Suggestions on securing bottom of wire fence for dog

[theedudenator]

I have an old wire type horse fence on 3 acres of land.
It is old and loose, but it is going to have to work.
The dog can easily push under the bottom of the fence. I am sure I could do the same if I tried.

I tried a 2 foot section of rebar bent over like a hook. I hammered this in the ground carrying the lower center with it. But this will not stay in the ground.

I was wondering if I could even go with standard t-posts centered between the existing tree limb posts?

[GregsFence]

The use of T posts sounds like the most perfect of repairs for securing this type of fence. Assuming the T post ends up high enough to cover all three wires in the line. Using tie wire to affix the wire fence to the T post.

The horses may not have as much of an easy time getting out as the dog because the fence was not orriginally intended to contain dogs. If the wire fence is still somewhat weak or maybe even rusting through I would suggest pulling a length of coil wire for the distance of the fence line. Pulling the coil tight and tying it to the wood posts as well as the T posts.

Otherwise the idea of using the T post for strengthing up this fence is a good idea.

Good luck,

Gregs Fence~

[nap]

if the dog is pushing under now, if you make the fence sturdy, is he simply going to dig a little and then still find freedom?

If that becomes a problem, running an electric fence wire near the ground (where the dog would be restricted yet the wire not touching the ground) would solve the problem of digging. Dogs learn pretty quickly when they get zapped.

[theedudenator]

I agree on the dog still pushing out.

I was looking at the invisible fence type system.
I could add this to the bottom of my fence.

A standard electric fence will not work, I have 3 small boys.

[nap]

Originally Posted by theedudenator

A standard electric fence will not work, I have 3 small boys.

they will learn quickly too

[GregsFence]

If you are trying to keep containment of a dog I would suggest using chain link fencing . A horse fence clearly is meant for containment of horses. Three wires keeping them from walking through property lines or grazing on neighboring land. They would not dig nor would they bend down to walk under the wire lines. Dogs however would as you already know dig, or push the wires apart and escape.

3 Wire fences are not intended for dog enclosures.

I fully understand the need for a better system for the safety and security of your animals. Chain link fencing fixes all scenarios.

[theedudenator]

Chain link fence for 3-1/2 acres??
This is the wire square type fence.
Called field fence or hog fence.

This is not just three wires running

[GregsFence]

I had the idea that you were speaking about a 3 wire fence, that of which is similar to a ribbed wire or almost barbed wire fence. Each running about a foot or so apart from each other and about 4 -6 feet in height. That is what I believed you were referring to.

Now I know you have a box wire fence. Different material in itself. The dog gets out of that because he digs under the bottom of the fence line.

If he digs, shy of the electric fence I do not have many suggestions.

If the dogs push the bottom of the fence away and crawls under the fence line I would stick to my orriginal suggestion of using a Coil wire, tightly pulled and affixed from one post to another. Using a 9 guage galvanized coil wire pulled tightly would stop your most typical dog from pulling and or pushing the line away. Having an additional post in the middle of the other existing posts would give that coil even more strength of resistence.
Taking on this idea would cost just a few dollars and it would be done with quite a bit of ease. More than likely the coil wire would add years of strength to the rest of your fence line. Run the coil top and bottom and you may give your fence an all together second life.
Good luck

Gregs Fence