Question:
>What do you find wrong with this method of >confinement, if you had a more agile breed >than your gangly wolfhounds?
What I find WRONG (putting breed aspersions aside) with chaining? It tells me that a dog is left alone outdoors for extended periods of time. It encourages barking, lunging, and aggressiveness. AND it RUINS the lawn. What do I use for confinement when I go to work? A house, full access, because they have been trained. And never assume that the breed anyone has now is their only experience– you set yourself up for alot of backpedaling. Toni www.irish-wolfhounds.com
Response:
: I doubt anyone would argue that a big yard/house to play in and call their : own is the preferred situation for a dog (especially a big dog and assuming : the yard isn’t used as an excuse for lack of attention). HOWEVER, dogs are In most cases it is a convenience to the dog owner to have a yard, but not much benefit to the dog. Without a yard the dog gets the company of the dog owner whenever it needs to go out, it gets the opportunity to visit different places, see different things. With a yard, even if the dog gets adequate attention, very often its entire life is spent in the house/yard. Lots of dogs that start out life in households with yards never become properly socialized because they are not taken away from the property on a regular basis. So, even if they have a very loving family, that lets them BE part of the family, its life is often more limited than it might otherwise be. In some cases the "yard" will be large enough to provide a degree of mental stimulation – but not for most urban folks. : very adaptable and will find contentment in almost any situation. For me : (which is all I am willing to speak for), I adopted a lab from the SPCA when : he was 10 mos. At the time, and until he was 2, we lived in a downtown top : floor warehouse apartment. Yard? forgetaboutit. Not only did he adapt, he : became quite the urban pioneer. We explored every patch of grass/concrete : within 4 miles and he got lot’s of positive stimulus and socialization. Now : at 2 1/2 he has a big yard, lots of parks and water and I swear he still : misses being a downtown dog. Like people, dogs ADAPT to their surroundings : if you let them. It is more of a commitment (chore) to have an animal in an : apartment environment, but assuming you are up to the challenge, it can be : as rewarding to you and the animal as living on a farm. Hell, some of those : mutts I see following around the homeless panhandler seem happier than many : dogs in a more ‘acceptable’ environment. Well, sounds like you have continued to take your dog out regularly. Lots of people don’t. Diane Blackman – – - - - - - - – Join the coalition to ban dihydrogen monoxide! http://www.detnews.com/1997/outlook/9711/11/11090023.htm
Response:
I doubt anyone would argue that a big yard/house to play in and call their own is the preferred situation for a dog (especially a big dog and assuming the yard isn’t used as an excuse for lack of attention). HOWEVER, dogs are very adaptable and will find contentment in almost any situation. For me (which is all I am willing to speak for), I adopted a lab from the SPCA when he was 10 mos. At the time, and until he was 2, we lived in a downtown top floor warehouse apartment. Yard? forgetaboutit. Not only did he adapt, he became quite the urban pioneer. We explored every patch of grass/concrete within 4 miles and he got lot’s of positive stimulus and socialization. Now at 2 1/2 he has a big yard, lots of parks and water and I swear he still misses being a downtown dog. Like people, dogs ADAPT to their surroundings if you let them. It is more of a commitment (chore) to have an animal in an apartment environment, but assuming you are up to the challenge, it can be as rewarding to you and the animal as living on a farm. Hell, some of those mutts I see following around the homeless panhandler seem happier than many dogs in a more ‘acceptable’ environment. Home is where the heart is and if you work to create a positive environment for your dog, it matters little where and what you live in. Like the other poster said though, if you are NOT willing to make the effort to socialize and exercise, then one might pause before bringing a dog into the home. Mike.
Response:
B> So now I take it you are against chaining a dog for its own safety? Lets see B> would you rather kennel that dog? Which offers more room? If someone lives i B> city that does not allow more than 4 feet of fence in the front, and that B> person has no back yard, what is the option there? You guys are displaying y B> ignorance in every post. You do your dogs a disservice when you treat them a B> your equal. B> B> Broke B> Well, let’s see: I live in a city, have no backyard — and I bloody well walk my Dobe at least three times daily (and I don’t mean just around the block). When I am away from home without the dog, he stays in the house. How difficult is that? avrama & shomer .. nfx v2.7 [C0000] Blessed is s/he who has earned the love of a Dobe.
Response:
>I knew it,what did I tell you,Robert?? >Paulette >unfortunately always right….
