Nov 26 2007
If you are planning to get a new puppy as a gift for your family this holiday season, preparing for your new arrival is very important. First Fence of Georgia, a leading north Georgia fence installation company, has some words of advice for anyone planning to adopt a new dog.
"The holidays are exciting, especially when a dog joins the family," says First Fence of Georgia president, J.C. Ordono. "Securing your yard with a fence is one of the most important steps you can take to safeguard your children and your new companion."
What should you do first? Call a professional fence installation company. They are going to be your best resource. Have them come to your home to provide you with an estimate and their recommendations for the most appropriate fence type for the dog you are going to get. Depending on the company's work schedule, a fence installation project can take several weeks from the time you approve the estimate until final installation. Give yourself plenty of lead time so your fence will be in place when your new dog arrives.
Physical fences work well for most dogs because they do not require a training period like an electric dog fence. Without extensive training there is a risk of your dog running through an invisible perimeter while chasing another animal, a toy or a child. In addition, an electric dog fence may keep your trained dog within your property, but it does nothing to keep other dogs or children away from your pet.
Is the breed known for jumping, climbing or digging under fences? If so, take the fencing material and configuration into consideration. Dogs that jump may require a taller fence. "Climbers" are less likely to get a foothold on a flat fencing material like wood. Height is also a consideration. If your dog can get his front paws on the top of the fence, there is a good chance he can pull himself up and over the fence. Dogs that like to dig require a fence that is secured well at the base and perhaps designed to deter digging.
Is the breed better in a totally enclosed area where they can't see neighbors, animals, or moving cars? In this case, a wood privacy fence is a very good choice. On the other hand, if your dog needs to be in a physically secured yard but does not require a total visual block, picket fences, spaced privacy fences, or decorative metal styles are all good options.