We need a fence for Shiloh - which material?

[sheryl]

I know!  We should have had the fence in place already.  OK, moving past that -

We need a fence for Shiloh.  One reason we haven't had one installed is b/c we will be moving in the near future and we have so many areas of cash outflow to "fix up" that a fence was pushed to the back.    

She "needs" a fence.  

Knowing that she would benefit from a fence and we're spending money elsewhere to spruce up, we are seeking a fence that would be reasonably-priced and get the job done.

What material would you suggest?  Obviously not barbed wire, masonry or chain link.   

Wood, vinyl, composite, metal, treated wood?

FWIW, this is for Shiloh.  Our back yard is natural which I like but it's a little too much. With the abundance of trees grass doesn't grow well.  Really not at all so it's a muddy mess. 

Also, what questions do I ask these companies?

Edited December 21, 2020 by sheryl

[PeterPan]

Going to say this quietly, since the dog rights people might not like it, but we use a *trolley* for our outdoor dog. Very long line running the entire length of the yard, hung between trees. Dog has a long lead extending from that, so he basically has the entire run of a very large yard, just like he would with a fence. Even if it was some initial hassle, it might cost you less than a fence. And honestly, I'm not sure how well fencing keeps dogs in anyway if they want out. They dig, etc. don't they? Most people around here (edge of city) do electric fences. That gives me headaches, but if it doesn't bother you, that would be your product of choice. Might be less costly than a physical barrier fence and more effective too.

 

Edited December 21, 2020 by PeterPan

[sheryl]

6 minutes ago, PeterPan said:

Going to say this quietly, since the dog rights people might not like it, but we use a *trolley* for our outdoor dog. Very long line running the entire length of the yard, hung between trees. Dog has a long lead extending from that, so he basically has the entire run of a very large yard, just like he would with a fence. Even if it was some initial hassle, it might cost you less than a fence. And honestly, I'm not sure how well fencing keeps dogs in anyway if they want out. They dig, etc. don't they? Most people around here (edge of city) do electric fences. That gives me headaches, but if it doesn't bother you, that would be your product of choice. Might be less costly than a physical barrier fence and more effective too.

 

Peter Pan - LOL!  We also used a "zip line" for our  1st lab.   It worked well, better than nothing.  But, Shiloh needs a large area in which to run, jump, etc.  In may revisit the "tie out" option and use an incredibly long lead in the front yard.  We have too many trees in back for that to work.  What breed do you have?   Shiloh is a hearty girl who loves activity and thrives on it.

[Innisfree]

My two objections to electric fences are, first, that Shiloh would be contained, but other dogs running loose would not be excluded, which could lead to her being injured; and, second, that a motivated, high-energy dog sometimes plows right through them, choosing to disregard the momentary pain.

We have aluminum fencing where it's visible from the street and chain link where it isn't. On the whole, that's worked well for fifteen years. Recently I have noticed, though, that the local deer have gone *through* the aluminum fence, rather than jumping over it. I am not happy about this: repairing it won't be cheap, and they could just do the same thing again. I really had thought it would be strong enough to resist them pushing through between the posts, but evidently not. The chain link isn't beautiful, but it has been exceedingly serviceable, in contrast to the aluminum.

Maybe a wooden privacy fence? I've never had one of those. Or, if you don't have deer, the aluminum is fine and very attractive.

[Pawz4me]

Over the years and various houses we've had chain link, vinyl coated chain link, vinyl privacy, and post and rail with wire liner. The fences have contained everything from multiple 100+ pound dogs to our two current 15 pounders. They all worked fine. They all had their pros and cons. Aesthetically, I like our current post and rail the best. Our yard is partially wooded and the fence blends in nicely.

Assuming you aren't constrained by any HOA regulations or anything like that, I think your best bet is to get at least a couple of estimates, compare prices, see what some fencing folks say would work well for your yard. Then decide on what will best balance your needs and your budget.

Edited December 21, 2020 by Pawz4me

[Nart]

Is Shiloh a beagle?

[sheryl]

1 hour ago, Innisfree said:

My two objections to electric fences are, first, that Shiloh would be contained, but other dogs running loose would not be excluded, which could lead to her being injured; and, second, that a motivated, high-energy dog sometimes plows right through them, choosing to disregard the momentary pain.

We have aluminum fencing where it's visible from the street and chain link where it isn't. On the whole, that's worked well for fifteen years. Recently I have noticed, though, that the local deer have gone *through* the aluminum fence, rather than jumping over it. I am not happy about this: repairing it won't be cheap, and they could just do the same thing again. I really had thought it would be strong enough to resist them pushing through between the posts, but evidently not. The chain link isn't beautiful, but it has been exceedingly serviceable, in contrast to the aluminum.

