Why rescues are hesitant to adopt to families without a PHYSICAL FENCE...

We can't know the entire history of shelter or rescue dogs except that they have been in a shelter or rescue. Sometimes we know some of where they came from and what they have been through, but not always.

What is common, however is that it takes about 2 weeks for a dog to bond to someone. In that two weeks time, a loud noise or some unknown fear can send them running. Rescuers call this "bolting." We have seen many stories of dogs bolting from a new home who have no idea where they are. They are scared and lost.

Electronic fences only work with extensive training and even then, they are not 100% reliable. I got an e-fence when my standard poodle, Magic was a puppy. My backyard is completely fenced in but my front yard is open to the street on one side and wooded acres, on the other side. I liked to be out front with the boys when they were little so we got an e-fence. Magic went through the training with the company that installed in and then I kept up her training and we felt very comfortable with her on it. But every once in awhile, kids in the street or deer in the woods would send her running. With a long gallop, she would go right through the fence. And she was here for years.

A new rescued dog has a different history. You can't know what might set them off. They will run until they can't run anymore. Many rescued dogs have been lost, hit by cars and even some, never found again because they bolted from the people who rescued them.

We get emails all the time about dogs who ran from transports between shelters to homes. Lost Dog ads appear on our Facebook page, almost everyday. Dogs lost due to bolting. Many rescues have made the decision not to adopt to those with no fence or only an e-fence and the reasons are because of what I outlined above.

This is also the policy of many shelters and rescues and we hope other's can understand this. Even with a physical fence, when you adopt a rescue you must be extra careful in those first few weeks until that bonding has taken place.

Lynne Fowler

Oodles of Doodles Rescue Collective

The Views from Around the Internet by Other Rescuers:

Sometimes.  Poodle Rescue of New England prefers that all of our dogs have a securely fenced yard to play and run safely in.  We will require a fenced yard if you live on a busy road or the dog you are interested in is “high energy”.  However, if you do not have a fence but you have a plan for the proper exercise for a dog, we may still consider you for adoption. Poodle Rescue of New England will not place dogs in a home with an electric fence. An electric fence is not a barrier fence



Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

This is something that varies by the rescue you work with. Not all will require a fenced yard, tho it's true that many do. This isn't so much for exercise as it is for the safety of the dog they will place with someone.

I know specifically of a private rescue that placed a young dog with a vet. That vet had a farm, tons of acres, but no fenced area and the dogs had a doggie door to utilize as they pleased. The problem came when this young rescue dog followed the husband outside, without the husband noticing and he proceeded to his vehicle. He ran over and killed this dog. Less than 3 months of placement, this rescue dog died. A situation that could have been entirely prevented if this owner had simply had an appropriate fenced area for their dogs. It is irresponsibility and people like this which rescue that make it harder on those of us more responsible. These cases are why rescues require a properly fenced yard often. It's simply safer for the dog.

I understand what you are saying and I think that as long as you seek out a rescue that will work with you, you can successfully rescue a dog without a fenced yard. But while you are frustrated by this requirement, it's important to remember this story, and that there are many more like this, which cause rescues to be more rigid with the rules of fencing. This was an entirely preventable situation, either with a proper fenced area, or a more vigilent owner keeping a better watch on their dogs comings and goings (and this was a vet, which one might expect to be better than the average pet owner, but apparently they were not).

Gabbie: Yes, dogs sometimes can and do dig out of their fences. Dogs that behave in this fashion are typically the "toss in the backyard for exercise" types that need a job and don't get one. I am well aware of that. In this case, this dog was NOT a digging type and was also being properly trained in herding, so the dog had a proper mentally stimulating job to do which often deters the urge to "dig in the yard" that some dogs will do out of boredom. It was a large farm in the middle of the country which had housed many loose dogs this way in the past, so the rescue assumed all would be okay. Yes, it was the fault of the owner, but what you need to realize is that in the eyes of most rescues, requiring a fence is a safety net for their dogs they place. It's FAR less likely an accident like this would arise if an adoptive owner actually HAD a proper dog run for the dogs to utilize that didn't allow them full access to open areas, as was the case here.

The problem for rescues is that no application form or even a home visit is going to assure them that someone without a fenced yard is actually going to properly tend to their animals. At least if they can show, on their home visit, that they have a secure area where the dog can be off lead to potty and play with the family, that is a little more than nothing at all. Dogs may dig out of fenced areas, but that is still SOMETHING between that dog and the road and an attentive owner would keep watch and fill holes, or better yet, give the dog a real job so it relieves the urge to dig in the first place.

