Dog Fence Etiquette Tips to Help You Avoid Neighborhood Disputes

December 5, 2023

Fences, while crucial for your dog’s safety, can inadvertently become a bone of contention among neighbors. Navigating this space requires a delicate balance—respecting property boundaries, minimizing disruptions, and fostering amicable relationships. Some neighbors have disagreements about the appearance of a fence: how well it’s maintained, or whether or not it’s adhering to the legal property line. If no fencing exists, your neighbors could be upset if your pets are leaving your yard and wandering into the streets or other private property.

Take for example Stephanie K., who enjoys life with her family in their British Columbia, Canada, homestead with her husband, children, farm animals, and livestock guardian dogs. Two years ago, her Great Pyrennes wandered away from their farm and onto an abutting property and were tragically shot by the neighbor.

While this is an extreme example, it’s not entirely uncommon and demonstrates how things can quickly escalate if you’re not proactive about your dog fence. Let’s explore some etiquette tips that can turn your dog fence into a neighbor-friendly asset.

Communicate with Your Neighbors

Open dialogue sets the foundation for a harmonious neighborhood. Before installing any fence, consider reaching out to your neighbors. Explain the intent behind the fence, highlighting its benefits for your pet's safety while addressing any concerns they might have. This proactive approach can mitigate potential disputes by ensuring everyone's on the same page.

Respect Property Boundaries

Respect for property lines is paramount when installing a dog fence. Ensure the fence aligns precisely with your property boundaries to avoid encroachment issues. This thoughtful consideration not only prevents disputes but also demonstrates your respect for your neighbors’ space.

Minimize Noise and Visual Impact

Nobody likes to live in a construction zone, and installing a fence can be a noisy and disruptive endeavor. Consider the terrain of your property. If the bedrock makes digging difficult, the fence installers may need to resort to using a hammer drill to effectively set the posts of a traditional fence. If you have tricky terrain, you may want to explore alternatives to minimize these disturbances.

Jordan, a dog owner from Canada, considered 3 types of fencing for their 40 acre farm. They first got quotes for a chain link fence and an invisible dog fence for a one acre portion of their 40 acre farm, which ranged from $5,800 to $13,500 (CAN). Ideally, they wanted a fence to cover more acres, and were curious about fencing their second home, a lakeside property.

These circumstances led them to choose a virtual dog fence option, ultimately purchasing SpotOn Fence. Because it uses GPS-based technology, it eliminates the need for physical installation, while providing the flexibility to use it at home and away. Even with the purchase of multiple SpotOn systems for her three labs, the dog fence costs were much less than a traditional fence, especially when you factor in its portability.

Maintain Your Physical Fencing After Installation

Regular maintenance of physical fences is crucial to prevent eyesores that might irk your neighbors. Painting or restaining wooden fences that have faded overtime helps keep a fresh and friendly aesthetic. You may also need to invest in repairs if you live in an area that’s prone to harsh weather, like hurricanes, blizzards, or other severe conditions. However, SpotOn Fence eliminates this hassle entirely. There’s no physical upkeep involved; it’s a set-and-forget solution managed conveniently through an intuitive app.

Choose Virtual Fencing

Virtual fences offer a multitude of benefits, aligning perfectly with good neighborly conduct. They allow instant setup without disruption, define precise property boundaries, and eliminate the need for maintenance. SpotOn’s virtual fencing option, powered by GPS technology, embodies these advantages, providing an effective yet unobtrusive solution.

Avoid Neighborhood Fence Disputes with SpotOn’s Virtual Fencing Solution

Ensuring a neighbor-friendly approach with dog fencing boils down to these etiquette tips—communication, respect for boundaries, minimizing disruptions, and opting for non-intrusive solutions. Get started with SpotOn to foster great relationships with neighbors, while ensuring your dog's safety.

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Author Bio:
Jacqui Lantagne is a New England-based animal lover who enjoys spoiling Milton, a spirited mixed breed rescue dog.