Which Fencing Option is Best for Your Dog?

Posted on: 7 May 2018

German shepherds are one of the most beloved breeds of dogs. Not only do they have adorably oversized ears and plush fur, they're also exceptionally smart and loyal.

However, since they were bred as work dogs, they have extreme levels of energy and curiosity. That can make them quite the handful for a first-time dog owner. Before you bring your new furry friend home, here are three ways you should prepare your house to protect it from being destroyed.

Install a Tall Privacy Fence in Your Backyard

German shepherd dogs need a lot of room to run around. If you keep them cooped up inside all day, their excess energy and anxiety will lead to them chewing up your floors and getting into things they're not supposed to.

However, you can't simply let them run around in an open yard. The first time your pet sees a squirrel or other small animal, they'll likely take off chasing, potentially never to be seen again. Even a small chain-link fence won't do; full-grown German shepherds can easily climb and hop over ordinary chain-link fences.

Before you bring your dog home, look into getting a tall privacy fence installed around your backyard. Privacy fences are smooth, so your dog won't be able to scale it like a ladder. Furthermore, a privacy fence will keep them from peeking out and barking at every passing person or animal. Contact a reputable fence builder to determine the cost and design of a proper fence that will give your new pet the freedom to roam outside without escaping.

Dog Gates and Pet-Resistant Flooring

If you get a German shepherd puppy, you certainly don't want to let them roam around on your carpeted floors. It will likely take months before they are fully potty trained, and your carpet would likely be ruined by the time that happened.

Firstly, you'll want to use dog gates to keep your pet confined to a single room, such as the kitchen. That will help them develop a sense of what it means to be inside versus outside. Your entire house is a huge space for a puppy, so it will be much harder to potty train them if they have free roam of your entire home—they'll have trouble understanding why it's wrong to use the bathroom inside instead of outside.

Secondly, you'll want to install some sort of pet-resistant flooring in the room in which your dog will be staying. Aside from potty accidents, pet-resistant floors prevent scratches from your pet's claws and will keep them from being able to chew up pieces of the actual floorboards. In the long run, it will more than pay for itself by preventing damage to your home.

For more information, talk to companies like Butte Fence.