Maybe a wooden privacy fence? I've never had one of those. Or, if you don't have deer, the aluminum is fine and very attractive.

 

1 hour ago, Innisfree said:

My two objections to electric fences are, first, that Shiloh would be contained, but other dogs running loose would not be excluded, which could lead to her being injured; and, second, that a motivated, high-energy dog sometimes plows right through them, choosing to disregard the momentary pain.

We have aluminum fencing where it's visible from the street and chain link where it isn't. On the whole, that's worked well for fifteen years. Recently I have noticed, though, that the local deer have gone *through* the aluminum fence, rather than jumping over it. I am not happy about this: repairing it won't be cheap, and they could just do the same thing again. I really had thought it would be strong enough to resist them pushing through between the posts, but evidently not. The chain link isn't beautiful, but it has been exceedingly serviceable, in contrast to the aluminum.

Maybe a wooden privacy fence? I've never had one of those. Or, if you don't have deer, the aluminum is fine and very attractive.

Yes, I saw aluminum might be an option to consider re: maintenance.  We live in the city but there is a fair population of deer.  Well, do you think it's worth fencing the whole back yard or a section of it (that doesn't even sound like it makes sense!)?

[sheryl]

1 hour ago, Pawz4me said:

Over the years and various houses we've had chain link, vinyl coated chain link, vinyl privacy, and post and rail with wire liner. The fences have contained everything from multiple 100+ pound dogs to our two current 15 pounders. They all worked fine. They all had their pros and cons. Aesthetically, I like our current post and rail the best. Our yard is partially wooded and the fence blends in nicely.

Assuming you aren't constrained by any HOA regulations or anything like that, I think your best bet is to get at least a couple of estimates, compare prices, see what some fencing folks say would work well for your yard. Then decide on what will best balance your needs and your budget.

Right.  I'm getting preliminary info here before calling folks.  Thanks!

[sheryl]

54 minutes ago, Nart said:

Is Shiloh a beagle?

No, she's a 64 lb female yellow lab who loves to engage with people and activity!

[Selkie]

We have super sturdy aluminum fence in front and chain link in back.

Does Shiloh dig? We poured a concrete perimeter around the base of our fencing so our dogs can't tunnel out.

[sheryl]

4 minutes ago, Selkie said:

We have super sturdy aluminum fence in front and chain link in back.

Does Shiloh dig? We poured a concrete perimeter around the base of our fencing so our dogs can't tunnel out.

Well, that's a good idea! Now b/c we're going to be selling and buying another house, we wouldn't invest the money for 2 fences.  We'll do one.  We have money going out for other projects of all sizes.  BUT, she does dig, some.  Hmm.  Need to think through this.  

**  To anyone reading this, please know we will not leave her out all day, chaperoned or not.  She's an indoor/family dog but she needs a contained area.  I need to figure this out asap.  She'll have playtime alone and with us and this will be useful in training her more.  

Edited December 22, 2020 by sheryl

[Anne]

Another thought - if you are planning on selling your house soon, what kind of fence will have the best resale value?  

 

Anne

[Innisfree]

How soon are you selling and moving? If that's happening soon, maybe you could just wait and install a good fence in the new location. It's possible to get a movable pen which could give Shiloh a smallish, safe place to play temporarily, until you move. Check Tractor Supply or similar places: I believe it's possible to get something like a 10' x 10' or 10' x 20' six foot high pen which could be expanded with a few extra panels for far less money than fencing a yard.

[Pen]

Idk how much fencing you need, but possibly sectional chain link would be possible and could move with you.

of your listed options and for something to leave behind, I’d choose wood, not treated 

if she’s not a jumper or climber you could also look at metal cattle panels that could move with you

[kiwik]

I would go with a run or temporary fence panels like they use on

building sites.  You can take it with you and use it while you build a new fence at your new place.

 

[kristin0713]

I know that some strongly disagree, but we have always had a great experience with an invisible fence. Growing up we had a setter mix who loved to run and the invisible fence worked wonderfully for her. We currently have a beagle mix who we trained on the fence around 5 months old and it has been perfect. We recently moved in with my parents and had one put in here for her. We do not leave her outside unsupervised for extended periods of time. We are in a great area on a quiet street and I’m not concerned about someone taking her. Her fence is mostly in the back with some room in the front only so that she will be contained if she gets out the front door. She’s a digger, and she won’t dig her way out of this. She won’t get anywhere near her boundary. Just another perspective.   

[Ottakee]

A cheap and easy fence is t posts with 2x4 wire fencing.   You could put this up yourselves in a few hours.

That said, it might not meet zoning requirements and likely would not add to any resale value.  It would be easily moved to a different house.

