MAGDRL's Fencing Policy

MAGDRL almost always requires a fenced in yard for the danes in our care. Why?

Rescue danes have already been a statistic once. We try very hard to make sure that they will not by repeat visitors to our rescue. One of the easiest things we can do to ensure our rescue dogs' safety is to require a physical fence. Here are several common arguments we hear about fencing:

I live in the country. I don't need a fence.

We understand that you may have acres and acres of land and you'd like your dogs to run free. Please understand that a fence helps keep scary things out as well as your dane in. We've actually had a MAGDRL dane shot (yes, shot) by a neighbor who didn't like dogs. The dane did not make it. If there had been a fenced area, this dane would most likely still be alive today, enjoying the good life. A fence can also be a deterrent to wildlife that may startle your dane.

I have so much land, I can't fence it all in.

No problem. We only require a small area be fenced in to keep the dog safe during potty time. You needn't fence in acres to to meet our requirement.

Fences are eyesores. I don't want to ruin the look of the landscape.

Nowadays, there are very attractive fencing choices. Sure, some are expensive but if your main goal is an attractive fence, you'll have to pay the price.

My dogs never leave my side. I don't need to fence.

This is a rescue dog, who may very well leave your side given the right circumstances. And we may not know when those circumstances are "right" for a rescue dog. Also, as mentioned previously, sometimes a fence is about keeping scary things out and not keeping your well-behaved dog in. Children, horses, deer, all kinds of distractions can interact with your dog and possibly cause your dog harm or scare him. We'd rather be safe than sorry, since we've seen dogs hit by cars, shot by neighbors, beaten by teenagers, attacked by strange dogs.

I live in a development that doesn't allow fencing.

This sometimes happens. Check with your homeowners association to determine whether you can put up a specific type of fencing. If you can't, you are eligible for our fencing exception. We'll just need a copy of your association rules dealing with the fencing issue. Talk with the coordinator to find out more.

I live in the city and don't have a yard.

This is possible in the city. You may be eligible for our fencing exception. As part of the home check, we'll verify that you don't have a yard and talk to you about potty and exercise options.Please note that you'll require a dog who is good with kids and other dogs and who can handle and enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life.

I can't afford fencing.

As stated previously, we don't require you to fence in a large portion of your yard. And, unlike other, more industrious breeds, danes are (typically) easily deterred. Talk to us about ways to fence inexpensively, including deer fencing, chicken wire and posts, etc.

I'll just tie the dog out in the yard.

Unless this is a safety tie only and the dog is not left outside unattended, this is not acceptable for a MAGDRL dog and shouldn't be acceptable for any dog. Please read this article about the Outside Dog.

I've never had to fence before. All of my dogs were fine.

While we're happy to hear that you've kept your dogs safe in the past, we will still require that you fence part of the yard for our rescue dog. Times change. Risks change. We're here to minimize the risk that rescue dogs return to rescue or are harmed in circumstances that could easily have been prevented.

So what's the worst that could happen to a dog without a fence?

Here are just a few things that could, and have, happen to a dog who isn't safely fenced:

Wander off and get lost	Try to make their way back "home"	struck by a car
stole	attacked by strange dog	attacked by wild animal
beaten by human	attacked (rocks, etc thrown) by human	shot by human
poisoned	injured	contract rabies

Electronic containment fences are NOT acceptable (please ask why--we'll be happy to share with you).

How to request an exception to our fencing policy

If you would like to be considered for an exception to our fencing policy, your application must include a detailed letter describing your circumstances, lifestyle, previous dog ownership and how you plan on safely exercising and managing your Great Dane without chaining or allowing off lead. In addition, a letter of recommendation from your veterinarian regarding the care and well-being of your current or previously owned dog(s) must accompany your adoption application. If there is some legal reason why a fence is not permitted, we also require a copy of that document (lease, homeowner's association agreement, easement, etc). Without these letters, your exception request cannot be considered.

This petition process requires additional processing time. If your exception request is accepted for consideration, it will be forwarded to your MAGDRL adoption coordinator and a home visit will be conducted. After the home visit is complete, you will be notified of the status of your adoption application.

Thank you for your consideration and understanding.