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sarah_calhoun11

Mid Century Modern Help

last year

Hi Everyone! Under contract on a Mid- Century Modern house, and was wanting to see if anyone has any ideas on how to make this patio dog friendly. My dogs LOVE to sit on the patio, and based on layout I can keep a better eye on them from the front patio than the back patio.

I was thinking we could add a gate on each side of the patio, but does anyone have any ideas on how to keep the dogs from going over the top of the retaining wall? They both listen really well, but my concern is one of them spotting a squirrel and scaling the top of the wall!

Wanting to keep the charm and character of the front but stumped on what to do! Any advice would be appreciated ☺️

Open to any ideas anyone has!!

Comments (10)

  • last year

    Invisible fence within the perimeter of your yard?

  • last year

    You do not say what kind of dogs so unsure how high the fence has to be. I would put a gate on either side that is permanent and attached to the front step and wall and to what I assume is the back of house to wall. I would then use stand alone fencing and have it on the ground in front of the wall on the patio. Maybe you will transition into permanent fencing or building the wall higher in the future. Live with it a for awhile till you see if it works for you.

  • last year

    I’ve used invisible fence and like it. I don’t leave dogs unsupervised for long periods because a strong lure could induce running through but it’s nice to be able to let them out on their own for intervals.

  • PRO
    last year
    last modified: last year

    We have huge dogs so built a large dog run off the one walk out base,ment door in our MCM but that was done becuse it was the logical place for it .Are asking about that side patiio where the table and chairs are not the actual front stoop.? You would need to build a fence all along the retaining wall or do some sort of enclosure inside the patio. What kind of dogs that really is important to know. Some dogs are just not escape artits at all and others every chance they get ..You seem to have a large property so maybe a dog run would be better .Since you do not even live there yet you might find the dogs will have a different idea than you as to where they like to be

  • last year
    last modified: last year

    Looks like even a small dog could scale the walls especially with a bit of motivation or prey drive. Maybe the best solution is each wears a harness & is attached to a long tie out lead? My 7.5 lb Papillon loves to be in my front yard with me when I’m working in it. Since I can’t keep eyes on her 100% while working even with her in my sight, she’s wearing a harness & attached to a 20’ plastic coated metal tie out line made for dogs. I give her a rug to lay on & she’s happy to lay in sun or shade watching anything that passes. She’s never out of my ine of sight though - never unsupervised. She does alert to other dogs walking by but fortunately leash laws are well observed in my walker friendly neighborhood. We also have her attached to tie out when we’re just sitting on our front porch & she’s sitting closer to us. She has a strong prey drive for squirrels.

  • PRO
    last year

    Fencing is the most logical choice to go atop your retaining wall as well as any part of your property that you want your dogs to have access to. Most medium to large dogs can jump rather tall fencing. So would suggest that you tailor your fencing height to the type and size dogs you have.

  • last year
    last modified: last year

    Some wire screen fencing attached to stakes or posts is unobtrusive. It's what we did and looks nice. I think our mesh is 3"x4".





  • last year

    It is really lovely how your home is situated on the lot and its relationship to the two trees, yard, and sunken patio. This flow will be impeded by anything you erect. As such either:


    1. Do not have your dogs outside when you are not there. Or, have them on a lead and keep your eye on them.


    2. Fence the entire yard from the edge of the driveway and sidewalk using a welded wire fence that does not have wood on it, but one that is more invisible like the pic below. Make sure it is tall enough for your breed or whatever breed you may get in the future. Don't match the colors to your house. Match them to whever will make them disappear against the grass and trees.




  • last year
    last modified: last year

    Yes, to the fenced yard rather than just the patio. Its what we did and can let our dog out the door and she is fenced in and has a yard to go to and a deck for her to relax! No need to keep an eye out for her.

    We left the front path and steps open and unfenced so we don't worry about visitors opening a front gate and her sneaking out.

  • last year

    We had the invisible fence on a 2 acre lot. Worked beautifully and the dogs could roam at will.

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