Requiring a fenced area is a precaution for the safety of the dog and you just can't be assured that an owner without a fence will actually properly watch their dog. Case in point in this incident I sited here. This was a vet, someone with lots of dog experience and many other dogs over the years lived just fine with her this way. So that rescue took a chance based off that history. That was a mistake on their part. But because of this owners credentials and references, they thought it would be "OK" to place without a fence in this case. Had they had a proper dog yard, fenced as usually required, this would not have happened. They would have made use of that yard when the dogs were not out with them to work and train.

I'm not saying families without fences can't properly care for their dogs, but the truth of the matter is that the majority of people out there just simply don't do right by their dogs. For rescues, that's a big risk that at least having a fenced yard will reduce. They have every right to require fencing except in certain cases, but as you see in this incident, this "certain case" still killed a rescue dog.

Why We Require Adopters Have Fenced Yards:

At the risk of stating the obvious -- Bassets are HOUNDS! It's not that they follow their noses . . . all dogs do that to greater or lesser extent. It's that hounds live in an entirely different world, not only from us, but even from other breeds. They use their noses like we -- and other breeds -- use their eyes. They're utterly relentless once they catch a scent. Believe us, we know from experience: you've never seen single-minded determination until you've seen a hound on a trail. That's why the poet, Francis Thompson, used the phrase "The Hound of Heaven" to describe God's love for, and pursuit of, us -- it was the most powerful analogy he could imagine! There's a reason for that . . . 

Hounds catch a scent -- and they live in a world chock-full of them -- they take off after it and are gone. Nothing -- NOTHING -- will deter a hound on a hot trail . . . NOTHING, that is, short of a heavy leash held by a strongarm (or two), a very sturdy fence or, sometimes, only death itself, and we are not exaggerating! Ask any houndsman, they'll tell you the same. That's one reason they keep their hunting hounds in kennels when they're not working. 

Therefore, it is utterly imperative that every potential adopter has a fenced yard! NO EXCEPTIONS! If your yard is not fenced, please do NOT waste your time, or ours, bothering to apply for adoption. Sorry, but that's just the way it has to be for the sake and safety of all our rescued hounds. How do you think so many of them ended up here in the first place? That's right -- they wandered off and couldn't find their way home, or be found by their people. 

Thank you for understanding.

A Safe Environment

People often ask us why Chesapeake Bay Retriever Relief & Rescue requires most adopters to have a fenced yard or area for most of their adoptive dogs. The experiences we gathered from other breed rescues, shelter personnel, animal control officers, and from speaking with many pet owners has impressed upon us that the safest environment for a Rescue CBR includes a fenced yard or area. Generally speaking, second-hand dogs need limitations because they do not have the benefit of having bonded with their new owners since puppyhood. We feel strongly that dogs allowed to wander unsupervised or that are tied out unsupervised are dogs that are at risk of getting lost, stolen, injured, attacked (by another dog, animal or person), poisoned, or struck by a car. Dogs that run loose or are tied out are at risk of exposure to rabid animals, potentially bringing this fatal disease home to the family. Also, over time, being tied out alone can lead to undesirable aggression, as the "fight" portion of the natural "fight or flight" response to perceived threats becomes the only option a tied dog feels he has.

Therefore, it is our policy to place dogs in homes that provide a secure, fenced area.* Appropriate senior Chesapeake Bay Retrievers (eight years and older) may be more readily placed in a home without a fenced area. The fenced area is intended to guarantee a secure outdoor area for the dog. It is not intended as a place for the dog to live or spend its days. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are intelligent, inquisitive dogs who should be with their families, or should be safely inside the house if nobody can supervise them. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers left outside alone even in a fenced area for long periods of time can develop problems such as digging, barking, and fence frustration at not being able to join people or dogs outside.

A satisfactory fenced area may be built of stockade, chain link, heavy wooden posts with heavy gauge wire, or metal posts with wire. No dog should be left unattended for any length of time in general, but especially not in the latter type of enclosure because it is relatively easy for the dog to escape. The enclosure should be four feet high minimum (six feet is preferred) and include a lockable gate. Equal attention should be given to the security of the fence along its bottom in order to prevent dogs from digging out. Invisible fence systems and portable pens are accepted on a case-by-case basis.

