[emu742]

This is something I've noticed to be a big difference between the midwest (and some other places too), and the west. I've lived in a couple western and southwestern states, and just about everyone has a fence.

When I go to the midwest, I don't see hardly any fences at all. I've always wondered, how do people keep their dogs?? And why do you think there is this difference - are fences frowned upon as an antisocial thing in the midwest? I'm not sure why every single house out here has one, other than perhaps a lack of natural barriers like trees and lush bushes etc. perhaps, just seems to be the norm. Would love to hear other's thoughts on this.

[Jwo85]

Lot's of people have fences here in the northern suburbs.

I hope this link works
http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&hq=&...,75.03,,0,6.49

[michigan83]

For some reason I think it IS seen as slightly antisocial.

I don't know why, but growing up around here, it seems like fences are seen as ugly and detracting from the natural landscape. This is only my impression, but it seems the only people who have completely fenced-in yards are people who run day care businesses, have out-of-control dogs, or are over-protective of their kids. And then there are the people that put up tall fences because they truly are anti-social or anti-government.

Again, none of this may be true, but I think my statements are a part of the midwestern culture to some extent.

[susieJD]

I live in the Midwest (MN) and yes, you won't see many fences around here. We do have fences to keep the cattle in, but a fence to keep a dog in? Not very many. I raise Alaskan Malamutes. They are in fenced enclosures but not because the dogs are not well behaved. But because we have wolves, bobcats, and now cougars and other predators here that would like nothing better than a "doggie" dinner. We also fence them in to keep them from chasing deer and what-not.

We have a lot of cattle farms here and they have a lot of problems with these predators too now. It's because we have such a healthy wolf population.

Susie in MN

[J'aimeDesVilles]

Mmmm. I've never noticed this phenomenon. We live in Michigan and have a fence as does most of the neighborhood. Our last house was fenced in as well. Granted we have dogs so it is necessary. They are beagles and would follow their noses wherever and an electronic fence is pretty much useless on hounds.

[HighlandsGal]

I find this to be very true. I grew up in Grand Rapids and most suburban homes do not have fences. The yards all flow into one anothers. Here in Denver it seems weird not to have a fenced-in yard. Not sure why this is.

[tuebor]

Fences are common here in Norton Shores.

This has come up before on this forum:

https://www.city-data.com/forum/michi...divisions.html

[Jwo85]

My backyard with a Squirrel on the fence

http://i45.tinypic.com/2qi07md.jpg

I've also seen lot's of fences when walking around Chicago neighborhoods.

[dori36]

There are some developments that specifically dis-allow a fence that you can see from the front of the house. Some allow fencing only in the back and some won't allow any. Still more allow only whatever kind of fence the covenants state is allowed. So, you may see more if you could see behind the houses. I know many people go with the electric, buried wire with the dog wearing a receiver collar.

[Specialbuddy]

I think the yards in the Midwest are bigger in general. Land is expensive out west so people have smaller yards. It's cheaper to fence smaller yards. I know that's why my family never had one. Too many trees in the way and it would cost a lot. How do we keep our dogs in the yard? Dogs can be trained to stick around. The only thing I worry about are rabbits or other small animals. It's pretty hard for any trained dog not to chase small animals.