Top Tips For Dog & Puppy Proofing Your Yard

Newcastle has a very special relationship with our K9 companions. As of 2016, 51% of Newcastle households included at least one dog. This is higher than the Australian national average with every two in five households across the country including a dog or puppy.

Obviously, we really love our dogs. Here at Squarepegs Handyman, we are not exception.

We understand the panic and dismay when your beloved furkid doesn’t come when called, or worse, has managed to escape the yard and is running wild through your neighbourhood. A quick perusal of neighbourhood community boards on Facebook shows, escaped dogs and puppies is an all too common occurrence.

While your dog loves you, they also have a desire to explore and sometimes that means finding their way out of the safety of your yard and out onto the big streets of Newcastle which are fraught with danger, though your dog doesn’t know it.

Fortunately, there are a few quick and easy ways for you to mitigate the likelihood of your dog’s escape. Here are our top tips for dog and puppy proofing your yard.

DOG AND PUPPY PROOFING YOUR BACKYARD

CHECK YOUR FENCE

Even if you’ve got a fully fenced yard, it may not be completely dog proof. Is it made from sturdy materials? Is it high enough to keep your pup safely contained? Is it in good condition?

These are just a few of the questions you need to ask yourself when you are puppy or dog proofing your yard. 

Dogs can go under, over or through fences to escape the safety of the yard. Fences constructed on soft dirt provide an easy means of escape for dogs who like to dig. A low fence, or one where there is furniture near the fence or an overhanging tree limb, provide adventurous and athletic dogs with an easy escape route. Fences in disrepair, with holes or slats spaced well apart aren’t suitable to contain small dogs or larger dogs who might test their perimetre. 

MAINTAIN GATES AND LATCHES

Gates that don't easily close, or ones with broken latches are one of the easiest ways to aid in the escape of your dog. If the gate is difficult to close, children or visitors to your home might forget to latch the gate securely behind themselves when entering or exiting your property.

To keep your dog safe, regularly check to ensure all gates close and latch properly and easily. 

INSTALL A COYOTE ROLLER OR OSCILLOT

A Coyote Roller is an American product which can be installed on the top of fences and spins to prevent animals from gaining purchase and jumping over the fence. The Coyote Roller is available to buy from America and ship to Australia.

A similar product has recently been launched in Australia called Oscillot. Specifically aimed at keeping cats in or out of your yard, this cat containment system has had some success keeping dogs in their yards as well.

ADD LANDSCAPING ALONG YOUR FENCE LINE

Adding shrubs or garden beds along your fence line is a great way to prevent dogs from jumping over the fence and, in some cases, it stops diggers from going under your fence as well. Best of all, landscaping along your fence will look lovely as well!

POUR A CONCRETE FOOTER

Pouring concrete along the perimetre of your fence will prevent even the most determined digger from digging under the fence and making their great escape. 

BLOCK THE VIEW

For many dogs, it is sighting something fun or dangerous (in the case of watch/guard dogs) that propels them out of the yard. For these dogs, obstructing the view is a great deterrent when it comes to leaving your yard.

If you have a chain link fence, consider running plastic slats through it. Rolls of bamboo as well as reed fencing are another great way to obstruct your dog’s view

CREATE An AIRLOCK

An airlock, or a double gate, is a great way to prevent your dog from escaping when someone enters or exits your yard. 

Using a few additional fence panels and a second gate, create an enclosed space around your existing gate. This will mean, if your dog does make it through the gate when someone is entering or exiting your yard, they’ll find themselves safely in a small enclosed area.

MAKE YOUR YARD A DOG HAVEN

Another reason dogs leave their yard is boredom or discomfort. Ensure your dog’s needs are being met in your outdoor area. Puppies and dogs need access to clean drinking water, shelter from the sun and a secure space to curl up. Make sure they’ve got a few toys to play with and to keep themselves entertained.

Squarepegs Handyman Can Do Dog & Puppy Proofing

Whether your project is big or small, Squarepegs Handyman is on call.

Contact us here to organise your free, in person estimate with Handyman Sean. No matter what the project, we are here to help.

WHERE WE WORK

You’ll find Squarepegs Handyman in and around Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, the Hunter and beyond. Contact us to find out if we service your area. 

We cannot wait to work with you!

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