Oh geez, you and Robert are in cahoots. How utterly pathetic. Ignorant people attract one another. Life goes on. Broke
Response:
>Of course, another option is to dig a big 12′ hole in the ground and >keep the dog there. Plenty of room to goof around and can’t even >*see* the fence. The lack of sunlight will cause them to become very >hairy, but at least they can’t run real fast with all that fur. >Idiot. >Robert
So now I take it you are against chaining a dog for its own safety? Lets see, would you rather kennel that dog? Which offers more room? If someone lives in a city that does not allow more than 4 feet of fence in the front, and that person has no back yard, what is the option there? You guys are displaying your ignorance in every post. You do your dogs a disservice when you treat them as your equal. Broke
Response:
>Why are we not surprised that you would choose this method of >confinement? >Toni >www.irish-wolfhounds.com
Next you will say that all pit dogs are aggressive, dobermans have a brain swell, and rotts are evil. What do you find wrong with this method of confinement, if you had a more agile breed than your gangly wolfhounds? Broke
Response:
>>Of course, another option is to dig a big 12′ hole in the ground and >keep the dog there. Plenty of room to goof around and can’t even >*see* the fence. The lack of sunlight will cause them to become very >hairy, but at least they can’t run real fast with all that fur. >Idiot. >Robert >So now I take it you are against chaining a dog for its own safety?
No. Do you have an example to say otherwise? >Lets see, >would you rather kennel that dog?
Yes. Definitely. >Which offers more room?
A kennel. The chain trips the dog. Why not ask a convict which it would rather have, a chain gang or a cell? The chain gang gives it the great outdoors. The cell just has a roof, a door and a TV. >If someone lives in a >city that does not allow more than 4 feet of fence in the front, and that >person has no back yard, what is the option there?
The most proper option is —NO DOG!!!! Just like if there is no $$$ for a kid, no room for a kid, no family for a kid, no future for a kid—guess what would I choose? NO KID!!!! >You guys are displaying your >ignorance in every post. You do your dogs a disservice when you treat them as >your equal.
No, I would be doing *them* a disservice if I thought them as low as *your* equal. I hope for more of my dog than to be a knee jerk dummy. Robert >Broke
I’m not surprised.
Response:
>>>>>So now I take it you are against chaining a dog for its own safety?
Lets see, would you rather kennel that dog? Which offers more room? If someone lives in a city that does not allow more than 4 feet of fence in the front, and that person has no back yard, what is the option there? >>>>> Hiya, Just a thought but—-what about just not having the dogs in the yard when you are not out there? I am assuming you are speaking of an urban set-up with minimal front yard space anyway, so why not just take the dogs to the off-leash, run them out and then let them sleep the day away inside? Cheers, Cin & Sid (85# spoiled lapdog—waiting for his gorgeous red sis to come home—9 days and counting!!)
Response:
Robert, I agree with your views and enjoy your posts but I have to disagree with you on this one…… We live in an apartment (hope to buy a house soon) and have no yard. We also have a lab/rottie X that is now 14 months old. I would never chain her outside even if we had a yard but I don’t think there is anything wrong with us having her in the first place. There is little difference in her life now and her life if we had a yard. I take her to the park and play, train, walk her. She gets to run along a beach and chase seagulls, play in the water. We go to our local off leash park 3 times a week and she plays with the other dogs and LOVES it. I am always with her or my husband is. She is our constant companion. Next week, she will graduate from basic obedience. I’m sure that she WILL graduate but apparently there is going to be a bit of a side competition, with ribbons…….we’ll be working all week to see if Kiya can take home first place. We had to fight our landlord and hire a lawyer to be able to keep her here but I’m sure that she wouldn’t have it any other way. She gets lots of excercise outside….it’s just not in OUR yard. Alison – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->If someone lives in a >city that does not allow more than 4 feet of fence in the front, and that >person has no back yard, what is the option there? > The most proper option is —NO DOG!!!! Just like if there is no $$$ > for a kid, no room for a kid, no family for a kid, no future for a > kid—guess what would I choose? NO KID!!!! >You guys are displaying your >ignorance in every post. You do your dogs a disservice when you treat them as >your equal. > No, I would be doing *them* a disservice if I thought them as low as > *your* equal. I hope for more of my dog than to be a knee jerk dummy. > Robert >Broke > I’m not surprised.
