Huskies and fencing

Question
I need advice-I just spent about 2500.00 on installed fencing-I cheaped out and went with 4' chain link-The yard is about 1/2 wood privacy fence 6' and the rest is chain-link-I've been searching for the best way to anchor the bottom of the chain link (so my 2 Huskies don't dig out) and a way to make the 4' chain-link climb proof
I intend on installing a 30'dog run with poured concrete and kennel panels so they will be safe while I am at work.Any suggestions or ideas-on how best to do this.Any insight on the best placement for their kennel(which way is best for the dog run/kennel to face
I won't be moving until Sept. Also, the best way to acclimate my girls to their new surroundings
I would really appreciate it-I want to do all I can-to make theri transition easy.
Thanks
so much
Joni Peay

Answer
Joni,

Chain link is fairly easy for Sibes to climb or dig out, so your best bet is to ensure that they don't want to get close to it.  My suggestion would be a pet grade electric wire.  It's basically the same thing that is used on cattle - a hot wire that if you touch is a shock.  No special collars required, no real training.  The dogs generally learn very quickly to stay away from the wire, and if it's placed correctly on the bottom of the fence, they won't be able to dig out or climb over.  You can get an entire set up for maybe about $80 from Mule Hollow Fence Supply.  You just need a charger, some wire, a ground rod, and then insulators that connect it to the fence (otherwise, the entire aluminum fence becomes electrified).  I have this on my fence, and the shock definitely smarts (like a really bad door knob shock off shag carpet), but my dogs learned within about 3 or 4 shocks that the wire was evil and to just stay away.  Since then - no dig outs.  Also, it is substantially cheaper than redoing a fence (which we also just did with our own labor, and it was still almost $1500 to install a 6' privacy fence around the yard . . . and yes, the electric wire was reinstalled).

As for the run, I think it more depends on the yard.  Generally, you want something that offers as much variety as possible, some shade, exposure to wind, even exposure to sun, so the dog can decide where she wants to hang out.  The most important thing I think is that the dog should definitely have a dog house - with a flat roof.  Sibes love to sit on top of the dog houses, so if it has a flat roof, they will love the house (and often spend more time on top of it than in it).

As for transition, generally, most dogs will do alright if you help them explore the new territory rather than just let them off lead and ignore them.  When you bring her to the new place, just keep that in mind and spend a lot of time with her, especially at the beginning.  Let her explore and lead you, but if you are there with her, generally you will note that the dog is more confident.  Other than that, the dog will also feed off your comfort level and adjustment.  So the quicker you establish her routine and get her used to things, the easier it is for her as well.

Hope that helps some and feel free to write back with other questions or concerns.