Chain fence

Question
QUESTION: Just read one of your answers on fencing. I am having a vinyl coated chainlink fence 4' high installed to keep in our boxer and keep out unwanted animals. After seeing a few things online I am concerned that that is going to be high enough. He is a pure bread 6 month old male and of course..high energy..!

ANSWER: I always recommend at least 6' high because it is harder to jump and clear. Vinyl? I am not sure what a vinyl fence is, but dogs can chew through vinyl. You might want to consider that. Hurricane chain-link is best.

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QUESTION: It is a chain link fence, except it has a baked on black vinyl covering the chain to make it esthetically nicer in appearance. I do not think I can have one taller than 4 feet. I exercise our boxer a lot and he will be only in the yard with supervision. Can he be trained like you train a dog with an invisible fence?

Answer
You must have a HOA that has guidelines for your fence height. I would ask them if a 5-6' fence is acceptable.

4' is just too low for any dog. Unless you can extend the height with decorative lattice of wire across the top extending it to at minimum 5' but I recommend 6.' Or, install an electric fence to the fence (see below).

You cannot train a male that is not neutered to stay within the fence when he smells a female in heat. They can smell a female for miles away. If he is neutered, you have a better chance that he will not jump the fence.

But, there are urges to jump sometimes; excessive jumpers (you don't know if he is or not yet), kids playing, smells of outdoor grilling, etc. just urges. Dogs react on impulse and live in the moment.

I suggest supervision, especially for the first 6 months to a year.

As far as training, you cannot train an animal that reacts on urges and impulses.

An electronic fence attached to your fence is a good safeguard. He will soon associate it with a shock and stay within the boundaries. Most people I know use one to safeguard their dogs. No one wants their dog to jump a fence and get hurt, or harm others.