Fencing requirements

Dog owners are responsible for ensuring their property has secure fencing or enclosures to keep their pets safe and prevent harm to others. This responsibility applies even in rental properties. While landlords or property managers may assist, it is ultimately the dog owner's duty to ensure the dog cannot escape or pose a risk through or over the fence.

Why Fencing Matters

• Prevents dogs from escaping.
• Reduces the risk of injury or conflict with people or other animals.
• Helps manage fence reactivity, a behaviour where dogs become overly excited or aggressive at barriers

Fence Reactivity and Redirection

Fence reactivity and overexcitement, such as barking, lunging, or fence fighting, can be challenging to manage. Owners may not be aware that their dog behaves this way when left alone.

Dogs may display two types of barrier reactivity:

Defensive Reactivity

This is a natural territorial response, often triggered by perceived intruders such as postal workers, visitors, or other dogs. It reflects a “get off my property” mindset.

Barrier Reactivity

This stems from overexcitement and frustration, especially when dogs are left alone for long periods behind fences with limited visibility. Boredom and lack of stimulation can heighten sensitivity to external sounds or movement, leading to reactive behaviours.

In some cases, barrier reactivity can escalate into redirection aggression, where a dog redirects its frustration toward another dog or even a person who attempts to intervene.

Examples of suggested measures which may help reduce these behaviours are:

• Regular exercise
• Enrichment activities such as toys
• Socialising with people and animals

These practices are especially important when dogs spend extended periods unattended in the yard.

Minimum Fence Height Requirements

Under Council’s Subordinate Local Law No. 4.1 (Animal Management) 2002, the following minimum fence heights apply:

Fence Construction Tips

• Fences should be built with strong, durable materials to prevent escape over, under, or through the barrier.
• For dogs showing fence reactivity or overexcitement, solid wood panels or privacy screens are recommended to block visual triggers.
• Fences should be inspected regularly to ensure they remain secure and intact.

Useful Resources

You can find useful information online specific to dog behaviour and management. We recommend Everyday Dog Training Tips for Home and Walks | Leave It