How to Build Outdoor Dog Fences for Larger Breeds? Jenny’s Rottweiler has been notably inactive for the past few months. Initially, they thought she was ill, but a visit to the vet came with a clean bill of health. So, what was wrong with Juni? Upon further studying her behavioral patterns, the vet concluded she was missing some quality outdoor time, causing her to become more lethargic. He also suggested that if taking her on walks was a problem for Jenny since she was juggling jobs and kids, the second-best option was building an outdoor dog fence. Although Jenny had enough space in her backyard to set up the fence, she was confused about what would suffice for a big growing Rottweiler like Juni. Well, Jenny’s dilemma mirrors the concerns of many pet parents of larger breeds. Finding the right free-standing fence can be a problem if one does not know the basics. Outdoor Time for Larger Breeds Experts recommend 30 minutes to an hour a day is good for dogs to spend some outdoors. However, there are related factors like the temperature outside and the dog breed and size. Since smaller dogs can get hypothermia in colder temperatures, they shouldn’t be out for more than 10-15 mins. The case is different for larger breeds. Dogs with thick coat can stay in colder temperatures for more than 30 minutes. For medium to large dogs, up to 30 minutes outdoors causes no harm. However, if the temperature is normal, any dog deserves 30 to 1.5 hours of outdoor playtime every day. It keeps them happy and active. (Source: https://www.akc.org/expert- advice/health/how-long-can-you-keep-your-dog-outside/) Building an Outdoor Fence for Big Dogs Big dogs need more enclosure space to move around. That’s the first thing you should think of when building an outdoor fence for your furry friend. You can follow these tips: 1. Fence Height What is the age and height of the dog? Is your dog still growing? These are the question to ask when building a fence. The height and age of the dog (whether the dog I still experiencing a growth spurt) will determine the fence height. You would not want your dog to feel suffocated in a tiny space with no height to stand, run, jump, and play. 2. Materials for the Fence What material you choose for the fence will determine its longevity. Remember that big dogs have more strength, and can easily chew or bit through low-quality material. Vinyl, welded wire, and wooden panels are exceptionally durable. However, you should consult an expert before putting in the work. 3. Fence extensions Most dogs are master escape artists and wanderers. They will dig below the fence or jump over it to venture into the neighborhood. That’s a signi ficant problem for pet parents! You can extend the wire below and above to create a solid barrier. For the top part, a curved extension is a viable option. You only need to find a fabricator and installer in your area to set it up. These are the things you should keep in mind when building a fence for dogs outside. Consult with a local expert to get the details right and gift your furry friend the bliss of playing outdoors every day.