Because this subforum includes folks who often look really closely at multiple functional aspects of plantings and stacking priorities, I'm hoping I can get some additional info on gooseberries. Here is my basic rationale and functional aspects I'm trying to fulfill. I'd greatly appreciate any input.

I'm sorry your question has gone unanswered. To be honest, I'm not sure what it is you are asking. Additional information implies you already have some, yet you don't say what that is. What is it you want to know?

Whoops! My cut and paste didn't work. The original message was supposed to have the following link:

https://garden.org/thread/view...

Gooseberries are to a degree like raspberries as far as growing form.
I really doubt yo will be able to trim them into a formal style of border.

Not really looking for formal. They can spill out over the stone before the sidewalk

Do they fruit on new wood or old wood? That would affect when/how/if you prune them.

I would caution putting thorny plants too close to a public sidewalk. If they aren't kept pruned back, you might end up sued. You will be the one having to prune the thorny plant, so you'll be the one suffering the most. Generally speaking, any type of hedge will discourage people. If you're trying to discourage animals, again, might work, except, won't they come through the same entrance you use? Most likely your driveway?

Will the plant be happy there? Yes, indeedy. Not sure they'd like being pruned to a 2 foot height.

And if you are trying to discourage folks, why are you tempting them with food?

I already have drift roses there. Others in my neighborhood have opuntia spilling out over sidewalks. I don't want something that risky to neighborhood dogs. I just want to make it uncomfortable for meth addicts