Fencing is  very popular way to allow your dog to roam off a chain.   Many dog guardians might choose to bring the dog inside the home and exercise the dog on a leash (as many apartment dwellers now do). Chain Free Asheville recommends a minimum fenced enclosure area of 200 square feet for each dog.  This value has recently been adopted by some U.S. cities as a requirement in their laws governing humane care of animals. 

200 square feet is equivalent to side dimensions of 10 feet by 20 feet, and requires at least 60 linear feet of fence fabric for the perimeter (10+10+20+20= 60 linear feet).  Other side dimensions could also be used to yield 200 square feet. 

The amount of required fence fabric, posts, and hardware can be reduced if one side of the house is used as a side of the dog’s enclosure.

Note for "multiple dog" households:  In cases where two or more dogs are kept outdoors at a residence, please remember that you need to double the square footage for two dogs 6 months or older.  If there are 2 dogs, 400 square feet of outdoor enclosure space is required;  if there are 3 dogs, 600 square feet is required;  etc...

Two types of fencing frequently used to construct dog enclosures are welded wire and chain link.  Both types of fencing, along with required hardware, are commonly sold in home improvement stores and some farm supply stores.  Fence posts, hardware, and gate materials should also be considered when planning the enclosure.

Costs for fencing materials and installation vary widely, but it is possible to save a substantial amount of money if you do it yourself!

Here are some links to fencing information and instructions for do-it-yourself installation:

Fence Building from UnchainYourDog.org

En Español:

Poner un Cercado Metálico: Elementos y Planificación

Poner un Cercado Metálico: Instalacion

Building Fences

All fence building follows the same basic steps:

1. Determine the fence's boundaries.
2. Set the posts into the ground. Think of posts as the framework of the fence.
3. Attach fencing to the posts.
4. Install a gate.

Mesh Fencing

The simplest and cheapest type of fence is a mesh fence. T-posts or wooden posts are set into the ground and mesh fencing is attached to the posts. This type of fence is not as sturdy as chain link, but it will keep many dogs contained. Learn more about mesh fencing.

You can also extend the height of your existing fence with mesh fencing.

Chain Link

Chain link is very strong and durable, and looks nice when installed. Chain link materials are more expensive than a T-post fence, but it is still cheaper to install yourself than to hire someone to do it.

The following sites have step-by-step instructions for building a chain link fence:

• Hoover Fence Company
• Do It Yourself Or Not
• Tractor Supply Company

Don't be intimidated by the long lists of instructions on the websites. Yes, building a chain link fence does take time and work. But the average person can build chain link on their own. Our site also has some information on chain link fencing.

Look around your neighborhood at fences for ideas about the different fencing options that are available. Looking at other people's fences might also give you ideas about construction and configuration.

Dog Behavior & Training Tips
(from the Monterey, California SPCA)

Alternatives to Tethering or Chaining your Dog

A 2007 California law, Health and Safety code section 122335, prohibits tethering a dog.  Chaining a dog is akin to putting it in solitary confinement and often produces dangerous levels of aggression, and a disproportionate amount of dog bites, as a byproduct.  Violation of the law can be cited as an infraction or misdemeanor and may lead to fines of $250 to $1,000 and possible incarceration for up to six months.

If you have a dog that you keep chained, like "Tyke" (pictured to the right on his chain and below in his new home) here are some alternatives that will help make your dog a happier, more behaviorally sound part of your family. 

Bring Your Dog Indoors
Whatever the breed, your dog wants to be a part of your family.  Bringing your dog inside will not only make your dog happier and increase your bond with your dog, it will more than likely make you happier, too.

     1. A tired dog is a good dog. To make the transition smoother, be sure to exercise your dog every day.  Click here for some entertaining toys that will keep your dog busy while you are away.

     2. Behavior training is key - and easy.  Many behavior problems such as barking, chewing, and housetraining are quite easy to solve. 

     3. Dog proof the house like you would for a toddler.  Anything you don’t want the dog to get into needs to be out of his reach.


Housetraining Problems?  Try Crate Training!
Crate training can take a just few days or up to a couple of weeks, depending on your dog's age, temperament and past experiences.  The crate should always be associated with something pleasant and training should take place in a series of small steps.  Click here to learn more!

Fence Your Yard
If you are unable to have an inside dog, make sure your fence is secure, provide him with lots of interactive toys, and allow him to run free in the yard. Remember, exercise is still very important. A dog does not burn very much energy just hanging out in the back yard.  Instead, they tend to lie around and wait for their family to come home! 

If your dog escapes your fence, you can attach slick bamboo fencing that is difficult for dogs to climb or purchase "coyote roller".  Coyote roller was originally designed to prevent coyotes from jumping over fences but also works wonders keeping jumping dogs inside fences. You can stop diggers by lining the bottom of the fence with cement blocks or burying chicken wire underneath the fence. 

Be sure to provide an elevated, dry dog house that faces away from the wind and have clean water available at all times.

Did We Mention Bringing Your Dog Indoors?
Your dog should be a member of the family and have as much interaction with his people as possible in order to be the best dog he can be. For further information and helpful tips, please look at our free behavior handouts.