Outdoor Area for Dogs
 

Hi all,
I manage a vet clinic that has an outside area for our boarding dogs.
The fence is only 6' high, and in the past we've had dogs jump/climb the fence, which obviously isn't good!
I've looked into installing an 8' fence, but it's over $5000 to do so.

Does anyone know of a mesh or tent-like material that could be used to cover the fenced area to prevent dogs from jumping out? I was thinking of installing a pole in the centre of the pen (taller than the existing fence), then extending the cover out from there.
Does anything like this exist, or am I out to lunch here?
Thanks in advance!

How many feet of fencing needs to be covered?

and does the solution need to be aesthetically pleasing? If not, you might try some do it yourself solutions.

You might try tarps or tarpaulins to cover the first few feet of the fence. They are often used as coverings for carports in the wintertime. They are usually very solid and different companies will make them in different strengths. There probably exists a strength that will prevent a dog's nails from piercing the material. Just a thought.
Good luck.

Would it be possible to rig an inward leaning overhang from the top of your existing fence?

Could attaching lattice fencing along the top be enought to stop the dogs from jumping?

I agree with Hazelrunpack--
to get a visual image of this, you can go to here:
[url]http://www.purrfectfence.com/products.asp[/url]
and look at the "dog proofer fence extender system"

I don't know if you can do that sort of thing as a DIY job, but if you have enough photos you can probably try :-)

...or of course you can just buy a kit from them.

I have my eye on the cat fence and might buy one later this spring. If you do end up buying something from them please post again and let us know how it goes.

I think to do it properly you need to "roof" the entire area with chain link. Some dog kennels come like that, with the same stuff on the top. No doubt this would also be expensive and might require supports mid run. How big is the area? The chain link would also have to be fastened along the sides very securely.

I know dogs that can climb and 8 foot high fencing might not be enough either. But some dogs seem to be able to get out of anything. Mesh fabric, it that's what you meant, no way, too easy to rip with sharp claws and strong teeth.