Confining your dog is a reality of modern life. It is never appropriate, in this day and age, for dogs to run loose. Besides breaking the law, loose dogs become lost, are hit by cars, are easily stolen, injure or kill other animals, damage property, chase joggers and bite children. As a responsible guardian, it is your obligation to provide your dog not only with a safe and secure environment, but with ample exercise and stimulation as well. A securely fenced yard is one aspect of fulfilling those responsibilities. For those not fortunate enough to have a fenced yard, the need for active supervision and involvement on your dog's activities is even greater.

A securely fenced yard is the best way to provide a healthful and safe environment for your dog while allowing her the freedom to exercise and be outdoors. A fenced yard will protect your dog from the dangers of running loose. Fences will not, however, keep your dog entertained or provide obedience training, exercise your dog, take her for walks or provide the stimulation necessary for her mental health. Because of the highly social nature of dogs and their dependence on their human "pack", it is best if your dog is not left alone outside when you are not home. Being alone when you are gone may produce feelings of insecurity and cause the dog to attempt to get out of the yard to locate you. Or she may become bored and escape in an attempt to find something to entertain her. In addition, barking tends to increase when a dog is left alone, since she is more aware of potentially threatening sounds.

When deciding on the type of fence to construct, first check local ordinances for any restrictions and also check with neighbors along the boundary lines as to the type and height of fence to be constructed. Probably the best fence for a dog (although the most expensive) is six feet of solid wood. Wood looks attractive, prevents excess barking at distractions, is difficult to climb over and serves as a barrier to sound and wind. You do need to be cautious regarding the type of preservatives used on the wood, as some can be toxic to dogs if ingested. Chain link fencing is durable and strong, although it can be scaled by some dogs who find the holes just right for climbing and does encourage barking at passing distractions. When choosing a type of chain link, pick one that has holes small enough that a nose or paw an not become stuck. In addition, round or diamond shaped holes are better than square ones at discouraging climbing.

To ensure that your fenced yard is secure for your dog, special attention needs to be paid to gates and the bottom and tops of fences. Gates should be checked on all sides for gaps that a dog can squeeze through or become stuck in. Latches on gates should be higher than the dog can reach, and are even more secure if fitted with a lock. Some dogs will attempt to jump over a fence, especially one under five feet in height. While small areas can be covered with chain link or plastic panels, large yards can be secured by installing extender panels at a 45 degree angle on the top of the fence. If the dog is using a corner of the fence to get over, sometimes this can be stopped merely by securing a piece of wood over the top of the corner. Since more dogs dig out under fences than jump over them its a good idea to install the bottom of the fencing in a shallow trench, then fill in the trench with cinder blocks, large stones, railroad ties or concrete. This should discourage even the most enthusiastic digger.

Even a small yard can be modified to provide your dog with a healthy environment. Ample amounts of clean, fresh water should be available at all times. Clean, warm bedding (washed often) should be offered in an insulated area protected from the elements if the dog is ever to be outside when you are not there to supervise. For dogs that must spend significant amounts of time outside alone, a wide variety of toys should be provided. For safety's sake, toys should be large and made of durable materials. A good combination of toys to have is: a large, indestructible ball, a big rope toy, Nylabones and hard, rubber chew toys (such as Kong toys). For maximum use, rotate toys so that your dog doesn't become bored with particular ones.

Prefabricated chain link dog runs are available for purchase, ready for easy assembly. Although convenient and inexpensive for humans, these dog runs are not adequate for a dog that must spend a significant amount of time outdoors. They are good for house dogs that need a spot to relieve themselves while you are busy getting ready for work and can also be used to give a house dog access to the outdoors through a dog door. For those with limited space and long working hours, a dog run can prove helpful.

The most important feature of kennel runs is shape, not size. Long and narrow is preferable to square as square encourages the dog to walk in a circle and this leads to quick frustration. A long, narrow run encourages exercise, although the dog will still spend most of it's time sitting by the gate, waiting for someone to open it. Although they have their place, kennel runs do not take the place of a daily walk and exercise gained through play and training.

One method of confinement that is on the increase is the electronic fence. The lure of this method is cosmetic, in that you do not need to build a fence that you would otherwise not choose to build. An electronic fence consists of a wire buried in the ground around the perimeter of an area marked to contain a dog. The dog is then equipped with a collar having a box that responds with electronic shocks once the dog comes within a predetermined range of the unseen "fence".

There are severe problems associated with electronic fences. First and foremost is the humane issue of confining a dog through the use of aversive electrical shocks. In addition, if a dog is momentarily distracted by an outside stimulus, such as another dog or a cat, it may run through the barrier before responding to the shock. The dog is then stuck on the wrong side of the "fence" and will not enter back into the yard. Dogs with an adequate pain threshold will leave the yard despite the shock they receive. Since other, free-roaming dogs do not wear the electronic collars, nothing prevents them from entering the yard and attacking the resident dog. Humans can also enter the yard, and nothing will prevent someone from stealing the dog if so inclined. Lastly, the shock a dog feels from an electronic fence can produce behavior problems. The shock may be associated by the dog with the stimulus causing the dog to charge the fence, such as a jogger running by, and the dog may then develop an aggressive attitude towards all joggers since they are seen as the ones who caused the pain to occur.

A stationary chain to confine a dog is sometimes used as an alternative to allowing a dog to run loose. Although better than becoming lost or being hit by a car, chaining is not a workable long-term solution in a dog's eyes. Chaining a dog for any significant period of time is almost certain to produce severe behavioral problems; such as aggression, hyperactivity, excessive barking, excessive digging and even self-mutilation. Since chained dogs also tend to constantly pull on their chains, they can suffer from muscle strain or even inadvertently choke themselves if they become wrapped around an object. In addition, chained dogs suffer from stress, boredom, and loneliness due to their confinement.