Response:
>Another option is to chain the dog in the yard >with a decent length. My escape artists are >both chained,
Why are we not surprised that you would choose this method of confinement? Toni www.irish-wolfhounds.com
Response:
Another option is to chain the dog in the yard with a decent length. My escape artists are both chained, one on 25 foot, the other on a 30 foot. Plenty of room to goof around, and can’t get past the fence. Broke
Response:
>Another option is to chain the dog in the yard >with a decent length. My escape artists are both >chained, one on 25 foot, the other on a 30 foot. >Plenty of room to goof around, and can’t get >past the fence. >Broke
I knew it,what did I tell you,Robert?? Paulette unfortunately always right…. Feeling like "Moondancing" while listening to Van’s great new album, "Back On Top" still the "Brown Eyed Girl" A dogs life is too short… Their only fault really…
Response:
>Another option is to chain the dog in the yard with a decent length. My escape >artists are both chained, one on 25 foot, the other on a 30 foot. Plenty of >room to goof around, and can’t get past the fence. >Broke
Of course, another option is to dig a big 12′ hole in the ground and keep the dog there. Plenty of room to goof around and can’t even *see* the fence. The lack of sunlight will cause them to become very hairy, but at least they can’t run real fast with all that fur. Idiot. Robert
Response:
>BEWARE honeysuckle! >But it smells great! >Dogman
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh Honeysuckle,foggy summer nights,and salt air….. I LOVE SUMMER on OLD CAPE COD!!! Paulette~ Feeling like "Moondancing" while listening to Van’s great new album, "Back On Top" still the "Brown Eyed Girl" A dogs life is too short… Their only fault really…
Response:
> >BEWARE honeysuckle! >But it smells great! >Dogman > Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh Honeysuckle,foggy summer nights,and salt air….. > I LOVE SUMMER on OLD CAPE COD!!!
Depends upon what gardening zone one lives in.. 
Things die back here more than they do where ya’ll live! Prune, snip, clip….. Zone 3, according to Sunset Gardening….
Response:
We have a 95 pound Kuvasz and a 40 pound Elkhound. They have a 1/2 acre fenced yard to play and romp, lots of trees. And we have a 4 ft fence. Neither dog has even gotten out — although it is farmyard fencing. So they can’t stand against it. The Kuvasz aggressively protects the yard and he has never come close to getting out. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >We have two great dane cross dogs, just over a year old. We are getting ready >to put in a fence and were wondering if we can get by with a 4ft. fence instead >of a 5ft. fence.
Response:
: We have a 95 pound Kuvasz and a 40 pound Elkhound. They have a 1/2 acre : fenced yard to play and romp, lots of trees. And we have a 4 ft fence. : Neither dog has even gotten out — although it is farmyard fencing. So they : can’t stand against it. The Kuvasz aggressively protects the yard and he : has never come close to getting out.
:>We have two great dane cross dogs, just over a year old. We are getting : ready :>to put in a fence and were wondering if we can get by with a 4ft. fence : instead :>of a 5ft. fence. What kind of fence will hold any particular dog depends on how much that individual dog wants to get out. The amount of space available to wander within the fence doesn’t seem to matter much. The size of the dogs definetly is less of a factor than their physical ability. The aggressiveness of a dog in protecting its territory is a factor and a fence that holds a dog for part of a dog’s life may not hold that dog forever. Similarly a dog that is content to stay behind a fence when it is younger will often begin to escape confinement as it approaches maturity – 18 months to 3 years of age depending upon breed. Motivation to leave can be enhanced by boredom (alone dogs tend to leave more often than dogs that have company), or sex (unneutered and unspayed dogs leave more frequently than castrated or spayed dogs), or just the seeking of human comany (social dogs will leave more often than aloof dogs). The type of fence can matter to some dogs (i.e. some dogs won’t climb a loose fence), but not to others. Breed is also a factor. In general a four foot fence is not sufficient to contain most dogs when the dog is left unsupervised. Diane Blackman – - - - - - - The trouble with common-sense is that it isn’t very common.
