Suggestions for a containment solution - (Update 12/18 in first post)?

I think what you're considering fence-wise sounds like it might work, but it's hard to picture.  Basically, if what you're considering allows him to have the garage area for protection, but also access to the outside without a fear of him being able to escape or be released accidentally, then I'd go for it.  If that isn't possible, I'd confine him to the garage area until you can figure something out.  Mine stays in the garage and side run area too, but if I had to keep her strictly in the garage, I doubt she'd mind much.

Thank you for such a speedy reply. 
 
I guess I'm concerned if we leave him cooped in the garage that he'll either pee in there (and it will then stink) or he'll try to hold it all day.  We're gone for about 8-9 hours during the workday. 

I guess I'm concerned if we leave him cooped in the garage that he'll either pee in there (and it will then stink) or he'll try to hold it all day. We're gone for about 8-9 hours during the workday.

 
I know, and I'd be worried about the same thing, but I was just thinking about all the people who leave their dogs inside the home all day and they don't have a problem.  Maybe housetrained isn't the same as garagetrained though, so it's not a good comparison.  One time we accidentally forgot to pull the doggie door out of the garage door, so there wasn't access to the side yard.  When we came home, there was pee and poop in the garage [:@] and we felt bad about it.  If you can figure out a way to secure some fencing, even temporarily, that'd be the way to go. 

I have a chain-link fence around my backyard and the gate is secured with a padlock - any way you could just do that? But to tell you the truth, the average housetrained adult dog is just fine holding his bladder for 8-9 hrs while his humans are out. I understand if that doesn't appeal to you but I think your dog would be fine, and safer.

I'm terribly sorry this happened.  It's not fair that you worried, got upset, AND had to pay fines for something that was someone else's doing.  But, I'm soooo glad that it turned out alright.
 
Forgive me if I don't understand this correctly, but you mentioned people coming in like they would thru a normal gate.  So, could you padlock that gate?  Your local utilities may allow you to read the information and send it in via a card with a pre-arranged occasional visit to double check the meter.  I have the pre-fabed fencing, with some small metal post put in on the outside edges for extra support.  (Temporary yarding enclosure for now).
 
The lock that I like is one that you buy that has a 4 digit number that you get to chose.  So, you don't have to fumble around for keys.  (Only I didn't understand that you have to *push down* on the lock after entering the right number.  I spent some frustrated time at first trying to get it open).
 
 

Until you can figure out your permanent fencing situation to secure your dog in your backyard, why not consider renting a fence.  Call any of your local fence companies and see if they do it.  Most likely they do because if you look at any construction area in your area, the work area is enclosed with a rent-a-fence.

I had to be out of town for one summer and my sister agreed to watch two of my Great Danes.  I rented a 6ft chain link fence enclosure and butted the fence against the service door.  I also rented a small fence on the inside for the dog.  The fence was secure and was weighed by heavy cylinders instead of post in the grounds.  The fence company delivered, installed, and then removed the fence when done.  They usually have a minimum time of rental period so even though I only needed it for a month my sister had to keep it for 3 months.  The cost was around $250.

Thanks so much for these very helpful replies.
 
Unfortunately my husband doesn't want to go for the idea of restricting the yard access to the meter readers.  I doubt that he'll go for the rent-a-fence idea, but I'll propose it. 
 
Worst come to worse, we can baby-gate Cole into an area of the house where if he DID have an accident it wouldn't be hard to clean up.  I just hate to put him in that situation not to mention risk screwing up his housebreaking. 
 
You know what irks me is the past couple mornings our privacy fence gate has been wide open.  Thank goodness I have a mature dog who would rather be with me than bolt out of the yard at his first opportunity (and with good recall to boot).  Honestly, I hate this crappy yard containment situation that I have.  I sure hope we can get something done this spring.  I have no peace! 

Bump to show update in 1st post

They have new types of meters that can be read from the street and don't require access to the yard.  Our electric company replaced our old meter with the new type at no charge because we wanted to keep our gate locked. 

Just read your update it sounds like a good idea providing:

1.  The people who left open your fencing weren't trying to let your dog out.  Kids can do some pretty stupid things.  And if for some reason that was the case, they could let you dog off the lead - if they aren't afraid of him.

2.  I have heard of dogs who have hung themselves when tethered.  Be certain there is nothing your dog can jump up on, and then off of, and get tangled.

I am wondering if when you find a permant solution if the meters couldn't be moved (the power company may do that at no charge)?, so you could sercuely fence your yard and without enclosing the meters.  I built a deck once and the power company came in and moved the wires to my house at no charge.

I hope you find a suitable solution.

Oh,  a swissie!  I absolutely LOVE those dogs!  Please post some more pics!  Details!!! 
 
Thank you for your thoughts on this solution.  Tethering also makes me nervous - which is why I have Cole on a body harness so he could not hang himself or choke if he got tangled up.  When I came home Monday he had been just fine.  His bed had been slept in and there weren't any areas he could hang up the cable on.  He appeared to be his usual happy self!
 
We're thinking of ripping down the fence and creating a secure dog run in the Spring, and then e-fencing the rest of the yard for Cole.  Our privacy fence is on its last legs and is starting to lean (YAY! That means we HAVE to do something!!)  That way the meter readers could get into the yard and would never have to disturb the dog run. 
 
 

keep in mind that even with the harness, it is still possible for the line to wrap around his neck. and if he happened to break the line or harness he would be able to escape the yard again, which could lead to any number of horrible situations. my personal preference is no tie-up without supervision. is it at all possible you could have a friend or relative take him out once or twice a day until you are able to put up the dog run?

I agree that could be a possible outcome, but I've tied him out several times when I have been able to supervise him, and he's never gotten into a situation where the line's been able to wrap around his neck.  With the body harness, it's clipped onto the middle of his back.  I'd be more worried about it tangling up in his feet, but the nice thing about the cable tether is that it doesn't loop very easily and "wants" to stay straight.  The cable is also a bicycle-cable type thing and would need some bolt-cutters to cut it.  He's also never gotten out of a harness and I've used them regularly when I've swam him using a check cord, so I'm not worried about him being able to escape.  We were VERY VERY VERY lucky that he was picked up and kept safe on the day that he did get loose.  I definitely didn't overlook that!   
 
I wish we had folks who could take him out once a day, but unfortunately, we don't have anyone who can help us with that. 
 
I know it isn't the optimal solution, and we'll create a permanent, safe fix as soon as we can.  I can't wait to get this dang fence ripped down!

ORIGINAL: jones

I have a chain-link fence around my backyard and the gate is secured with a padlock - any way you could just do that? But to tell you the truth, the average housetrained adult dog is just fine holding his bladder for 8-9 hrs while his humans are out. I understand if that doesn't appeal to you but I think your dog would be fine, and safer.

I agree.  While you are gone, it's likely he will just sleep - especially if he has a comfy bed, and maybe a radio playing in the background.