How soon are you moving?

depending on your area, house, market, etc, a nice chain link fence can add a lot of resale value to a young family looking for a fenced in back yard for kids or pets.

[sheryl]

11 hours ago, Anne said:

Another thought - if you are planning on selling your house soon, what kind of fence will have the best resale value?  

 

Anne

Right, resale is important but we might not be able  to get "best".  We have money going out for other projects to get this house in order so "good" might have to suffice for budget's sake.  But, that's why I'm asking here.  We've never had a fence so I'm clueless.

11 hours ago, Innisfree said:

How soon are you selling and moving? If that's happening soon, maybe you could just wait and install a good fence in the new location. It's possible to get a movable pen which could give Shiloh a smallish, safe place to play temporarily, until you move. Check Tractor Supply or similar places: I believe it's possible to get something like a 10' x 10' or 10' x 20' six foot high pen which could be expanded with a few extra panels for far less money than fencing a yard.

When?  LOL.  We should have already moved.  Would prefer that to happen in 2021 or 2022 at the latest.  We just have to much to  do to get it "sell-worthy".  We are in a great neighborhood in terms of price point and location.  Now we don't live in a 1M but these homes are brick (full or partial) and were built in 60's so quality is there.

 

 

[sheryl]

11 hours ago, Innisfree said:

How soon are you selling and moving? If that's happening soon, maybe you could just wait and install a good fence in the new location. It's possible to get a movable pen which could give Shiloh a smallish, safe place to play temporarily, until you move. Check Tractor Supply or similar places: I believe it's possible to get something like a 10' x 10' or 10' x 20' six foot high pen which could be expanded with a few extra panels for far less money than fencing a yard.

Forgot to mention.  I like the idea of moveable pen. I'll need to check it out!  Thanks much!!!

[sheryl]

10 hours ago, Pen said:

Idk how much fencing you need, but possibly sectional chain link would be possible and could move with you.

of your listed options and for something to leave behind, I’d choose wood, not treated 

if she’s not a jumper or climber you could also look at metal cattle panels that could move with you

I like the idea of  temporary as Innisfree and others suggested.   Sectional is what exactly?  I know nothing about fences.  Link? Pic?
She's not a jumper but is may be inclined to dig (not sure about this).   
Cattle panels? Pic?

 

5 hours ago, kiwik said:

I would go with a run or temporary fence panels like they use on

building sites.  You can take it with you and use it while you build a new fence at your new place.

 

Right.  I like this idea.  Just need a link/pic.   Thanks! 

[sheryl]

1 hour ago, kristin0713 said:

I know that some strongly disagree, but we have always had a great experience with an invisible fence. Growing up we had a setter mix who loved to run and the invisible fence worked wonderfully for her. We currently have a beagle mix who we trained on the fence around 5 months old and it has been perfect. We recently moved in with my parents and had one put in here for her. We do not leave her outside unsupervised for extended periods of time. We are in a great area on a quiet street and I’m not concerned about someone taking her. Her fence is mostly in the back with some room in the front only so that she will be contained if she gets out the front door. She’s a digger, and she won’t dig her way out of this. She won’t get anywhere near her boundary. Just another perspective.   

I'm not opposed to invisible fence for the right breed.  Shiloh is a robust, full-blooded female yellow lab who turned 18 months last week (Dec 17)!  She's 64 lbs.  I need to upload a current pic of her.  Most labs are inquisitive.  Other dogs (many on our street  and neighborhood) would enter Shiloh's "land" more than likely.  And, because she  is a lab I see her breaking through the fence.  I guess you can up the frequency or whatever it is and I'm much prefer something invisible for the purposes of this yard/project/need but I don't think we'll be able to do I.F. even though I seriously considered it at one point.

1 hour ago, Ottakee said:

A cheap and easy fence is t posts with 2x4 wire fencing.   You could put this up yourselves in a few hours.

That said, it might not meet zoning requirements and likely would not add to any resale value.  It would be easily moved to a different house.

How soon are you moving?

depending on your area, house, market, etc, a nice chain link fence can add a lot of resale value to a young family looking for a fenced in back yard for kids or pets.

I think I may have seen this in our neighborhood but not sure?  Pic of what you're talking about?  Yes, agree, fenced in area for future kids/pets.

[Ottakee]

23 minutes ago, sheryl said:

 

I think I may have seen this in our neighborhood but not sure?  Pic of what you're talking about?  Yes, agree, fenced in area for future kids/pets.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/60-in-x-150-ft-Steel-Mesh-Roll-5901001/206261746

[sheryl]

11 minutes ago, Ottakee said:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/60-in-x-150-ft-Steel-Mesh-Roll-5901001/206261746

Ohhhhh!  Got it.  Thanks.  I saw fabric (?) mesh in my research a bit ago.  This is wire mesh.  That's a contender.  Just need to process all of these recommendations. Hoping for more pics/links to come in.  THANKS!

