Fence???

[LauraLynn]

Do you have a fenced in yard? Is it a MUST for Goldens?

[Goldenglittergirl]

Yep, I have a fenced yard, and most rescues will screen you and want you to have a secure fenced yard. I don't know if its a "must" but they require lots of exercise and exploring.

[angenbear]

It would be nice to have a fenced area that way you can have your dog roam around without a leash without you chasing after the dog. I take it you're in an area that isn't fenced in.

[kristyrenee]

I don't have a fenced in yard, well actually no yard at all because I live in the city, but I do have 2 securely fenced in dog parks both walking distance from us that we go to everyday. Goldens need to run and play to let out some energy- so if you don't have a fence make sure you have somewhere secure they can be let off lead and just run until their little hearts content! :dogbark

[LauraLynn]

You are right, no fence at my house :(

I am wondering if that's something I would have to invest in or if I could have a large kennel built that he or she could run in instead? Then also offer on-leash time with me outside as well as off-leash dog park time?

[MyBoyGus]

My rescue doesn't require a fence as long as you have a good plan to exercise the dog and a plan for potty breaks. It all depends on the rescue.

edited to add When you interview with your rescue you can tell them that you either plan to get a fence or a kennel, that will show them that you are thinking about it seriously and thinking ahead.

[goodtim'n]

Fencing any dog is the smart way to go, It keeps your dog in and other dogs out!!!!

[allie,hannah,brinkleygold]

We have a 900 square foot kennel, and 100 acres, but Allie and Hannah both are allowed to roam, with no fence really. They stay every time in a certain perimeter, but this has not been easy, lots of training and discipline! We live really far off the road, so that is not even a temptation to them, they stay very close to our house, but far enough away so they can run and play to thier hearts delight! Good Luck

[lovie1]

before getting Doc we invested in a 6 foot privacy fence for our backyard...we live in the suburbs and docs backyard is approx. a quarter of an acre fenced.

[theGoldenPup]

Last summer we got a tiny tiny fenced section of our yard (15' diameter circle), and when the weather clears up we'll be building an area with about 300-400 foot perimeter. I'm very excited!

Fences aren't necessary for dogs. But are great for exercise, playing, and training. Possibly consider getting one after a few months or so? There IS actually a downside to fences (besides the cost and matienance) in my opinion. I've seen people just stick thier dogs outside when they're not being 'nice', or to go to the bathroom (with a new dog/puppy initially you DO want to reward every time and bathroom behaviors are great for giving you information about a dogs' health!), and to exercise. Generally, dogs don't exercise on thier own, they need you to play with them to get them really tired (though with multiple dogs, this is a different story!). Also, some people have a tendancy to stick thier dog outside unsupervised for long periods of time, which isn't a good idea in most areas for various reasons.

Fences can be great!

GoldenPup

[LauraLynn]

You guys are all a great help - thanks a TON!

[GoldenBlaze]

It does take alot training and discipline but it can be done. Three golden retriever's on my road and the only fence in mine, it is a invisable fence which Blaze was trained on at 4 mths old. Really it does depend on where you live and how much is going on around your home... is your golden really excitable?
We have close to 1000 feet and they use every inch of it, love it.

[Peggy]

We have about 2 acres and about 1/4 acre is fenced in with a six foot fence. Once your puppy is house trained, it is nice to be able to just open the door for them and let them out to potty. We still walk and exercise outside of the fenced in area though.

[mtee1958]

Bailey has an invisible fence. It does not keep other dogs away, but our area has only a few dogs as it is. Yesterday he was playing with some cocker spaniels from behind us that came over. This is rare as those dogs usually NEVER leave their yards. Bailey gets to romp around outside and still be confined.

Our last Golden was not very adventurous and would stay in the yard without benefit of invisible fence or actual fence. But she was unique I think in this fashion. And I kept close watch on her when she was out. She usually just did her thing and laid in the grass.

[kinseysmom]

Do we have a fenced yard? Absolutely. 6 foot wood fence. Is it necessary? Absolutely. The only exception is if you are in the country....wide open spaces etc. And of course, if you are in the country, you will have some sort of fencing around your property whether you own 1 acre or 10,000 acres. I realize many here have said they do not fence etc but yes, it is necessary. (several reasons but gosh, what am I doing up at 1am? :204 I can't think this late!)

[Golfer]

dont worry i am up with you i cant sleep either.

[kinseysmom]

:)

[scorpio118]

no fence....... no yard per se......... we have a pool - BUT - we are thinking about an electronic fence!!

Maddie goes outside unleashed (sometimes!) - about 90% of the time.

Mikey ONLY goes ouside with a leash!!

Both dogs are never left out unattended.

Havent found it to be a problem - except when Maddie feels the need to "run" over to the next door neighbors....... UGG!

[kinseysmom]

Our breeder hates electronic fences. Why? Because, she says when the puppies are zapped...they tend to "freak" and associate the perimeter of the yard with PAIN and often either WON'T come back when called or do so extremely reluctantly. Every breeder has an opinion of course. But, it is something to consider. Pool, huh? You brat. :roll2

[Jo Ellen]

I've noticed in Pennsylvania, where I live, there is a noticeable lack of fencing all around. When I first moved here, I thought how in the heck am I going to do this ??

But it's doable and I'm doing it! Thank goodness Daisy is 4 years old. If she were a puppy, it might be an entirely different story.