Location of the fenced area should also be taken into consideration: it should be installed so it is directly accessible from the house so it will ensure an increased measure of safety for your dog and prove convenient for you. The fenced area must be large enough to provide the dog with a comfortable space in which to get some exercise and fresh air, and to eliminate. Shade and shelter from sun and the elements should also be provided. You do not need to fence in an entire yard - just a portion.

We deeply regret that this policy may eliminate some otherwise fine homes, but our first concern must be for the safety of the dogs with which we have been entrusted. Thank you for your understanding.

* If you are unable to provide a satisfactory fenced area and are not interested in adopting a homeless Senior Chesapeake Bay Retriever then in most cases we cannot proceed with your application. Although CBR Relief & Rescue feels strongly about the need for fencing and will not compromise on its obligation to ensure a safe environment, you may petition for an exception to the fencing requirement if you believe you have extenuating circumstances.

In this case, your application must include a detailed letter describing your circumstances, life-style, previous dog ownership and how you plan on safely exercising and managing a young Chesapeake Bay Retriever safely. A letter of recommendation from your veterinarian regarding the care and well-being of your previously owned dog(s) must accompany your application as well. Without these two letters, your exception request will not be considered. If your exception request is accepted for consideration, a home visit will be conducted. A decision will be made after the home visit is completed.

Thanks go to the German Shepherd Rescue of New England, Inc for permission to reprint this article that they use in their rescue efforts.




Fenced Yard. This is a strict requirement; please do no ask to be the exception. We require a fence in order to allow for safe, off leash playtime the dogs.



We require a fenced yard for all our Pyrs. Please do not ask us to make an exception to this rule. The fence must have a minimum height of 4 feet. Electric fences, as a rule, do not successfully work with Pyrs. Pyrs must always be on a leash when outside a fenced area.



I know that many people out there considering adopting a dog have no fence. You may think:

  • I can train my dog to stay in the yard.
  • My dog will never be out unless I'm with him.
  • My road isn't very busy.
  • Or any number of other reasons.


Please consider the following:

  • Vet bills, which can become astronomical if your dog gets hit by a car (assuming that he lives).
  • The gut-wrenching feeling of seeing your dog get hit by a car.
  • The devastating loss of your dog.
  • Having to bury your best friend.


Furthermore, there are other possible ramifications of not having a fence:

  • Lawsuits, which could amount to many thousands of dollars and the loss of your dog, if your dog chases and bites joggers/cyclists/the UPS delivery person/neighborhood children.

  • Fines and possible loss of your dog if he is a wanderer and is picked up by animal control too many times.

  • Extreme anxiety if your dog leaves your property and disappears, possibly forever.

  • Poor relationships with the neighbors, possible fines, and the specter of loosing your dog if he becomes a nuisance because of wandering.

WE DO *NOT* HAVE A BLANKET POLICY FOR FENCES ON ALL OUR DOGS. Fences are required on a CASE-BY-CASE BASIS, depending on your living situation and most importantly, the individual dog. Those that DO require a fence, will be noted as such in their bios.

If you do not have a fenced yard (and are not willing to install a fence), please do not inquire about these particular dogs. You should also note that not all dogs requiring fences are good candidates for invisible (electronic/radio) fences. Please discuss this with the dog's rescue contact.

If you are planning to fence your yard and are interested in a dog that we have noted requires one, we will not schedule your home visit until your fence is fully installed.

http://www.nebcr.org/Adopting_a_Border_Collie.html#



Views: 4678

Reply to This

Posts

As I said in other posts in this discussion, I try to take it on a case by case basis but I usually will lean toward someone with a physical fence. As someone who does a lot of fostering, and I always have 6 plus dogs here, I can't walk every dog and I don't believe tying on a rope, although it may work for you just fine. But if I am making decisions for the dogs in my rescue program and I have 2 apps and they are fairly equal in all other aspects, I will probably go with the fenced yard over the rope or e-fence. Especially with the dogs I have in my program. All were shelter dogs, most were from rural areas, most are used to being able to run around and I want the best I can find for them. It may not be a popular answer with some adopters (or fosters) and I am sure you have met this same rule with other rescues, but that is my opinion. I have adopted to people without a fence in the past and I am sure I will again. But I will take the needs and temperament of the dog into consideration over anything else. No, I would not have you foster with me but mainly because you are in Eastern PA and too far from me but not having a fenced yard would also be a factor, I am afraid.

