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"Experience is the best teacher" and it has taught us that the safest environment for a rescue Elkhound has a fenced area or yard. Generally speaking, second-hand dogs need limitations because they do not have the benefit of having bonded with their new owners since puppyhood. Appropriate environments include:

* A home with a stockade, chain link or heavy wire fenced yard or area with a minimum height of at least 5 feet. (An existing 4' fence may be considered acceptable after inspection by a Rescue Committee member.)

* A dog kennel used to exercise the Elkhound which can be installed by a fence company or you can purchase the materials and install it yourself. Minimum size: 5'high x 6'wide x 12' long.

* An apartment or condominium is acceptable provided that the Elkhound will be given daily walks on a leash for exercise.

* In homes where fencing is prohibited via deed restrictions we recommend using a cable tie-out (not an overhead trolley) for short periods of time (30 - 45 minutes) so that the adoptee gets exercise and can go out to potty without having to be walked. (A tie-out should not be a substitute for the regular exercise provided through daily walks.)

* Other home environments not listed may also be appropriate. If your situation is not listed, please ask the Rescue Chairperson about your specific circumstances (We can also provide other fencing ideas which are cheaper than stockade and chain link fencing.) Inappropriate environments include:

* Maintaining a dog as an "outdoor dog", or never allowing the dog inside the house. Only allowing the dog on a porch, in the basement or other designated area of the house may be acceptable after inspection by a committee representative.

* Permitting the rescue dog to "run", without supervision by an adult, on a large unfenced property, regardless of how rural it may be.

* Invisible or electronic fencing. These types of fences don't keep other dogs, people or animals off the property. In addition, many Elkhounds will run through them despite the shock given by the collar. It is also not unheard of for household devices (like microwave ovens) to activate the collar and shock the dog randomly.

* Chaining or using a trolley cable while no one is home or for extended periods of time. Elkhounds are people dogs and prefer to be where you are. Elkhounds can become excessive barkers when chained outside for long periods of time (more than an hour).