A PORTABLE FENCE
Have you ever thought about how easy it would be to just let your dog out by opening the door and then returning a few minutes later to let him in, without ever setting foot outside in rainy weather?
How many times have you thought... Are you serious, I have to go outside with you while it is pouring rain? What about my hair and make up and silk dress?
Havanese get all of the exercise they need inside the house, so they do not need a large yard. All they need is a small area outside, so they can go to the bathroom, undisturbed and in safety. An area that is 12' X 12' to 10' X 16' is just fine. You can also incorporate a small grassy area, if you choose. Havanese need to run alone without a tether in order to exercise and let their system work properly, while free from you. They are very submissive, so they will dutifully follow you, while you have them on a leash and halter. They will feel they have done their duty in following you, and after you return home, they will think: "Oh, it is my time now", and "use it" on your best Persian carpet, or make a puddle beside that priceless antique, or below the piano seat of a grand piano. Take my word for it, Havanese are pampered little loved ones, and they have excellent taste, with preferences for the finest part of your home. They always choose the best part of the house to pronounce their relief to be home and without a tether. Havanese do not train as well at the end of a leash. They need time alone in a yard to "go"!
They do need a fence to assure they do not get in the road, or run off and kiss a big bad dog that might attack them after they make unwanted affectionate advances. And, they need a fence to protect them from their uncontrolled bursts of energy, when they decide to play chase with you, unexpectedly, and without your permission!
They trust you to make the right choices for them, so please provide them with the ultimate protection, a fence. The choice not to have a fence can be a regrettable and deadly choice for a Havanese.
Would you love to have a small fence but cannot build one because it is too difficult, too expensive, or against your community covenants?
We may have an answer for you!!!!!!!
We have built a portable 14 inch fence to surround a patio. It is 2 inches off the ground, making it a total of 16 inches off the ground. You can make yours 18-20 inches high, to be assured of the best safety measures, if need be. This one is built for elder dogs that do not jump, climb, or try to get away. It is inside another fence, and simply built to prevent the dogs from accidentally falling into the swimming pool.
How can a fence be portable?
The fence is built on top of 6 X 6's. It is built with 2 X 4's that are attached to and above the 6 X 6's. The 2 X 4's form a vertical and horizontal structure on which to place the pickets or fence boards. The gate is attached with hinges to a short 6 X 6 that is no more than 4 ft. long, so it will rock when the gate is opened. The hinges extend the entire length of the side of the gate to further stabilize the attachment. This allows the gate to move along a sloped patio surface. The gate has a caster under it to provide support for its weight as it is opened. The latch helps support it when it is closed.The fence is 2 inches above the patio on the "right" side of the fence. The back side of the fence is a 6 X 6 that is laying on the patio surface. A picture is worth a thousand words - take a look at the Pics.
One 2 X 4 is along the bottom edge of the 6 X 6 and the other 2 X 4 is parallel above the 6 X 6, and supported by vertical 2 X 4's.
The 6 X 6's are so heavy and large that they stabilize the fence, however they are moveable and not attached to the ground. You could use the fence when needed and if you have do not want to use it just move it to another part of the yard. You can buy the 6 X 6's in varying lengths of 6 ft., 8 ft., 10 ft., etc. You will need to use a table saw or a circular saw with three passes, and a hand saw finish to cut them. You may be able to get the lumber supply store to cut them to the lengths you need as well as deliver them and the other supplies.
Construction Materials:
6 X 6's cut to the length you need. For a 12 ft. patio side we used one 8 ft and one 4 ft. 6 X 6.
2 X 4's for vertical and horizontal structure above the 6 X 6's.
6 ft. fence boards, cut in half lengthwise, and then cut in 14-18 inch lengths, depending on the height of fence you want.
"L" brackets for gates, or corner brackets, 4 inch corner brackets
Self Locking Gate Latch
Screws, 3 inch, 2 1/2 inch, 1 5/8 inch, outside deck screws, Phillips head
Phillips head driver bit for electric drill, at least 5 (cost is about $5 total)
Masonry String to level board
1 3/4 inch wide board to use as a tool to space the pickets accurately
2 inch rolling caster for under the gate
3 Hinges, 3.5 inches each
Call and speak to our resident fence expert if you have questions:
Beloved Havanese
706 577 5733
copyright deborah owens 2011
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