Assessing if your garden is safe and fully secure for a Romanian rescue dog.
We know dogs can live perfectly fine in a lot of gardens, you may already have a dog accessing your garden with no issues. However never under estimate a Romanian rescue dog. Especially in the early days.
Even being supervised a dog can move quickly and be out in a second.
Below outlines the minimum safety and security requirements for all private gardens and outdoor spaces before an adoption is approved by us. This is not us being awkward or making it impossible for people to adopt, it is us using our experience to ensure their safety.
These measures are essential to ensure the safety of the adopted dog and prevent escapes, injuries, or accidental ingestion of harmful items.
1. Secure Boundary Requirements
The perimeter of the entire garden or dedicated exercise space must meet the following standards:
Minimum Height: All fencing, walls, or barriers must be at a minimum height of 5 feet (1.5 meters) all the way around the designated area. For dogs known to be jumpers high-energy breeds, prey drive, or just so scared they want to escape a height of 5 feet is non negationable.
The boundary must be completely secure with no gaps.This includes securing areas under gates, along the base of fences, and where two fence panels meet. Any gaps must be covered or filled with solid materials and not just covered over.
Solid Foundation
Fences must be structurally sound. Concrete or solid wood. Wire mesh will not be accepted as a solid foundation alone.
Gate Security
All gates must be closed and secured at all times with reliable latches or double-locking mechanisms(e.g., a bolt and a padlock) that the dog cannot manipulate. Gates must be in good condition.
2. Eliminating Climbing Hazards
To prevent the dog from using objects to climb or gain leverage over the fence, the following must be removed or moved at least 5 feet away from the boundary:
Outdoor Furniture
Tables, chairs, benches, storage boxes, BBQs, bins and other items that can be used as a stepping stone must be moved away from the fence line.
Plant Pots and Planters
Large, sturdy plant pots or stacked planters must be moved, as these are frequently used by dogs to gain height.
Children's Toys
Large outdoor toys, slides, playhouses, or equipment must be secured or moved away from fences.
Trellis and Decorative Items
Any trellis, lattice, stacked wood, or decorative fencing attached to the main boundary must be removed, as these provide excellent climbing points for dogs. They will use this as a ladder.
3. Hazard Assessment
The Adopter must ensure the outdoor area is free of hazards that could cause illness or injury:
Toxic Plants
All toxic or harmful plants must be removed or secured out of the dog's reach.
Poisons and Chemicals
All garden chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides, and tools must be stored securely in a locked shed or garage.
Water Safety
Access to open water sources (e.g., swimming pools, uncovered ponds) must have a secure covering and not next to a fence that the dog can climb on and jump over.
4. clutter
The garden will need to be free from clutter.
A clear space reduces hazards for a dog that is still adjusting and exploring its new environment.
For a dog coming from a stressful kennel environment, a chaotic space can be overwhelming:
clutter free gardens, is safe and allows the dog to explore and get comfortable with its new territory without encountering surprise obstacles.
Dogs can hide in clutter and it goes unnoticed what they are doing, they could be chewing, digging, eating something they should not. Dogs will chew or eat anything, especially if they are bored or anxious. Clutter often contains small, tempting items, like old gardening gloves, ties, or forgotten bits of waste, that can cause choking or severe internal blocks.
Clutter can also hide toxins, spilled chemicals, antifreeze, rodenticides, wildlife, or access to composting bins can be life-threatening if ingested.
Clutter can also cause injury to a dog. Loose tools, sharp sticks, wire, or broken plastic, splinters from wood, they can cause cuts, eye injuries, or paw damage.
