I still like the Bunning's small animal electric fence - one single strand
of wire - they only touch it twice - then don't go near it for over a year
even with no power. Our two now just stay clear of the original area or the
white wire where ever I put it up (ie to stop them arguing with the dogs
next door) even if I don't put power on it. Dogs aren't stupid, they know
if they get in trouble only when you are around, they will wait until you
are not there.

I got a valuable piece of advice from an old animal trainer years ago when I
was working with chimps. He said if you are trying to stop them doing
something wrong, the punishment needs to come from God. What he meant was,
do not let them see you initiate it or they know where it comes from - if
they can't see any direct link between you and the punishment, they are
forever wary of it happening again, hence won't do the wrong thing any time.
Better that they don't do something by choice than because they are
physically prevented from doing it as all that does is creates a challenge.
A fence that doesn't bite is a challenge to get over or under, or through -
an area that bites is worth avoiding.

Geoff


"George.com" wrote in message
...

"0tterbot" wrote in message
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"Staycalm" wrote in message
u...
I have a lovely established veggie garden in the back yard. I am
planning
to get a puppy or young dog (small breed) in the next 4 months or so.
Should I plan to fence off the veggie garden in some way?
What can I use that's not too costly but will protect the patch?
Liz

ime some dogs go everywhere, and others will only go where it looks
"empty"
(as it were). my dog doesn't go on garden beds with things in them. mind
you, he is largish, so he's not as likely to go romping through the
undergrowth (or veg) anyway.

my mutts keep my vege garden free of cat poop or any other odorous
compost,
a very useful service on their part they assume until they try to lick me.

rob