Response:
While I was listening to the Miles Davis CD, "Kind Of Blue," and >You can plant bittersweet, and honeysuckle,
[...] And if the honeysuckle is anything like *my* honeysuckle, it will virtually engulf your entire property in no time, often snaking itself into your children’s bedrooms, attempting at times to suffocate them in their sleep! BEWARE honeysuckle! But it smells great! ;>) — Dogman Dogman’s Den http://www.i1.net/~dogman
Response:
>The 5ft. one just seems to be too tall compared >to the other fences in the neighborhood, it will >look out of place
It just looks that way as it is new wood,trust me it will blend in and look smaller. However I have 6 foot and 8 foot fences and gates,and everything blends in. I would really consider a 6 footer at least,if not, go the 5 footer and maybe do a decorative top,you know something like a weave or lattice work. You can plant bittersweet, and honeysuckle,wild roses,all grow fast, and before you know it,you will have an "old money fence" and be the envy of your neighbours ; ) Paulette~ Feeling like "Moondancing" while listening to Van’s great new album, "Back On Top" still the "Brown Eyed Girl" A dogs life is too short… Their only fault really…
Response:
>And by the way, a dog needn’t be a Great Dane or even >Great Dane size to jump a 4′ or 5′ fence.
I know an 18 inch dog that will clear a 6 foot fence. Broke
Response:
Interesting question here… I DO have a bit of advise on this.. I have a golden retreiver. Very well behaved. I also have a 1 year old St. Bernard (unruely). When i leave the house, I can not leave the st. Bernard inside… she eats couches, chairs, refrigerators, stoves, small children….(well, not really small children), but she does like to distroy everything. So i leave my golden retreiver inside, and the st. bernard out in the back yard. We have a 4′ high fence… i have recently found out that she can easily "step" over this fence. I now have to goto court and appear before a judge, on the charges of "allowing a dog to run at large" this offense is not waiverable, i must see the judge. I think I will be getting a taller fence… I do realize that I have to work with the St. Bernard on her behaviors, I haave only just received her within the past month…. but a 4ft high fence is NOT worth loosing your dog to a traffic accident, or the fine you might have to pay. As far as people saying that the dog should not be out there by themselves, well, I disagree with that… it is one thing to leave a dog outside for extended periods of time, but to put her out for an hour or two so she can run around freely, and have some time to herself is NOT neglect in my book… Just my 2 cents Dave. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > We have two great dane cross dogs, just over a year old. We are > getting ready > to put in a fence and were wondering if we can get by with a 4ft. > fence instead > of a 5ft. fence. The 5ft. one just seems to be too tall compared to > the other > fences in the neighborhood, it will look out of place.We just don’t > want to > pay all the money for a fence and then have the dogs be able to jump > it. They > are not full great dane size, they are 87 and 95 pounds and about the > size of a > large lab. They are over 5 ft.tall from top to bottom when standing > up on > their hind legs. Any suggestions about what to do? Are there any > special > tricks to keep them in if they do jump the fence?
Response:
J> We have two great dane cross dogs, just over a year old. We are getting rea J> to put in a fence and were wondering if we can get by with a 4ft. fence inst J> of a 5ft. fence. The 5ft. one just seems to be too tall compared to the oth J> fences in the neighborhood, it will look out of place.We just don’t want to J> pay all the money for a fence and then have the dogs be able to jump it. Th J> are not full great dane size, they are 87 and 95 pounds and about the size o J> large lab. They are over 5 ft.tall from top to bottom when standing up on J> their hind legs. Any suggestions about what to do? Are there any special J> tricks to keep them in if they do jump the fence? J> Instead of a 4 foot fence, think of a six (6′) foot one. And by the way, a dog needn’t be a Great Dane or even Great Dane size to jump a 4′ or 5′ fence. .. nfx v2.7 [C0000] An ounce of image is worth a pound of performance.
Response:
We have two great dane cross dogs, just over a year old. We are getting ready to put in a fence and were wondering if we can get by with a 4ft. fence instead of a 5ft. fence. The 5ft. one just seems to be too tall compared to the other fences in the neighborhood, it will look out of place.We just don’t want to pay all the money for a fence and then have the dogs be able to jump it. They are not full great dane size, they are 87 and 95 pounds and about the size of a large lab. They are over 5 ft.tall from top to bottom when standing up on their hind legs. Any suggestions about what to do? Are there any special tricks to keep them in if they do jump the fence?
Response:
> Any suggestions about what to do? Are there any special > tricks to keep them in if they do jump the fence?
Well, technically it shouldn’t matter, since your dogs should not be spending any time in the yard alone, without you. And if you are with them you can easily train them not to challenge the fence. A nice fence is great for when you go out with them so you don’t have to keep them on a leash, but backyards are not appropriate places to leave dogs unattended. If you are planning on leaving them out there alone, why not post your reasons and I’m sure a lot of us on the group would be happy to try to help you find another solution. — Cindi
If you like this post and would like to receive updates from this blog, please subscribe our feed.