GRRCNY Position on Fencing

Dedicated to rescuing and rehoming purebred Golden Retrievers in Central New York.

Whether or not a potential adopter has or is willing to put up a fenced space for their Goldens to safely exercise in, may be a determinate factor during the adoption process. Please read this short statement on our position.

Position on Fencing, GRRCNY
GRRCNY gives preference and priority to potential adopters who have:
1) A fence at least 4 feet high (higher is preferred), and
2) Have the appreciation for and ability to adequately provide exercise for the dog.
Appropriate exercise and security are both essential for a healthy, happy dog. One without the other (i.e., a fence without human interaction to stimulate exercise) likely will result in inadequate exercise.

Applicants without fencing will be considered on a case-by-case basis after an assessment of the applicant's respect for both security and exercise.

As an all-volunteer program, we sometimes have to establish priorities and selectively schedule home approval visits. Applicants with wood or wire fences will be given a priority relative to timing of the approval visits. When seeking and approving of an applicant for a dog with special needs or the very senior dog, we will apply the fence standard in a reasonable manner.

Underground Electronic Systems
GRRCNY does not consider underground electronic systems as "fencing". As is true with applicants with no fence, applicants with electronic "containment" systems will be considered on a case-by-case basis

Concerns with underground "fences" are:
1) Some dogs, particularly those with a strong drive, will not train to the system. Some dogs tolerate the momentary shock in favor of the pursuit of pleasure.

2) These systems do not keep other animals (both 4-leggged and 2-legged) from entering the yard. The "contained" dog is very vulnerable to stray dogs, rabid wild animals, and thieves, and only doubly so because the ability to flee is absent.