by Alden Smith
Keeping your dog safe should be a major priority. Dogs are inquisitive by nature, and like to run and play. They also like to dig up neighbor's flower beds, and this can cause friction between you and surrounding home owners. Nearly every town has dog containment and leash laws, and disregarding them is not only against the law, but causes friction in the neighborhood. Here is what you can do to keep Fido not only safe but happy.
One of the best ways to contain a dog is with a kennel fence. There are a few things to take into consideration when deciding to install one. The first consideration is the size of the dog. Many larger working breeds demand a large area to run in and to get required exercise. Toy breeds and smaller dogs do not need half as much area to run and exercise as the larger breeds do. Another consideration is how smart your pet is. Some dogs can scale a dog kennel fence, so you may need to decide on fencing that has smaller holes, such as some types of chicken wire. What height to buy is also essential. Obviously, a Jack Russell terrier doesn't need as high a fence as a Doberman.
Here's how to install a chain link dog fence:
1. Know your boundaries. Check the survey of your property so that you insure you aren't putting up fence on the neighbors land. Check with your local building department to find out if there is restrictions on fence height. Because you will be digging on your property, check with the local utility company so that they can locate and mark any buried power lines.
2. Lay out the fence. Use stakes and string to determine the fence line. Make sure your layout is at least 4 inches inside your property line to insure your concrete footing do not encroach on your neighbor's property.
2. Dig the post holes for the terminal posts. Three feet in depth is ideal - it is below the frost line. Posts should be 7 to 10 feet apart. If a gate is planned, make sure that the posts are placed correctly for the size of the gate. The posts should protrude at least one inch above the top of the fencing. If in doubt, allow a few extra inches in height - it can always be cut off later.
3. Mix the ready-mix concrete to proper consistency, and have a helper hold the post in the hole while you pour the cement. Insure that the post is in the center of the hole, and use a carpenter's level to insure that the post is level.
4. Install the line posts between the terminal posts to insure that they are in line. Measure the line posts to a height of the fence minus three inches. When post caps and top rail is added, the post will be the correct height. Allow the cement to harden for at least 48 hours before final installation.
5. Next, install the fittings. Typically, the fence is to the outside of the enclosed area. Install the tension bands, which are offset, and insure the offset is on the same side as the fence. Use a tension band for each foot of fence height. Place the brace band over the tension band. Fasten, and add the rail end cap. Line posts will only require a line post cap.
6. Next, add the top rail. Slide it through the loop caps on the line posts. Longer lengths of top rail require a coupling. This can be either a regular coupler or a swedge end that presses together. Add top rail until you reach the terminal post. Insure that the top rail slides into the rail end cap, and cut to length.
7. Weave the fence by starting at one end and rolling it out to the other end. If the fence needs to be joined due to long length, untwist the spiral strand from the top and bottom, spin the strand out, and match the two together.
8. Stretch the fence by threading the tension bar through the end of the fence, and use a fence stretcher to tighten the fence, insuring that the diamonds of the fence hold their true dimensions. Never over tighten the fence. Secure the tension bar to the end post with the tension bands.
9. Secure the fence to the top rail with fence ties at a distance of 18 inches. After finishing this, attach fence ties to the post.
10. Install the gate, using the correct fasteners. You're done!
If the thoughts of a chain link fence doesn't appeal to you, consider an underground invisible fence. These can be installed easily by first plotting the fence installation, identifying any obstacles, and determining how much wire will be needed. Here's how to install.
1. Use a garden trencher to dig a 2 to 3 inch trench around the yard perimeter. Be sure to make curves in the trench versus a 90 degree angle, because the signal from the transmitter may be either lost or overactive.
2. Install the wire in the trench. You can cross driveways or sidewalks by using a circular saw with a masonry blade to cut a 1 inch groove, and after laying the wire fill the groove with asphalt caulk. Cover the wire with soil or sod.
3. Install the transmitter in an area protected from the elements. Connect the wires as instructed by the manufacturer. Walk the wire, using the activated collar to determine it is working properly. Place the training flags where there is a warning beep, and not an electrical shock. The dog needs to know where to stop, and the training flags insure that there is a visual aid for him.
Remember that not all dogs will pay attention to the warning beep or even the mild shock when crossing the fence boundaries. And also be aware that this does not stop other dogs from entering the perimeter - the dog must be wearing the activated collar for the fence to work.
Following these simple steps will insure that your dog is happy and well protected. Remember, it is your responsibility to keep your dog contained. It will also keep peace in the neighborhood.
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