I haven't tried to adopt from anyone yet - I'd love to do a rescue, but if the fence is a sticking point when I do want to adopt, I will purchase from a breeder. 

 

We found our lab on the side of the road as a baby.  He's been with us 14 years.  I hate to think that we are going to lose him soon.  Our shih-tzu (she's 8) was from a breeder.

Most rescues around here are sticklers about fences and will not bend on it at all because of the concentration of busy highways. Many rescues in your area are firm, also. Shelters will usually adopt with far fewer rules. You do live in one of the largest puppy mill states in the country, so there are breeders a plenty in PA. There are also many, many Poodles and Poodle mixes available in PA shelters and rescues that have been cast off by those "breeders."

 

It is very difficult to know the time is approaching when we will lose our heart dogs. But it is a part of our loving them and them loving us, so unconditionally. When I was little, my dad explained it as they only live so few years because they love us so much. It may have just been a way to explain my dog's passing in a child's terms, but that always stuck with me. They really will leave paw prints on our hearts and souls. I am sorry that time is coming for your lab, be strong and be there until the end. It is the most loving thing we can do for them. Break down after. Sending hugs for strength.

Beautifully said......they die too soon because they have loved so hard.....

 

Thank you, Faye. It still makes me think of my childhood dog and brings a tear to my eye. 

Thanks for this explanation, and for the descri ption of what the best kind of fence would be.  What I'm wondering is how large an area should the fenced in space be for a doodle or a dog of medium size who needs good exercise?  I have a large - acre and a half -  (presently unfenced) yard that goes down a wooded hill to a river, so fencing the entire space would be too expensive.  So how do you get advice on the size and shape and location of a fenced in area?  Who could I ask?  By the way, I'm not looking to adopt until next fall at the earliest, so I have time to do this homework and get a fence installed.

- Lucinda Duncan

You have to keep in mind that doodles (any dog really), likes to run. Young doodles like to do"zoomies," where they run full tilt then stop and zoom back. It's important that they have the room and space to do that. I don't think there really is a rule for how large a space you need, I have a built in pool that takes up the center on my yard, but the area around it certainly allows for running and that is the goal.

Well, we lost our Lab last month.  He died in his sleep - I was very glad that we didn't have to make the decision to put him down. 

Last week I was doing volunteer work at my local shelter when an abandonded yellow lab was brought in by the animal control officer.  She is about 4 years old and really sweet.  While I wanted a doodle, one look in her eyes told me I had to rescue her.  Our local shelter does not require a physical fence, which is a plus on my side.  Also, they know all the love she is going to get at our house!  I am just waiting to hear that she is ready to come home.

That's wonderful, Colleen and Congratulations. We want to see pictures when she comes home.

I was recently denied of a golden doodle because I don't have a fence.  Frankly I was a little annoyed because they stated the dog is high energy and needs their freedom.  If they had taken the time to ask me about my activities, they would have known that I am extremely active and was looking for a dog/partner to share my activities with.  Not to mention my husband and I were professional dog trainers and ran a successful business for many years.   Instead, we were just denied.  Friends of ours can't even believe people who have the knowledge like us and love our pets more than the world could possibly be denied a chance to provide a home to an animal.  In my opinion.. that dog just lost the home and love of a lifetime.  It's sad really.. because we will probably be forced to seek a breeder instead of trying to help organizations we have always respected.  

I am sorry to hear that you were denied without even a hearing, Dona. That's pretty sad. We try to take it on a case by case basis in our rescue but given the reasons given above, with an older, found as a stray, I will usually lean toward the fence, too. Don't give up, you will find your perfect dog.

Thanks I hope so... I really thought the dog I applied for WAS the perfect dog for us.  Fell in love with him the moment I saw his picture.  He was very young so we were just denied because of his high energy.  I actually prefer a dog with a lot of drive.. they are so eager and willing to learn.  Oh well.. the search continues.

Reply to Discussion

RSS

Have a Comment or Question?

Oodlesofdoodles-rescue@yahoo.com

 

COME FOSTER WITH US CLICK FOR FOSTER APPLICATION

© 2024   - Created, January 19, 2009 by LM Fowler - Admin.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service

Oodles of Doodles Rescue, Inc - 501(c)(3) Non-Profit

Oodle ~ Poodle ~ Doodle ~ Fuzzy Critter Rescue / Rehome

THIS is The Original Doodle Rescue Collective Website, since Jan. 2009

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~