Chain link fencing, a common hazard

[Thomas Liggin]

For your consideration.

Many of us have chain link fences to provide an outdoor area where our dogs can run, play, lounge in the sun or shade, and "doo" their business.

This is about the bottom edge of the fence. There are two methods of keeping the bottom edge of the fence in line with the posts, a heavy strand of wire, or tubes. The tubes for the bottom are generally a little smaller in diameter and lighter gauge than the tubes at the top of the fence.

We had the fence company use the tubular bottom method when they installed our fence. At the time, it just seemed more secure. Should one or our dogs press hard against the bottom of the fence, there would be very little give, especially if they got their nose under the fence.

I have recently become aware of an instance where that very thing happened to a Black Lab. For some reason, the dog forced its head under the fence, and when it tried to back its head out from under the fence, it became trapped as the fence would clamp down on its neck as it tried to withdraw. The dog died as it strangled itself in panic.

I don't know how often this occurs, but for a few bucks, the potential that it might happen can be eliminated.

For those who may be wondering, yes, the tubes can be installed on existing fencing.


Tom

 

[juliusNruca]

WOW I never thought of that! You never know what these guys cna get into! Thanks for sharing and Im on my way to make sure my neighbors know that too!

 

[Net45582]

I've used chain link for years at different locations. We have never re-enforced the bottom of the chain link and have never experienced problems. We have the usual top rail and lateral supports rails that the chain link is attached to but never a bottom rail or bottom wire.I did have occaision to bury an inch or two of the wire with a "digger" to keep it in the fenced area. I'm sure accidents can happen with anything. What a terrible way for an anmal to die.
Wanda Kiddo & Chancey

 

[KonaKoffe]

You need to watch how the top is finished too. We had a neighbor down the street whose dog hung itself on the fence by jumping up at the fence and catching his collar in the top edge of the fence. He was dead before the owners, who were in the house, realized the situation.

Another reason I do not leave the dogs outside unattended.

 

[Thomas Liggin]

You need to watch how the top is finished too. We had a neighbor down the street whose dog hung itself on the fence by jumping up at the fence and catching his collar in the top edge of the fence. He was dead before the owners, who were in the house, realized the situation.

Another reason I do not leave the dogs outside unattended.

The top tube on our fence is flush with the triangular tips of the fence, and the tube is on the inside of their yard. I would guess that your neighbor's fence extended well above the top tube, or was on the outside which would allow a collar to slip over a tip of the fence.

I consider ourselves to be fortunate. Ours show no inclination to want out, either under or over the fence (ours is six feet high). As I posted on another thread, ours do not wear their collars when they are in the house, or in their yard.

Still, one can't be too careful.


Tom

 

[Roxy'sNewMom]

Just for FYI, if someone is looking for the "wire" that goes around the bottom it is called a "Tension Wire". They can install it on an existing fence. I am not sure of the posts that you are talking about....but tension wire is VERY common.
My father owned a fencing/roofing buisness, and he would almost never sell a fence to a dog owner without the tension wire. If he did they had to sign a waiver for if something happened and the dog got stuck. The wire is very secure, but I guess anything can happen with any type of fence.
Shaunna

 

[boxerxbabe]

Not trying to start any problems, but wouldn't it be unsafe to have your dog out with outh a collar on? I mean if they escape wouldn't a collar be good? For indentification purposes, unless you have your dog microchipped though. But then again as you said dogs can easily get caught on things with their collars. I guess its a risk either way, and its another reaosn not to leave them outside unattended. Thanks for the headsup on the fencing

 

[Thomas Liggin]

Here's a photo of Indy and Ava standing at the fence. You can see the bottom rail in the photo.

http://www.boxerworld.com/photo/showphoto.php/photo/15221/cat/500/ppuser/12949


Tom

 

[Thomas Liggin]

Not trying to start any problems, but wouldn't it be unsafe to have your dog out with outh a collar on? I mean if they escape wouldn't a collar be good? For indentification purposes, unless you have your dog microchipped though. But then again as you said dogs can easily get caught on things with their collars. I guess its a risk either way, and its another reaosn not to leave them outside unattended. Thanks for the headsup on the fencing

There is no "one answer" to your question. The answer will vary from dog to dog and circumstances.

We have two gates on the fence. The one that is not easily seen from the door they use is always padlocked. The other is directly visible when they are let out.

They aren't left outside when we go away, though we do let them out by themselves when we are home.

They are both micro chipped. In another neighborhood, I might watch them like a hawk every second they were out.

We all have to do what we believe to be in the interest of our pets. That is an ever changing situation.


Tom

 

[Hberry23]

Here's a photo of Indy and Ava standing at the fence. You can see the bottom rail in the photo.

http://www.boxerworld.com/photo/showphoto.php/photo/15221/cat/500/ppuser/12949


Tom

Thanks for the tip Both your babies are gorgeous!