I am preparing for my next big trip and have come up with a really cheap and easy way to keep my little dog (Oscar) from wandering without having to tie him up all the time.
I went to Bunnings and bought 2 six metre rolls of plastic lattice and some thin steel rods. The lattice is quite rigid, and once supported by the rods it makes a great little fence. It is also very easy to cut with scissors which made it easy to fit around the steps and door.
My son bent the ends of the rods over similar to tent pegs which makes them very easy to hammer in and pull out.
It takes only a couple of minutes to unroll the lattice and hammer the rods in, and when ready to move on it is very easy to pull out the rods, roll up the lattice and store away.
Looks great, but from experience- my boys (also poodles) could either jump that, or stand on their hind legs till it bends. So, try it well before you trust it.
The other issue, which we learned the hard way, is beware of big dogs (and wandering kids) getting in.
I only intend to let him loose in the enclosure under my supervision while I am outside cooking or relaxing. I did test him today and left him alone for half an hour while I watched him through the window. He initially walked around and sniffed the edges, then patiently sat and waited for me to return. He is not a jumper or a digger so I think it will work well for him. If I ever need to leave him for a short time I always put him in the van and would never leave him alone whether in the enclosure or tied up.
I was camped next to some people once who left their dog tied up from early morning to late afternoon while they spent the day sightseeing. They didn't take their car because they caught a bus, so it was several hours before I realised the dog had been left alone. He was an old dog and slept most of the day, but it's something I would never do.
That fence looks like just the ticket. I have 2 Italian Greyhounds, and although they could jump over quite easily they are not normally inclined to jumping (except on me) and their fence at home is only 1m high. I mostly need something so I can leave the van door open a little for them at night instead of them waking me when they need to go out. Can the mesh be easily rolled up for storage?
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Cheers, Marianna.
The more I learn about people, the more I like my dogs (Mark Twain)
The mesh is very easy to roll up and store, but I no longer use the fence. I decided it was quicker and easier to attach a few metres of thin cord to his collar which he likes because it makes him feel secure. He doesn't chew so he never tries to bite through it.
My molly could not jump that, and it looks ideal. However, its more stuff to carry that I don't have room for. And stupid me would trip over it. I have her in a very light harness on a long lead. This means I can haul her in if danger threatens without hurting her.
I have been tying mine up, but whether it's deliberate (for attention) or just because they're not the smartest kids on the block, they manage to tangle themselves around everything available (including my ankles and the car diff) within about 2 minutes. So although storage space is at a premium, I think I will give this a try.
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Cheers, Marianna.
The more I learn about people, the more I like my dogs (Mark Twain)
