"Experience is the best teacher" and it has taught Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue that the safest environment for a Rescue Golden includes a fenced yard or area. Generally speaking, secondhand dogs need limitations because they do not have the benefit of having bonded with their new owners since puppyhood. We feel very strongly that dogs allowed to wander unsupervised are dogs that are unloved because they are at risk of running away, getting lost, stolen, injured, attacked (by another dog, animal or person), poisoned or struck by a car. We have, in the past, placed a few dogs in homes without fencing and unfortunately several of those dogs were injured. It is now our firm policy to place dogs only in homes that provide a secure, fenced area for the dog to get fresh air and exercise.* Appropriate senior Goldens (eight years and older) who may be adequately exercised on a leash may be more readily placed in unfenced homes.

The fenced enclosure is intended to provide a secure outdoor exercise area for the dog, not as a place for the dog to live. Goldens are highly social, "people" dogs that need to be with you to be happy! A satisfactory fenced area may be built of stockade, chain link, heavy wooden posts with heavy gauge wire or metal posts with wire. (No dog should be left unattended for any length of time in the latter type of enclosure because they are relatively easy to escape.) The enclosure should be four feet high minimum (five feet is preferred) and include a lockable gate. Equal attention should be given to the security of the fence along its bottom in order to prevent dogs from digging out. Portable pens are accepted on a case by case basis.

Location of the fenced area should also be taken into consideration: It should be installed so it is directly accessible from the house to ensure an increased measure of safety for your dog and be convenient for you. The fenced area must be large enough to provide the dog with a comfortable space in which to be played with, get exercise and fresh air and eliminate. Shade and shelter should also be provided.

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