If you've recently acquired your first Australian Shepherd puppy, you're likely already delighted at the intelligence and curiosity your new pet has shown. While a truly enjoyable dog breed, Aussies' boundless energy and computer-like memory can make keeping them contained a challenge, and if your home doesn't already have a suitable fence, you may worry about even letting your Aussie outside without a leash. Read on to learn more about the best fencing options for your Aussie puppy. 

Solid cedar fence

Aussies are notoriously active and among the most intelligent of dog breeds -- a dangerous combination when it comes to escaping your yard to chase a rabbit, greet a neighbor, or investigate a strange odor. As a result, a solid cedar fence that is firmly embedded in the soil around your home can be a foolproof fencing option for Aussies, who (while great jumpers) aren't quite able to clear a fence substantially taller than they are. Choosing a cedar fence over less expensive options like pine can seem like a pricey choice but will generally pay off when it comes to time saved on staining and board replacement over the next few decades. These durable fences are tough to damage, so you won't need to worry about a board coming off in a strong storm or being crushed by a falling branch.

If you're worried about cutting off the breeze from your yard by installing a tall, solid fence, you may want to place the panels in an alternating pattern so that there are a couple of inches of vertical clearance between each panel that won't allow your Aussie to squeeze through. This should allow a nice cross breeze without permitting passage of your Aussie or potential predators from outside your yard.

If you decide to go with a cedar fence, contact a company like Town & Country Fence to have it installed.

Invisible fence

If you'd like to train your Aussie to stay within your yard even without a visible fence, invisible electric fencing may be the best option. This fence is fairly simple to install, and should only involve digging a trench around your property line and burying an electric wire connected to a wireless collar. When your Aussie crosses the property line, he or she will receive a jolt, and it should take only a few tries for your dog to learn the difference between home and away. An invisible fence is fairly inexpensive and won't change the look or flow of your yard -- great for rural areas or large properties where fencing in a yard may seem like an impossible task.

Be aware that some Aussies have trained themselves to run as quickly as possible past the borders of the fence in order to receive a minimal shock -- the natural curiosity of these dogs can often make whatever's outside your yard much more tempting than can be deterred by a mild electric shock. If your Aussie has been able to escape an invisible fence more than twice, you'll want to pursue a barrier option.  

Steel wire run

If you have an outbuilding near your home and plan to take your Aussie on long walks around your property every morning and evening to burn off energy, you may be able to let your Aussie enjoy unsupervised outdoor time on a leashed run. By running a thin steel wire from your back door to the corner of your outbuilding and hooking a leash to it, you'll be able to allow your Aussie to run free from your home to the outbuilding and anywhere in between.

Although it can be tempting to give your Aussie a long leash to ensure he or she can cover as wide a range as possible, you'll need to be conscious of the risk of becoming tangled, especially if you plan to leave your Aussie alone during the day. Cutting down any trees and removing any other potential hazards within your dog's leashed range is a wise idea. 

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