We make concessions all the time. She doesn't play in the yard without me. We live at the end of a dead-end street so I don't have to worry about traffic at all. I know she loves the great outdoors so we get in the car and drive to the river trail, or the community pond, or Canoe Creek Park...she's not a homebody. The backseat of my car is considered Daisy's, it's no longer human-friendly, I'm afraid :eek:

She does like to chase the neighbor's cats but she never goes far and she never hurts them. She also likes to greet everyone that comes home :cool: so I need to be careful about when she's outside. She's met all the dogs on the street and gets along fine with them, I was a little worried about that --- no canine bullies to fend off!!

Even if she had a fenced in yard, she wouldn't be out in the yard very often if I weren't out there with her. She usually wants to be where I am.

It's not the easiest way to keep a dog but it can be done.

[GoldCountryGirl]

I visited back East in Westchester County, NY a few years ago and I was amazed at the lack of fences. I live out West and we all have fencing around our yards, big or small. I don't know what I would do without one! Not only for my pets, but for privacy and security, too. I did notice a lot of those electronic fences back East, but I have to admit, when I was out walking my small dog who I brought with me, I was a bit wary about walking by certain homes with huge, scary looking dogs behind this "invisible fence", running back and forth barking and acting like it would run out after us any minute. Give me a REAL fence anyday! :029 Call me a chicken. :(

[Merlinsmom]

Yep!When we went house hunting last year-it was one of the things I insisted on-because we planned to get a dog and I couldnt mind other peoples dogs without one either!....I just think it's easier-you know your dogs are safe-and that other dogs you dont know cant get in :) Also-over here-when you get a dog-you have to prove to the local council that it isnt going to escape-fences are compulsory now for dog owners-which isnt a bad thing really-but it can be an expensive thing! :eek:

BTW-I've never heard of an 'invisible fence' before-what is it exactly?

[theGoldenPup]

Invisible Fence I think is the brand name, but, its like "Kleenex" and refers to all fences of the similar type. There are a few varieties, but a parimeter is planted around the yard, or a central unit is placed in the house that extends the boundary a certain distance from it. After the dog is 'trained' to it, they wear a collar that beeps when they are about 8' from the edge, and then shocks them if they go over it.
They are extremely popular because they look nice, generally work well (...generally...), can be used where fences can't be put up, and so on.
I LOVE 'your' way of doing it! It would be great if fences were required!

GoldenPup

[koda_dad]

before getting Doc we invested in a 6 foot privacy fence for our backyard...we live in the suburbs and docs backyard is approx. a quarter of an acre fenced.

Smarter than I....

Before I got Koda I thought.... I need a fence. So as it was cheaper, I built a 4 foot picket fence.

I soooo should have spent the extra on the 6 foot. :(

[scorpio118]

Jo-Ellen - Im with you even if I had a fence - I dont think I could let M&M outside without me being with them. Although sometimes it would be nice just to let them out so they could run around a bit................

I think the electronic fence "warning" is about 3 feet - but not sure.....

Like I said before - we dont really have a back yard - our pool consumes the back yard - BUT - I would put the electronic fence in our front yard.

Right now Maddie goes out sometimes without a leash and she stays in the yard - BUT - let me tell you - if the guy next door is out - OR - her "boyfriend"..... her tail starts goin and SHE'S GONE!!!!!!!!!!!! grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr - doin laps around their pool and "eventually" coming back to me but definitely doesnt "hear" me when we are screaming for her!!!!

GoldCountryGirl........... I SO know what you mean about the invisible fence and scary dogs!! grrrrrrrrrrr - BUT - you would think the owner would use the fence KNOWING it would contain their dog............... On our walk around the neighborhood - there's a dog that barks barks barks the entire perimeter of her yard when we walk by......... sometimes I wonder......... one of these days - she's coming through and gonna get us...........

Then there's the big dogs behind the 8ft. stockade fence that sound like they are coming through too!! YIKES! those are MORE scary!!!!

[GoldCountryGirl]

I know what you mean about the scary sounding dogs BEHIND a supposedly secure and tall fence. Sometimes they sound like they're going to knock the thing down and charge you! In fact, a viscious dog in my mom's neighborhood DID escape through a fence and attacked an older woman's small breed dog. Talk about frightening!


Jo-Ellen - GoldCountryGirl........... I SO know what you mean about the invisible fence and scary dogs!! grrrrrrrrrrr - BUT - you would think the owner would use the fence KNOWING it would contain their dog............... On our walk around the neighborhood - there's a dog that barks barks barks the entire perimeter of her yard when we walk by......... sometimes I wonder......... one of these days - she's coming through and gonna get us...........

Then there's the big dogs behind the 8ft. stockade fence that sound like they are coming through too!! YIKES! those are MORE scary!!!!

[doreen]

we live in outskirts of Brisbane. On a 1500 square metre block. they are all fenced. Most people have there gardens fenced for privacy. I could not imagine living here with no fence. You would have other peoples dogs e.t.c in your gardens :mad: Plus dog attacks & road hazards. If theres any roaming dogs here they are picked up by the council& theres a big fine. All blocks are fully fenced unless its large blocks

We have a high fence so my dogs are secure and not in the roads wandering or getting hit by cars, if i did not know where they were that would be a nightmare. plus the council would pick them up and they would end up in the pound. & i would not trust them. they would end up getting put down.

Mine enjoy it outside all day in the fresh air. I soppose we are outside more here in our gardens in Queensland the sunshine state :)

My dogs would be itching to go out in the garden if i kept them indoors all day. doggiex1 doggiex1 they would have a long face :mad: