How to Design Kennel Fencing
Fencing around dog kennels needs to not only contain the animals within the kennel but protect pets from unseen dangers. Kennel fencing can and should be designed and chosen for maximum aesthetic effect, especially in a smaller yard where the kennel compound is visible from the house or a back patio or deck.
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Instructions
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Design the fence enclosure so it completely wraps around the "run" area and any doghouse that is a part of the kennel. If you only install fencing around three sides of the kennel and terminate the fencing in a haphazard manner at the frame of the dog house, some dogs will find a clever way to work through such a sloppy joint and escape.
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Locate any doghouse or shelter inside the kennel well away from the fencing. Many breeds of dogs are smart enough and physically able to climb atop a doghouse and jump the fence.
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Install a roof or other enclosure over the entire kennel. This will not only provide your animals with shelter from snow and rain, but will prevent them from escaping. There are many breeds of dogs that are adept jumpers and climbers. A roof barrier will also prevent brazen rodents (like raccoons) from getting into the kennel.
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Use a fencing material that has mesh openings smaller than your dog's paws. Some dog breeds are excellent climbers of chain link fences.
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Choose a safe and impervious fencing material. Some dogs experience anxiety when kenneled, especially for the first time, and will try to bite through the fencing, resulting in tooth, gum and muzzle injuries. Wooden fences will not stop some breeds: many can chew through a wooden fence slat within a few hours.
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Consider using a combination of smaller mesh fencing for that portion of the walls below 48 inches and a larger mesh above 48 inches, especially if children will be around the kennel. This will prevent children from sticking their hands through the fencing and getting a painful (not to mention legally dangerous) nip.
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Design a gate that is escape-proof and foolproof. Neither a dog, nor an errant child, should be able to get the gate open. A double system of gates is best for containing dogs that may try to escape the second a human puts a foot through a partially opened gate.
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Allow for enough room inside the kennel for a dog to exercise by walking or trotting. Dogs should be able to trot without having to stop and turn away from the fence for at least six natural strides. The best kennels are designed so the dog can literally run around the entire perimeter of the enclosure in a circle.
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Tips & Warnings
Provide kenneled dogs with a suitable view, regardless of the fencing design or type. A dog that is enclosed in such a way that they cannot see out into the world will suffer psychological trauma quickly. Dogs should have a long-distance view as well. Dogs that must spend hours looking at close-up objects like walls can suffer visual problems over the long term due to lack of focal depth.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit fence image by Betty Oesterling from Fotolia.com
