How to Choose the Best Fence for Your Dog

french bulldog sitting on leaves in front of a wire fence

Your dog enjoys playing in your backyard, but you want the security of knowing your pup won’t run away or get hurt. A fence offers peace of mind, but there isn’t a one-size-fits-all fence solution because every dog breed and owner is unique, 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.

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What Types of Fences Are Good for Dogs?

chainlink fence
Photo credit: wenjr / Pexels / License

Chain link is an inexpensive fencing material. If you have a large yard that requires lots of fencing, chain link can keep down costs.

Although not all homeowners like the look of chain link, you can customize it. For example, it doesn’t cost much to add colored vinyl coating. 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 need to 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 a chain-link fence, but you can always add slats or rollers to discourage escape.

Pros of chain link fences:

✓ Inexpensive
✓ Other animals and people cannot easily get through
✓ Great for smaller yards
✓ Minimal maintenance

Cons of chain link fences:

✗ Not aesthetically pleasing
✗ No privacy from neighbors
✗ Some dogs can climb over it
✗ Will corrode over time
✗ Not great for all terrain

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Wood

backyard with privacy fence
Photo Credit: Photoman / Pixabay / License

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 wood fences will need regular 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, since they are not buried, dogs can dig underneath and escape. A way to combat this is to place 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:

✗ Costly
✗ Labor intensive
✗ Not great for all terrain
✗ Dogs can dig under it
✗ Requires regular maintenance

Vinyl

vinyl fence
Photo credit: ClassicallyPrinted / Pixabay / License

Vinyl fences are durable and are hard to climb thanks to their smooth surface. Vinyl fences will not rot or weaken like wood and are available in 8-foot tall sections to contain dogs who are 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, some dogs who like to dig may be able to get underneath.

Pros of vinyl fences:

✓ Some styles offer privacy
✓ Keeps dogs contained
✓ Adds curb appeal
✓ Customizable
✓ Inexpensive
✓ Good for smaller yards
✓ Keeps people and animals out of your yard

Cons of vinyl fences:

✗ Not great for all terrain
✗ Dogs can dig under the fence
✗ Can become brittle over time

Metal

metal fence
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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, there is a type of metal fence called “Puppy Picket,” which 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 are more closely placed and prevent dogs from escaping.

Pros of metal fences:

✓ 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 of metal fences:

✗ Costly
✗ Labor intensive
✗ Not great for all terrain
✗ Regular maintenance required

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Electric Fence

dog playing with ball in backyard
Photo credit: Blue Bird / Pexels / License

Electric fences, aka wireless dog fence, underground dog fence, and electric fence for dogs, feature wires buried in the ground 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.

When the dog approaches the buried wire, it will hear a warning sound. If the dog continues to approach the boundary, it will receive a mild and harmless electric shock.

Pros of electric fences: 

✓ Can be used in small or large yards
✓ Minimal maintenance
✓ Keeps dogs of all sizes contained

Cons of electric fences:

✗ 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 an in-ground fencing method to keep Spot or Rover in your yard. Invisible Fence is a leading brand name for this type of pet containment system, but there are many affordable options out there. You might even decide to avoid electric fences altogether because you’d rather your BFF (best furry friend) not receive a static correction every time he or she tries 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 you’re camping or traveling with your dog). Advantages? No digging in your yard to place an electric fence and no maintenance fees – and costing less than those well-known in-ground electric fences.

Match Your Fence to Your Dog’s Personality

Best Fences for Dogs that Jump

A 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 Fences for Dogs that Climb

Metal fences, like aluminum, steel, or wrought iron, are difficult to climb. The bars are smooth and vertical, so there’s no place for your dog to get a foothold (or pawhold). Also, since mental fences, especially decorative ones, have ornate, sharp points, your dog is unlikely to be eager to hoist themselves over your fence. Privacy and vinyl fences also have smooth, slick surfaces that are difficult to climb.

Best Fences for Dogs that Dig

Metal and chain-link fences are ideal if you have a pooch that loves to dig since these fences can be buried, making it hard to dig under them. Vinyl and wood fences are also a possibility, but since they cannot be buried, 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 Fences for Aggressive or Excitable Dogs

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 Fences for Large Breeds

Wooden privacy fences have a lot to offer dog owners because unless your dog is abnormally strong or heavy, they aren’t likely to break through. Metal fences are very strong, 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?

For larger dogs, a 6-foot-tall fence is required, 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 can be playing fetch in the park with your pooch? 

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 FenceGnome contractor in your area.

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Main Photo Credit: Aaron Bookout / Unsplash / License

Lydian Pine

Lydian Pine is a creative writer and studio artist whose work first debuted in a short story anthology. She graduated from the University of North Texas in 2020 and enjoys video games, theatre, and swimming. Lately, she has started to study entomology as a hobby.