As our little puppy grows bigger, more curious, and social we decided we needed to fence in our back yard to keep our little guy on our property and not running around visiting all our neighbors. (our neighbors do actually like Bentley as he is such a cutie and likes to run up to them and say "hi" if we neglect to put him on his chain when he is outside) Its been a fun project for the most part (at least on my end, but I haven't had the hard work of digging holes, filling them back again, and doing all the figuring to make the fence work!) and we've had some nice days to work on it. So here is my photo tutorial - or maybe more like a photo journal of our fence adventure

Step 1

Buy a boat load of wood

Step 2

This was one of my favorite steps because I could actually do it! Spray the bottom of the posts with black rubber concoction to seal the wood against rotting. Bryce was given this pick up from a friend who didnt have any use or space for it, and it has proved to be quite handy in this adventure, here it is used as a stand, painting surface.

Step 3

Dig a whole lot of really big holes.

And stick your wife down in it to show just how deep they are

Step 4

When you run into annoying things like scoria rock and big tree roots, pull out the man tool and hammer your way through them.

Step 5

Have a photo shoot with your adorable little, but not so little, puppy. This is an important step because it was a) keeps the puppy happy and not barking and whining that he is not getting enough attention, and b) keeps the wife happy and not pestering the hard working husband who is trying to dig holes!

Step 6

While digging holes and not quite sure if they are deep enough or in the right place be sure to always consult your supervisor and get his approval!

Step 7

Always keep said supervisor happy by letting him sit in his favorite vehicle. Bentely absolutely loves going for car rides! Yesterday Bryce and I were doing a few errands around town and brought Bentley with us and we couldn't get him out of the car, which is not an unusual thing. I have had quite the humerous and frustrating time pulling/yanking/dragging him out of vehicles if he doesn't feel like he has had a long enough ride! Anyways, he didn't want to get out of the car so we left a door open and shut the garage door and just let him stay in there for a few minutes as we went inside and changed to get back to the fence. When we got back into the garage Bentley was still sitting in the car happy as could be , not barking or freaking out that we weren't within 2 feet of him as he usually does, but just sititng there enjoying "his car" It was hysterical, especially if you've witnessed what he is like if one of us leaves the house without him!

Step 8

When you get tired of digging through roots, old fence posts that were cemented in place, and get to the easy holes, rent a two man fence post digger and invite a friend over to help. I did help on one hole to say that I did help dig a hole, but that was enough for me and Bryce as I wasn't quite strong enough to be of much help.

Step 9

When the posts are up, standing straight, and tamped in as much as you can, you get to the much more fun and easy job of putting the 2 x 4's up.

Step 10

Line up the pickets so you can get a feel for what it is going to look like when you finally get finished!

Step 11

(You don't really need to take your dog for another drive, but I just like the picture!)