How to Ensure Your Gate Is Safe If You Are Planning to Adopt a Dog
Posted on: 10 August 2015
Before you adopt a dog, you should do a walk around your yard to make sure that your fence is in good repair, and if it is, you need to check out your gate. Unfortunately, some gates allow dogs to pass through them too easily. Here are the issues to look for and how to modify your gate if you find them:
1. Large gaps in or around the gate
When you look at the gate, remember to look at its distance from the ground and nearby panels. Also, look at the space between the gate's slats or balustrades. If you believe your dog could slip through any of those gaps, your gate is not as secure as it could be, and your dog could escape.
You can cover gaps using chicken wire. Simply, attach the chicken wire so that it covers the gap but still allows you to open the gate.
2. Dangerous spaces between the gate's slats
If the gaps around your fence are too small to allow your pup to escape, you also have to ensure that your dog cannot get his head stuck in those openings. Keep in mind that the safety regulations for gates and railings are designed so that kids do not get their heads stuck. Sadly, these regulations do not work for dogs because their heads are different sizes than kids.
You can talk with a vet or a fencing contractor about which size of openings are safe. However, to be on the safe side, consider covering your gate in screen so that no heads and paws get stuck in the openings.
3. Jumpable gate
In most cases, your gate is the same height as your fence, and if your gate is short enough to be jumped by your dog, so too is your fence. In those cases, you have two options.
You can extend the height of your gate using chicken wire or another relatively sturdy but lightweight material. Simply, attach it to the fence and gate using zip ties or anchor wood posts into the ground next to the fence posts and then attach your chicken wire to those pieces of wood.
Alternatively, build a smaller fence inside the perimeter of your existing fence. Most dogs will not be able to clear the width created by having two fences together.
4. Unstable gate
Finally, once you have assessed the height of your gate and its gaps, you need to look at its stability. Namely, you have to assess if the gate will stay closed if your dog throws his body against it. Push on the gate to see how stable it is, and consider reinforcing its supporting posts or hardware to make it more secure.
For more information on installing an escape-proof fence, contact a company like Consolidate Fencing And Gate Services.
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