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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nIn this article, I\u2019ll discuss various options for you to have your dog in your yard without a fence. I\u2019ll also indicate the good points and bad points of each method.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reasons To Keep Your Dog in Your Yard<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Keeping any dog loose in a yard can be unsafe for many reasons. Even a puppy who may at first remain by your side will eventually want to explore the world–and take off to do so. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Any dog may run away, but certain breeds are more likely to do so than others. Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes are known to be wanderers and to attempt to escape from even a fenced yard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hunting dogs like golden and labrador retrievers are prone to chase prey. So are terriers like Yorkies and westies if they see a squirrel running across their path. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And herding dogs like Aussies, shelties, and border collies are programmed to chase moving objects like cars or people on bikes or skateboards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When a dog\u2019s natural drives kick in, it\u2019s dangerous for them to be loose against such attractions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course, any dog may wander off when he sees something that interests him, such as an approaching dog or person–or even a paper food wrapper that may be passing by your property. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And any dog may be called to chase wildlife should a deer or an errant groundhog emerge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These dogs may inadvertently run away and face many dangers. Unfortunately, they may be hit by a car and injured or killed. It\u2019s a horrible thought, but it must be taken into account when judging how to confine your dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some type of confinement may be required under the law where you live. And, if your dog isn\u2019t confined by a method specified under that law, you may be subject to fines. Sometimes, dogs are even confiscated under similar laws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another reason to keep your dog in your yard without a fence is that other dogs can pose a problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even if your dog\u2019s friendly, another dog may not be and your dog could be injured in a dog fight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your dog gets loose, he may also ingest dangerous items he gets into. He may eat spoiled food, rocks, or even deadly poisons such as rat poisons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unfortunately, some of these items can make him ill and others will be fatal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even the sweetest dog may bite someone. Out of fear or by being teased or injured, a dog may feel the need to defend himself and bite. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If this happens, your dog may be labeled as a \u201cdangerous dog\u201d and be euthanized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another risk of leaving a dog loose is that he may be stolen. Unfortunately, many dogs are stolen and sold or used for horrible purposes such as dogfighting or to otherwise harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Methods To Keep Your Dog in an Unfenced Yard<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There are numerous options<\/a> to keep your dog in a yard without a hard fence. Some are safer than others. And which method you choose can also depend on your dog. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some dogs, such as hunting breeds and terriers, have genetic drives to go after small animals. And herding breeds are prone to want to herd moving things such as people on bikes or skateboards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So we have to take their natural drives into consideration when choosing the safest method to keep them in a yard without a physical fence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One method is an \u201cinvisible\u201d fence. Most use underground wire that goes around the entire area you\u2019re covering. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It has a control box usually placed at your home. And it uses a collar that your dog wears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If the dog gets too close to the wire, most are set up for the collar to give a signal to the dog such as a vibration or beeps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If the dog crosses the wire, he receives a shock, or a \u201cstatic charge\u201d as many companies call it. The shock is not supposed to physically harm the dog in any way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can have the invisible fence professionally installed or install it yourself. These can be thousands of dollars if professionally installed or hundreds of dollars<\/a> for do-it-yourselfers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are also similar fences that use posts that transmit a signal which, if crossed, can also give the dog a shock in the collar that comes with the system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Or some have a main unit transmitter that sends a signal to the dog\u2019s collar. The transmitter has settings for various distances before either beeping or giving your dog a static charge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many such \u201cinvisible\u201d fences have various settings in which the dog can receive a milder or stronger shock. The type of shock is set depending on how likely the dog is to cross the barrier given by the signal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In training a dog to such devices, usually, a line of flags is placed encircling the entire area covered by the wire or signal. The dog is then taken up to the area where the flags are and given the warning beeps in his training collar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Eventually, the dog learns where the barrier is and the flags are removed a few at a time. All of the flags are usually removed and, hopefully, the dog learns to respect the invisible barrier. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I am not a fan of these types of fences. Not only are some dogs likely to cross them, but, once they cross, dogs aren\u2019t generally likely to cross back into the yard because they\u2019ll be shocked again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, other animals–including dogs–can cross into your yard, potentially leading to a fight or attack. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And it\u2019s very easy for people to cross into your yard. And they may steal or injure your dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some dogs can be very traumatized if they receive a shock and not want to venture outside again–even to potty or play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I was called to help train a Jack Russell terrier when the dog refused to go out of the house after he was shocked by crossing an electric fence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The poor dog was really scared to exit his house for fear of receiving another shock. I worked with him and, over weeks, was successful in helping him overcome his fear of the great outdoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another potential problem with invisible fences is that the batteries on the dog\u2019s collar may discharge, rendering the fence ineffective. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The fence also won\u2019t work if your power goes out without a backup. And it won\u2019t work if the wire is broken somewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another way to confine your dog is by using a tie-out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some tie-outs use a stake deeply embedded in the ground<\/a> that the line is attached to. Others use an attachment to your home or can be secured around a tree trunk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The line may be nylon, metal chain, metal encased in plastic, or cotton. They come in various lengths, such as 10 feet to even 50 feet or more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Even with such lines, your dog should be taught about how long the line is so that he doesn\u2019t injure himself trying to run after something outside the line\u2019s reach. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you use a collar or a harness<\/a>, you want to make sure your dog can\u2019t be injured by running on the line. Choose one that properly fits<\/a> your dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Such tie-outs should never be used with choke or prong collars, as injury may easily occur should your dog tighten the line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These tie-out lines provide some freedom to your dog. You want to make sure that your dog can\u2019t get tangled up when deciding where to place the line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You should be present if you decide to use a tie-out to contain your dog. You want to be sure that he doesn\u2019t injure himself on it. And, as is true with invisible fences, people or other animals may enter your yard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, some dogs will try to chew through the line if bored or if attempting to get free. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If it\u2019s made of nylon or cotton, he may easily chew through it. But if it\u2019s made of metal, he may even injure himself and break teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tie-outs are relatively inexpensive, ranging from under $20 to about $50, depending on the material used for the line and its length.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another method to give your dog some freedom outside is by using a long line. These are usually made of nylon or cotton. You hold them (or step on them) while your dog has some time to run around. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They come in many lengths. I used a 50-foot line<\/a> with my dogs before I had a hard fence installed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By using it, my dogs could safely play fetch and have some fun time running free. My sheltie Amber loved to play and catch or chase a soft frisbee. <\/p>\n\n\n\n She was able to romp around on the long cotton line and just safely enjoy some time in the sun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long lines are inexpensive, ranging from under 10 dollars to about 40 dollars, depending on the length and material. Make sure that the line you choose is meant to be used with a dog with your dog\u2019s strength and activity level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another type of way to tether your dog outside is by using a trolley<\/a>. The trolley rolls along on metal cords well above the dog. The metal lines run on a pulley that allows your dog to run back and forth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s similar to the look of a clothesline. In deciding which one to purchase, make sure that it\u2019s meant for a dog that\u2019s your dog\u2019s size, strength, and activity level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The trolley line is tethered between two solid objects, such as a building, a high stake, or tree. . <\/p>\n\n\n\n This type of device gives your dog less freedom than a regular tie-out would. And it still poses the dangers of other animals or people easily entering your property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another way to confine your pup without a traditional hard fence is by using an outdoor kennel or run. These are usually made of steel or iron.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These can be designed so that your dog can enter it from a doggy door in the home or can be a separate run placed in your yard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can even use it to section off a deck or patio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kennels and runs can be made to your specifications or can be purchased in certain stock sizes<\/a>. The panels can vary from four feet high to six feet high and four feet long to six feet long or even longer. Of course, larger dogs will need larger sizes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They are usually very sturdy and can hold even larger, stronger dogs–or dogs who have natural chase instincts. Make sure that the model you choose is strong enough to contain your dog. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Flimsier, lighter-weight models may be sufficient for small dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And you can even purchase sunscreen for the top of some models. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These are usually safer than invisible fences and tie-outs. Other animals and people can\u2019t readily access them. You can even usually lock them to help prevent any such mishaps. And some can be staked to the ground for even more security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They can range from hundreds<\/a> to thousands<\/a> of dollars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Exercise pens are another method of confinement for dogs. These are generally less sturdy than kennel runs and generally don\u2019t have a top. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, when choosing your size, take into account whether your dog can escape through the top. You can even buy some pens that attach to each other to expand the size for your dog. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you choose this method, make sure that you purchase pens that are sturdy and meant to be outside. There are pens that are made of metal<\/a> and others made of plastic<\/a>. You can also usually stake them to the ground to be even more secure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on the size and material, exercise pens can range from about 50 dollars to hundreds of dollars–especially if you connect a few to increase the size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another method to confine your dog to your yard without a hard fence is to teach boundary training. This shows your dog the perimeter you don\u2019t want him to cross.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nInvisible Fence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Tie-Outs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Long-line<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Trolley Lines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Outdoor Kennel or Run<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Exercise Pens <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Boundary Training<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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