I live on bedrock and have created a number of small gardens that will likely someday be destroyed by deer. Maybe then I will build a true fence, but being on bedrock makes it really difficult. So far, my 3' fence around the garden surrounded by random wire cages lying around the gardens seems to deter them. ? I've just been lucky I suppose and once the lettuce grows then my low effort method will be tested ! A dog seems like the best idea.