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Triangle Sheltie Rescue of North Carolina has three basic requirements with respect to fencing:
- The yard or portion of the yard used by the sheltie must be completely enclosed by fencing that is at least 4 feet high and which cannot be climbed or burrowed
under by a sheltie.
- A fenced-in kennel run is NOT an acceptable substitute for a fenced yard.
- An in-ground electric fence is NOT acceptable.
The Fenced Yard
The purpose of the fenced area is to guarantee a secure and safe outdoor area for your Sheltie to get exercise. It is not intended to be where the Sheltie lives or spends
most of his time. Our standards dicate that a satisfactory fence to be made of wood, chain-link or sturdy welded wire and one that is at least four feet tall or higher.
If the fenced area for the Sheltie includes a gate, it should be a lockable gate with a gate spring that automatic gate closes when an individual exits. Security along the
bottom of the fence and gate are important to insure that the Sheltie does not dig out or slip through small spaces.
The size of the fenced area should be large enough to provide the Sheltie with a comfortable space to play, get some exercise and fresh air, and eliminate. Shelter,
shade and water are essential components for the area as well. The fenced area should have access from your home, not to a garage area (can have both but must
have home access). We certainly do not want an adopted sheltie living in a garage.
The Home Visit volunteer will check your fenced area to insure that it is large enough and secure enough for a Sheltie.
Exceptions to the fencing rule for applicants with no fence:
- Return TSR adopters who have had a rescue Sheltie in an unfenced area and proven they will follow the leashing requirement stated in the adoption contract.
- Applicants adopting a senior Sheltie (9 years old and up).
- Condo dwellers (young dogs are not conducive to apartments or condos)
Meeting one or more of these exceptions does not guarantee an applicant a dog. It only means TSR will be willing to consider your application.
A Final Note
The philosophy of Triangle Sheltie Rescue is that Shelties are very social animals and need to be with you to be happy and well adjusted. We do not place our rescue
Shelties into homes where they are considered "outside dogs" as we consider Shelties "family members with fur". Furthermore, we feel especially strongly that Shelties belong in
the house for sleeping. Our philosophy is: "If your Sheltie is not sleeping on your bed, he or she should at least be in your bedroom".
Many of our Shelties have been abused and/or neglected and frequently come with emotional baggage. Through experience, we have determined that Shelties
adjust more quickly to their new home and are much happier when left inside the house when their owners are away from home. We will not place a Sheltie in a home
where it will be placed in an outside kennel, yard, or garage when unsupervised.
Please remember that your adoption contract requires you to keep your adopted Sheltie on leash at all times when not in a fenced area. Starting in 2015 a penalty
clause was added to our contract for non-compliance. We do not want to be the Sheltie police, so if you plan to adopt from us (or have adopted) please plan to honor
the contract you signed.
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