all know, our pets are worth it.