[kristin0713]

51 minutes ago, sheryl said:

I'm not opposed to invisible fence for the right breed.  Shiloh is a robust, full-blooded female yellow lab who turned 18 months last week (Dec 17)!  She's 64 lbs. 

I totally get it.  I'm not trying to sell you on it, but just as another example, our neighbors got one for their German Shepherd when he was a puppy of probably the same size or larger and they have had NO problems with him trying to break out.  He is now 120lbs.  And their yard is tiny.  I think it makes a big difference if the dog trains on it when they are a puppy.  However, I know that some people do have an issue with other animals or dogs coming in and there is no way around that.  

[Innisfree]

Okay, if you may not move until sometime in 2022, I'd skip the portable pens. I was thinking of something like a 3-6 month horizon for using one of those.

I think @Pawz4me had the right answer. Call some fencing companies, get some estimates, choose something that fits your budget and your neighborhood. Or the 2 x 4 mesh might work, if you can install it yourselves.

[Pen]

3 hours ago, sheryl said:

I like the idea of  temporary as Innisfree and others suggested.   Sectional is what exactly?  I know nothing about fences.  Link? Pic?
She's not a jumper but is may be inclined to dig (not sure about this).   
Cattle panels? Pic?

 

Right.  I like this idea.  Just need a link/pic.   Thanks! 

I’ll try to get u pics later as I am near some of these - it’s pouring making pics a little hard 

actually, when I sent u a pic of my dog in his harness one time, I think it showed some cattle panel fencing , or at least a cattle gate plus some poles and metal fencing  —

🤺 haha, no phone not that type 🤺 

[sheryl]

3 hours ago, kristin0713 said:

I totally get it.  I'm not trying to sell you on it, but just as another example, our neighbors got one for their German Shepherd when he was a puppy of probably the same size or larger and they have had NO problems with him trying to break out.  He is now 120lbs.  And their yard is tiny.  I think it makes a big difference if the dog trains on it when they are a puppy.  However, I know that some people do have an issue with other animals or dogs coming in and there is no way around that.  

Right. Well, a German Shepherd.  That is a good testimony.  I do agree it helps to train a younger puppy to "grow" in to it!

[sheryl]

52 minutes ago, Pen said:

I’ll try to get u pics later as I am near some of these - it’s pouring making pics a little hard 

actually, when I sent u a pic of my dog in his harness one time, I think it showed some cattle panel fencing , or at least a cattle gate plus some poles and metal fencing  —

🤺 haha, no phone not that type 🤺 

The Shiloh "puppy" thread.  I'll look.

[sheryl]

OK Pen,  I looked through 13 pages on the mega puppy thread - Shiloh!  I think you or another had a couple more pics showing collars that were later deleted due to privacy. 

I saw one pic you posted of a black dog on a gravel path.

???

[sheryl]

Anyone else?

[Pen]

I wasn’t able to take pictures - here’s a link to cattle panel example - they flex and can be used for things like garden trellis hoops also . My Ds was involved in building conestoga style huts for homeless that incorporated hooped cattle panels as well. 
 

https://www.homedepot.com/p/16-ft-4-Gauge-Cattle-Panels-33150739/202820268

 

moveable chain link panels are with tubular metal frame and the chain link attached- nothing embeds into ground - and the ends of one panel connect to the next with hardware...   if you leave them in one spot too long though, they become quite hard to move as the ground and weeds sort of anchor them

[Pen]

6 hours ago, sheryl said:

OK Pen,  I looked through 13 pages on the mega puppy thread - Shiloh!  I think you or another had a couple more pics showing collars that were later deleted due to privacy. 

I saw one pic you posted of a black dog on a gravel path.

???

oh yeah... I both ran out of photo space and also was concerned about privacy..  I’m sorry. 
 

 

[sheryl]

What about  this.  Isn't this what several of you are suggesting?  This is a pic of  our neighbor's  fence across the street.

 

 

[Pawz4me]

1 hour ago, sheryl said:

What about  this.  Isn't this what several of you are suggesting?  This is a pic of  our neighbor's  fence across the street.

 

 

That's what I meant when I said we have a post-and-rail fence with a wire liner. Except ours has three rails and is a bit more decorative than that one.

[sheryl]

7 minutes ago, Pawz4me said:

That's what I meant when I said we have a post-and-rail fence with a wire liner. Except ours has three rails and is a bit more decorative than that one.

Well, since we're moving locally and our money  is being used in other areas, I'm wondering if a fabric or plastic mesh "netting" would work.  I see these online but I'd have  to "stake" it somehow as it is "not" being affixed on to an object.

Edited December 23, 2020 by sheryl