In my letter to the editor arguing that off leash dog parks should not border on homes, especially those with only four-foot chain link fencing. I stated that four-foot chain link fencing is not generally considered adequate to stop large breed dogs. I would like to add as a follow-up some references in support of my statement since I have received a lot of feedback on this point: 1. The minimum recommended height for dog fencing is given as 1.5 meters (five feet) on page 14 in the comprehensive study by the Medicine Hat Police Service Report titled Off-Leash Parks Best Practices and Recommendations, https://medicinehatpolice.com/uploads/files/Off_Leash_Paper.pdf This report is the most helpful and relevant report that I have found on off-leash dog parks in smaller Alberta municipalities. Note the authorship by police services rather than parks or planning as this also becomes a policing issue with poorly sited off-leash areas. 2. The book Dog Park Design, Development, and Operation by Marilynnn R. Glasser (Canadian Publisher - Human Kinetics, [email protected]) states on page 44 that 1.5 m should be the minimum height for a dog park fence. Also see page 27 for dog park issues associated with topography and line of sight, another important consideration in siting a dog park on Environmental Reserve Land that may not be given due consideration. 3. Although you can find almost any opinion on the internet, here is a posting that as well as recommending five or even six feet for protective fencing for large breed dogs additionally makes the point that chain link (as opposed to solid fencing) allows for climbing as well as jumping and also allows for visual contact, which can encourage this behaviour. A dog park situated away from other activities such as backyards would reduce the occurrence of this behaviour and chain link may be quite adequate. Please note, the picture in the book of a medium sized Husky clearing a four-foot chain link fence. 5 Things to Consider When Getting a Fence for Your Big Dog, posted on Aug 4, 2017, http://blog.fenceauthority.com/fantastic-fences-for-big-dogs Ron Weedmark
