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Author: Katherine Durr Article source: http://doggiedews.com/. Used with author's permission.
Many people would say that if you get a dog they should be part of the family and live inside. I wholeheartedly agree. But sometimes that is just not possible. If you find yourself in this predicament what can you do?
A good resource for finding pet friendly rental properties can be found through the U.S.Humane Society.
Buying an enclosure is one option
Now days they come in all sizes. You could also build one using cyclone fence. If you choose this option I would recommend putting it on a slab of cement. Not only does this keep the enclosure floor dry it also prevents them from digging underneath. I also recommend a roof. This protects your dog from the elements and also keeps them from jumping over. If you have bought an enclosure they usually come with a top. You can create a cover with wood, plastic or whatever works for you. This will also help protect them from the sun. I recommend using wood because they can not pull this through the fence and chew it up. Having a lock on the enclosure is a must because most dogs will learn how to open the latch by watching you.
After you have your enclosure all set up and ready for your dog it's time for decorating. For large dogs I recommend a bucket of water placed inside an old tire. This also works for a food bowl. If the water bucket is kept filled at all times it usually will not get tipped over. Other things that you may want to put in the enclosure include: dog house, dog bed and toys. The one thing to remember is that most dogs will chew when they are bored. If you don't want it chewed I would not put it in the enclosure. But they should have something to entertain themselves with like tennis balls, kong toys or something designed to be chewed. Being locked up does create stress for most dogs and if you do not have something in there for them to play with or chew they sometimes start chewing themselves.
Another thing to consider with this option is placement of the enclosure. If you live in a wind prone area you may want to consider putting the enclosure on the side of the house where the wind is usually blocked. If you live where it snows you may want to put it far enough away from the house so the snow from the roof does not fall on it. Wherever you place it make sure that there is some area of the enclosure that is shaded from the sun at all times. Even though the enclosure has a roof or cover there may be no shade in the early morning or, late afternoon when the temperature is usually the hottest. Attaching wood, in a small area, to the east and west sides is a solution and along with the top will provide shade at all times. Just make sure that the shaded area is large enough for your dog or dogs. As long as your dog has shade, water, food and shelter they should be fine outside. But use common sense. If you have a greyhound and you move to Alaska, your dog should live inside or in a heated environment. If you have a Malamute and live in the Mojave desert, you have a real challenge keeping your dog from over heating outside. And remember, no dog should be locked in an enclosure, given water and food but no attention and no freedom. If you find yourself saying, "He's a great dog, I just can't seem to find time for him with my job" then perhaps it is time to find a new home for him or create time.
Invisible Fence
Invisible fence is a another tool. Your dog has the freedom to roam and play inside the designated area. Most collars emit a warning sound when the dog gets too close to the perimeter. Through proper training it can be very effective. The cons to this are that anyone can go into your yard and take your pet. Other dogs also have the freedom to come into your yard. If you have a dog that is jumping over your fence or going under your fence this might be a way to prevent that, using both a conventional fence and an invisible fence. It's important to know that you shouldn't just put up an invisible fence and let your dog loose while you go shopping or to work. Without proper training you may end up with a dog that thinks he should just run "really fast" while being zapped by the fence.
If your dog is older with a heart condition I would do my research about a product, especially if he is a small breed. And I have seen highly motivated dogs, motivated by cats, who have just run right through the perimeter fence (very fast). This is another thing to consider.
Doggie Doors
This is a great option if you can let your dog stay in the garage with a doggie door to the outside. Being able to go in the garage is nice for an outdoor dog because of the protection from the elements. You just have to make sure that your dog can not escape your property. Doggie doors give your dog options and a little more freedom. They can choose if they want to go bask in the sun or lay on the cool concrete floor. You can purchase dog doors at most pet retail stores.
Run Lines and Tethers
Personally I believe that putting a dog on a run line is an accident waiting to happen. Especially if you have more than one dog on separate lines. Dogs can jump over fences, dog houses and things you wouldn't even think about and get hurt or worse. Chaining a dog to something is another accident waiting to happen. Enough said.
You should take into consideration that all dogs are different in size, tolerance, and intellect. Some large dogs can stay behind a two foot fence and never try to escape. Some small dogs can stay behind a six foot fence and figure out a way over the top. If you have your dog spayed or neutered they have less desire to go roaming. If you make the time at the house more fun than running amok away from the house your dog is more likely to stick around.
If you leave your dog unattended they should not be wearing a choke collar.
They can get caught inside a kennel, outside on a tree or stuck to a water sprinkler. Even if you think your property is safe, they can find something to get stuck on and possibly choke.
Katherine Durr is a professional dog groomer and the author of "How to Groom your Mutt". Visit her website at Doggie Dews
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