getting a shelter to change the 'fence' rule?

Sounds like a great, animal-conscious shelter. The shelters are in existence for the betterment of the dog, not for the convenience of the owners. While you may be an exception to the rule (You sound very competent and caring) the shelter can not bend it's rules because they can't spend time following up to see if everything is OK in the adoptive home. So they set strict rules that THEY comply with so they can have peace of mind at the outset that they have done their best to properly place the dog. You as a conscientious owner should appreciate their competence in behalf of the dog.

If you're able to get a dog from a breeder, It should show you how much more caring the shelters are for the dog's welfare that the breeder is. They get their money....then couldn't care less about the dog.

Papaw

I so know and understand your frustration. I couldn't get my breed through rescue because of the fence issue. I have a breed that would be under a fence in a flash if left unattended in a fenced yard. since I couldn't get the breed I wanted from rescue, I got on a puppy waiting list. We did put in a fence this spring, but have made a commitment to a breeder for a pup.

I really understand the idea of fencing being good, but this denies people renting who could offer wonderful homes. And it seems the rescues are hording the dogs because months and months later the dog you inquired about is still available.

Understand rescues are great, but the fence rule does bother me too. I don't think you can change their rules and regulations, just look elsewhere. Good luck.

And the dog I had before the fence passed at a very elderly age. He lived in two apartments and then 11 years in our home (without a fence). He was healthy, muscular, taken for regular walks and elimination. He was a happy dog, even without a fence.

Added: You see, I tend to look at things from my perspective as a responsible pet owner who views my dog as a member of the family. I know I do the right thing and assume that everyone else does too. Anne has some very valid points--points that someone in my position can't have since I haven't experienced this. I do think you won't be able to change the shelter's rules though.

Shelters have rules for a reason and even though you might be able to provide a good home & plenty of running time without a fenced yard, there are plenty of people who won't do that, which is why the rule is in place.

When I adopted a dog last month, most applications gave an allowance (with additional requirements - references, understanding how dog will be exercised) for a homeowner who could not have a fence due to homeowners association rules.

IMO, this shelter has lost out and you should look for a shelter who has an allowance for your homeowner's association rules. There are shelters out there that will adopt to you -- if you happen to be in Central PA, e-mail me.

Okay, a few problems with this.

1. JUST because we have a fenced in yard doesn't mean that we're lazy, like you said. My dad remodeled his whole house, so of course our fence is going to be fixed up nicely. It's about 7 or 8 feet hight - It doesn't mean that I'm going to shoo my dog outside instead of training her.

2. The reason they have the rule is because a LOT of people aren't responsible enough to take care of their dogs and make sure they don't get out of an unfenced yard. Sure, there's people that know how to keep a dog in an unfenced yard. But did you ever think that maybe not everyone can?

And if they were to bend the rule for you, they'd have to bend it for everyone else.

We have a fenced in yard, we aren't lazy. Our pup goes on two 3 mile walks a day- then in the winter when there is 2 feet of snow on the ground [literally] he will be walked once and will jog beside us when we cross country ski.

A fenced in yard is also for the dogs protection. There are a lot of hazards out there for dogs. Mean people, crazy *** other dogs, skunks [like the one that lives in the hole behind our yard], and coyetes that walk behind our house. If we didn't have a fence as an added barrier to protect the dog, who knows what would happen. My dog goes in and out of the house all day long- it's not because I'm lazy, it's because he likes to hang outside sometimes too, just like how people do.

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You change their minds when you get a fenced-in yard. It's not a lazy way, they want the best for the pup regardless of what you do THEY just want to make sure the dog will be safe outdoors in the backyard when it's out there. MANY things can go wrong without a fence.

Shelters aren't strict, they wanna make sure their next home is the forever one. Get a fence or drop it.

ADD: I'm not trying to be rude or anything, but you can't do anything about it. My shelters are the same, they just want the best for the said breed or certain dog. Find a different rescue or a shelter or go to a breeder.

It's probably policy, and is unchangeable. They have these rules in place because they've probably dealt with their animals getting adopted out to homes without fences, and then something bad would happen to the dog as a result. They have strict policies so that the dog doesn't end up getting loose or otherwise endangered.

There are other dogs out there; you'll find one eventually (and you'll probably find a rescue willing to compromise).

ETA: A reputable breeder will tell you the same thing. The only breeders who wouldn't care are BYBs.

You can't blame them, a fenced in yard protects the dog from running around the neighborhood. I have 2 beagles and walk them everyday and I also have a fenced in yard to keep them safe. I have had a dog of mine hit by a car because he bolted off after the kids, no fenced in yard.

That does suck.

I agree with you. I'm a "no fenced in yard" dog owner. We got ours at a shelter, but they really didnt inquire about that.

Back to the issue, I HAVE TO walk my dog...several times a day, including long jogs/walks.

My previous neighbor had a fenced in yard and a very energetic dog...her dog pissed in the house continuously and was UNDER exercised....because..........all they did is opened the door and shooed the dog outside.

I do agree with you. In this day and age when shelters are so full, that if you call animal control to come an pick up a dog, they say we are sorry we are past capacity, and can't take any more dogs.They would relax their rules some. But they won't.

You can't if they change a rule for you then they must change a rule for every one that walks through the door.