Spending time outdoors is essential for your dog's health and happiness. The backyard is the best place for your dogs to play, be stimulated, and work off energy. But, If you want your dog to be free to explore and enjoy your yard without running away or getting hurt, you must choose the best fence for your dog.
But since every dog breed and owner is unique, there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. So how do you choose the best fence for you and your dog?
We'll walk you through all the dog fencing options and what fence types and materials make the best fence to fit the needs of your four-legged pal.
What Types of Fences Are Good for Dogs?
Chain Link Fence
Chain link is an inexpensive fencing material. Chain links can keep down costs if you have a large yard that requires lots of fencing.
Although not all homeowners like the look of chain link, you can customize it. For example, it doesn't cost much to add colored vinal coding. You can also paint the fence, put wooden slats through the chain link, or grow flowers and vines to beautify and add privacy.
Chain link is an excellent option for dogs that dig. To install a chain-link fence, you must dig a ditch at least 12 inches deep, which will be hard for your dog to dig under. A drawback is that some dogs can climb over it, but you can always add slats or rollers to discourage escape.
Pros of chain link:
Inexpensive
Other animals and people cannot quickly get through
Great for smaller yards
Minimal maintenance
Cons of chain link:
Not aesthetically pleasing
No privacy from neighbors
Dogs can climb over it
Will corrode over time
Not great for all terrain
Wood Fence
A standard 6-foot privacy fence is tall enough to prevent most dogs from jumping over, and they are unlikely to be able to break through the wood. Privacy fences are good pet fences for small breeds since there is no space between the slats, but they will need continued maintenance since gaps and cracks caused by rot could make it easy for dogs to escape.
Wooden fences keep dangerous animals like coyotes, raccoons, and stray dogs out. However, dogs can dig underneath and escape since they are not buried. A way to combat this is to install rocks, gravel, hedges, or raised planters at the base of the fence.
Pros of privacy and wood slat fences:
Offers privacy
Great for smaller yards
Keeps dogs contained
Keeps people and animals out of your yard
Adds curb appeal
Cons of privacy and wood slat fences:
Labor intensive
Not great for all terrain
Dogs can dig under it
Requires regular maintenance
Vinyl Fence
Vinyl fences are durable and are hard to climb thanks to their smooth surface. Vinyl will not rot or weaken like wood and are available in 8-foot tall sections to contain dogs prone to jumping.
However, vinyl becomes brittle over time, which means a large dog could eventually break through if the vinyl fence is older. Also, since they are not buried, dogs who like to dig will be able to get underneath.
Pros of vinyl fencing:
Some styles offer privacy
Keeps dogs contained
Adds curb appeal
Customizable
Good for smaller yards
Keeps people and animals out of your yard
Cons of vinyl fencing:
Not great for all terrain
Dogs can dig under the Fence
It can become brittle over time
Metal Fence
Iron, aluminum, and steel fences are as elegant as they are durable. Bars on metal fences tend to be spaced 3 or 4 inches apart, making them unsuitable for small dogs. However, a type of metal fence called "Puppy Picket" is great for large and small dogs. A puppy picket is a special addition to an aluminum fence with stakes about a foot high that is more closely placed and prevents dogs from escaping.
Pros of metal:
Durable
Available in a wide range of styles
Adds curb appeal
Keeps dogs contained
Other animals and people cannot easily get past the barrier
Good for smaller yards
Cons:
Costly
Labor intensive
Not great for all terrain
Regular maintenance required
Electric Fence
Electric fences, wireless dog fences, underground dog fences, and electric fences for dogs feature wires buried around your yard. A transmitter emits a radio signal that travels through the wire. The dog wears a receiver on its collar, which detects the radio signal.
The dog will hear a warning sound when it approaches the buried wire. If the dog continues to approach the boundary, it will receive a mild and harmless electric shock.
Pros of electric fences:
It can be used in small or large yards
Minimal maintenance
Keeps dogs of all sizes contained
Cons of electric fences:
It does not offer privacy
Does not keep other animals out of your yard
Costly
Training involved
Not great for all terrain
Dogs can dig it up
Electric fences do not encourage positive reinforcement and may result in negative behavior changes in your dog
NOTE: Electric fence, dog fence, or pet containment system are generic terms for in-ground fencing to keep Spot or Rover in your yard. Invisible Fence is a leading brand name for this type of pet containment system, but many affordable options exist. You might even decide to avoid electric fences altogether because your BFF (best furry friend) would not receive a static correction every time they try to leave your yard.
A relatively new alternative to electric dog fences? GPS smart dog collars are a non-fencing option to keep your dog in your yard (or in an area you designate when camping or traveling with your dog). Advantages? There is no digging in your yard to place an electric fence and no maintenance fees – and it costs less than those well-known in-ground electric fences.
Match Your Fence to Your Dog's Personality
Best Fence for Dog that Jump
The standard vinyl or wooden privacy fence is tall enough to prevent most dogs from jumping over it. Chain-link and metal fences tend to have pointed tops, which discourages jumping. Rollers can be placed at the top of the Fence to thwart more persistent jumpers.
Best Fence for Dog that Climb
Metal fences, like aluminum, steel, or wrought iron, are challenging to climb. The bars are smooth and vertical, so your dog has no place to get a foothold. Also, since mental fences, especially decorative ones, have ornate, sharp points, your dog is unlikely to be eager to hoist themselves over. Privacy and vinyl fences also have smooth, slick surfaces that are difficult to climb.
Best Fence for Dog that Dig
Metal and chain-link fences are ideal if you have a puppy that loves to dig since they can be buried, making it hard to dig under. Vinyl and wood fences are also possible, but since they cannot be suppressed, they require extra work to deter your four-legged escape artist. You can place rocks, gravel, chicken wire, shrubs, or raised planters to block them from digging directly under the fence.
Best Fence for Aggressive or Excitable Dogs
Since they create a solid barrier the dog cannot see through, wooden or vinyl privacy fences are great for dogs who go wild over squirrels, people, and other dogs. A privacy fence contains and protects your dog and can have a calming effect. If your dog can't see outside your yard, it focuses on what is happening inside your property lines.
Best Fence for Large Breeds
Wooden privacy fences have a lot to offer dog owners because they aren't likely to break through unless your dog is abnormally strong or heavy. Metal fences are solid, so they work for larger breeds. There isn't a breed of dog out there that could chew through or knock over a metal fence.
FAQ About Dog Fences
How High Should Fences Be for Dogs?
A 6-foot-tall fence is required for larger dogs, especially if your dog is a jumper. For small dogs, a 3.5-foot fence should suffice.
How Do You Stop Dogs From Digging Under the Fence?
Placing rocks and large gravel stones at the base of the Fence can make it harder for dogs to dig underneath.
How Do You Keep Dogs From Jumping the Fence?
Place PVC plastic piping or large rubber tubes along the top of your Fence, at least 5 to 6 inches in diameter, and cut lengthwise down the center. This creates a slippery, curved surface that dogs cannot climb or jump over.
Planting shrubs near the inside of the Fence or placing cat netting at an angle will keep your dog from getting a foothold.
You also can set up a shorter interior fence 2 or 3 feet from your main outside Fence to prevent your dog from getting a running start.
When to Hire a Fencing Pro
Installing a fence of any type is hot, back-breaking work! Why spend your free time placing fence posts when you could be playing fetch in the park with your pup?
Hire an experienced and reliable pro instead. If you're looking for someone to take care of all your fencing needs for your furry friends, find a fencing contractor in your area.
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