Need advice on Dog Fencing

[Mikek101]

My small farm sits on 8.5 acres in central Mass. with my closest neighbor being 1/2 mile away.

Recently the owner of the land across the street has broken ground on his new home. My first encounter with him was less than ideal, as my two dogs greeted him on the road with barks, as they were not use to seeing people around, they are very friendly dogs and have never bitten anyone. He yelled at me that the town has a leash law (which they don’t) and that he did not like dogs.

Anyhow its been several months since he has been back, until yesterday when I got a call from the dog officer that he called the police 3 times yesterday about my dogs. The dog officer said I must contain my dogs and they are not allowed to roam free anymore.

So I need advice on the best way to fence in my property in the most economical way. The boundaries to my land is wooded and I was thinking of tying the fence to the trees. I’ve looked at both wire mesh and high tensile wire, but am not sure which is better.

I need the entire property fenced, as I depend on my dogs to guard children when they play outside, my horse and 2 goats. They are protective of their land, but would not bite unless seriously provoked.

Any suggestions is appreciated.


[image]http://client.webshots.com/photo/108012337/108448595kBJdtL[/image]

 

[Dargo]

I fenced in 12 acres about 9 years ago with an "Invisible Fence" brand invisible fence. It has performed wonderfully and I've never had any of my dogs leave. I change batteries about once every 9 months, otherwise, it requires nothing. I tried several "no name", but much less expensive "invisible fence" systems with terrible results. If lightning hit anythere within two counties, the cheap versions fried. Go with the Invisible Fence brand, it will cost more, but it will serve you well for many years. I think my whole system for 12 acres and two dogs cost me just over 1000 installed. I'm pleased with it!

 

[Mikek101]

I tried the invisible fence with one of my dogs, he ran through it. I even purchased the stubborn dog collar, he ran through the fence quicker.

Thanks for the advice though.

 

[Dargo]

You must not have the version I have. I had the collars are physically programmed to a higher lever. Now, a full sized German Shepherd Dog will literally drop to the ground in uncontrollable seizures. The cheaper fences, and the cheaper collars with the Invisible Fence brand allowed my Shelties to even go through the fence. Unless it is specified and re-programmed, the animal rights people prevent them from standard issue of this collar. Until they learn not to try, you trim the hair to be really short where the collar meets their throat, and put a slight coat of Vasiline on them. I agree with the programmer, he said that isn't a dog alive that can go through that without being totally dropped and rolling through in spasms.

 

[JD3130]

I had the same problem, So I just put chain link around 3 acres for a yard, and regular farm fencing around the other 30. Keeps everyone happy and didn't cost a lot. Good neighbor relations in the country is a lot more important than in the city!!! Now if I just figure out how to keep his 20 cats out of my barn???

 

[theboman]

On the cats in the barn.... Put your dogs there! ha.

 

[gsxr1100]

I will just say this about Invisible Fences, they work great; however, I would not leave the dog un-supervised. If the dog(s) get out, it is a killer trying to get them back in. My wife’s friend had one and it took a week just to get the dog into the yard. It is a double edge sword so to speak.

PS. Welcome to good-old taxachusetts.

 

[Doug_SEIndiana]

Hi Mike101
I have used the underground fencing to keep two Beagles and it worked great. I have only used the underground fencing for about 2 or 3 acres. My biggest advice would be to properly train your dogs. Follow the instructions very carefully and you should not have your dogs running through the fence. If I can keep 2 Beagles from going through it I'm sure it would work for most all dogs.

Yesterday I purchased a wireless radio fence system. I have 62 acres and would like to allow my Beagles to run more acreage than the 2 or 3 they run now. The new system transmits a radio frequency from your house or garage that can be adjusted to how strong the frequency is which relates to how big an area your dogs can roam w/o getting shocked. My friend installed it and he has 15 acres and it worked great for him. No underground wire to install and if trained properly I can't see why it wouldn't work. I have seen them at Tractor Supply and Petsmart stores.

Hope this helps. I'll let you know how mine works.

 

[Mark4510]

Did the dog officer define "contained"?

 

[JimR]

</font><font color="blueclass=small">( I tried the invisible fence with one of my dogs, he ran through it. I even purchased the stubborn dog collar, he ran through the fence quicker.

Thanks for the advice though. )</font>

I have one dog that won't cross the fence. The other could care less and runs it everyday both ways. Now it doesn't work because of a break and I won't fix it. The easy way out for you is to shoot the neighbor and end the problems before they start. Of course I'm only kidding here. But he sounds like a real hem--roud. So the next best thing is to watch him to make sure he abides by all the laws and building codes. He sounds like trouble and you should be watchful of him. As for the dogs. Does your town have a lease law? If not, then the dog officer has overstepped his bounds if your dogs do not leave your property. Ma. is full of pigheaded idiots that have a little power and it goes to their heads. I've lived here all my life and just wish I could convince the wife to pack it in and leave this state. Fencing in your dogs may make them meaner because they cannot reach what they want to.