Install a Dog Fence
One of the first things a responsible dog owner needs to do is install a dog fence. Preferably, this will be done prior to bringing the new dog home. Each year, countless dogs are lost or even killed because a dog fence was not in use. Installing a dog fence can also add to the value of your home and decrease your home insurance premium in some cases.
Instructions
1. Measure your dog before purchasing your fencing. A good rule of thumb is to buy dog fence that is 3 times the height of your dog plus 6". If you have a breed known for their jumping ability, such as a basenji, you will need to go higher. If you have a tiny dog, you will, obviously, need to go with something aesthetically pleasing, height wise.
2. Ensure that your dog can not fit their head through any section of the dog fence. If they can, it will either become a strangulation risk or an escape risk.
3. Mark off the area you wish to put your dog fence with either spray paint or chalk such as that sold for use in a chalk line tool. Measure the entire area and write it down. Drawing a sketch of the basic outline of your dog fence with measurements for each side is very helpful to have when shopping and having to purchase multiple rolls or panels of fencing. Be sure to mark gate areas.
4. Count the number of posts you will require. Each corner and then every 6' or so for stability. Your posts will need to exceed the height of the fencing plus 8" - a foot for burying into the ground. If you are purchasing wood posts, ensure that you purchase pressure treated wood so it will withstand the outdoor conditions.
5. Dig a trench along the lines you created earlier for your dog fence. Dig the trench 8" - a foot deep. This will be for setting your fence into in order to prevent your dog from digging out of your new dog fence (or anything else digging it's way in). Feel free to bury more fencing than this if you have a real digger on your hands.
6. Dig the holes for the dog fence posts. You will want to bury the poles 8" - a foot into the ground. Ensure each hole is the same depth. Adding a small amount of ready mix concrete into the hole before placing in the post is a good idea. One bag of ready mix concrete should be enough for 3-4 post holes.
7. Enlist a helper to hold your posts in the hole while you fill it in. Tamp down the dirt a few times as dirt is placed in the hole to ensure stability. Have your helper hold a level on the post's side so they can keep it level while you work. If using cement, allow to dry for at least 24 hours before putting your fence up.
8. Attach the start of your first roll of dog fence to one end of your dog fence area. If it will be attaching to your home or other structure, that is where you should begin. Unroll the fencing as you go along to each post and attach. A few fence staples should do the trick for now but do go back later and add in several fence staples to each post of your dog fence.
9. Add your gate last. Obviously, you are not going to be able to bury the fence here so instead, you may wish to bury some rocks or bricks in order to discourage digging there. For an even nicer fix to this issue, use more of the ready mix cement in this area. You can have it just under the level of the yard and cover it with dirt or leave the cement exposed - your choice.
10. Walk the fence line and ensure each post is stable, each section is properly fastened to the fence posts, and the yard inside the dog fence is free of debris, tools and such that would pose a risk to the dog (or your belongings!) before turning the dog out for a test run.
11. Observe your dog closely for the first week. The first couple hours, especially.
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