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New...and on wait list

689 views 6 replies 7 participants last post by  B and G Mom 
#1 ·
Hi everyone! I joined about a month ago and am enjoying reading and learning from you all. I am new to Golden Retrievers, and it has been a long time since I had a puppy. I currently have 2 cats (Sassy who is 15, and Thomas who is 3). i also have a 10 year old Yorkie named Bentley. I am currently on a waiting list, but not sure if there will be a puppy in May or later in the year. i am trying to get ready for the puppy and trying to determine whether to get an underground or physical fence. i am waiting on the fence people to come give estimates. I appreciate any advice and look forward to learning from you all as I prepare for my puppy. i can hardly wait!
 
#2 ·
You must really be looking forward to your new puppy! Congratulations!
Personally, I'd get a physical fence, rather than an underground one. There is enough training to do with a new puppy, without adding to the amount they have to learn. Also, we had an underground one for a while. Pilgrim respected it, but our other golden used to hesitate, close her eyes and run through it as fast as she could go. For her, whatever she was chasing (usually a rabbit) was worth a lot more than a temporary tickle. We had the extra expense of having to put up a proper fence, as well as an underground one.
 
#4 ·
...we had an underground one for a while. Pilgrim respected it, but our other golden used to hesitate, close her eyes and run through it as fast as she could go. For her, whatever she was chasing (usually a rabbit) was worth a lot more than a temporary tickle. We had the extra expense of having to put up a proper fence, as well as an underground one.
*chuckle* That is awesome. We started out with an electric fence, but it kept breaking down and was such a hassle to fix that for a while we had no fence at all. Chessie and Hannah were used to staying put with us in the backyard so they didn't notice when we stopped using it. Two of the four sides of our backyard were already bounded by neighbors' fences, and a third side has a big hedge. But when we got our Allie, she was such a pistol that we immediately got a proper fence put in. A very, very good investment!
 
#3 ·
Hello and welcome. And congrats on the up coming puppy. As to fences, we have had cahin link and the 6' wooden ones, which we have now--bought this house 27 years and it had the wood fence, which of course we have had to replace. To prevent our dogs from digging out, or the ones around from us from digging in, we poured a little cement "walk" around the fence.
 
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#5 ·
We have a split rail fence with wire. I'd recommend a physical fence. I've never had one of the electric fences, but a friend of mine did and her dog got beat up pretty bad by a stray in the neighborhood as it came into her yard and her dog couldn't get out without the shock. Something to consider. It only works on the dog that is wearing the signal collar.....
 
#6 ·
We don't have a fence at all. We have our pups on leash when we are outside. We are rural and on a cul-de-sac, so the need is not pressing. We also live on a wooded hillside, so fencing would not be easy. I have two considerations about an underground fence: 1. They don't keep other animals out. Dogs, wildlife, etc. have access to your pup at will. 2. If your pup ever gets outside the fence, they are punished with a zap if they try to come home.

There are times when I wish we had a fence, but I think I am too lazy to have one. I would be too tempted to just send the pup outside when it was raining or cold or.... Instead, I am training my dog on leash multiple times every single day in every kind of weather. I think this has made our bond a very strong one. I think this has caused my pup to be well behaved because his training is so frequently reinforced.

A fence will not exercise your dog. He will still need someone to toss the frisbee, to encourage the ball chase, to give reason for the retrieve. I do frequently drive my pup to the school where I teach so that I have a fenced area for play together. I can see how having a fence at home would make care and exercise easier, but I can say for certain that having a fence is not essential if you are determined to provide exercise and training.
 
#7 ·
Welcome! We like a physical fence as well, mainly because we are somewhat rural and an electric fence may keep a dog in, but it won't keep all the other creatures out! Good luck with your wait list!!
 
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