Having a home with a fenced yard is something that most dog
owners dream of. It allows them to run around freely and play without the worry
that they will run into traffic or get hurt. The dogs can run off their excess
energy, so they will be a little calmer inside. There are a lot of different
types of fences available, so it can be hard to determine which one to choose
when selecting the right fence for your yard and dogs. In this article, we will
look at the best types of fences for dogs to help you decide which one is right
for you.
Why should I fence my yard for my dog?
While many dogs are couch potatoes, letting them laze away
all day is not good for them. A dog who has access to a fenced yard will get
more exercise because they have the space to run around and play freely to burn
off their energy, and it makes it easier to let them out when they need to go.
When a dog gets bored, they tend to get destructive because
your dog needs both physical and mental stimulation. If you have come home to
find your couch cushions destroyed or lost your favorite pair of shoes to your
bored pup, it is time to give them a yard to play in if you cannot
take them on long walks to play and help them burn off energy.
By having a secure fenced area, you will also be able to
keep your dog safer. They will not be able to fight with other dogs passing by
or deal with kids trying to roughhouse with them. There are also a lot of
plants that are toxic to dogs, and they often manage to get their paws on when
it is around.
Your dog wants to see the world beyond the constraints of
their yard, so having them in a fenced yard means that they cannot go off on an
adventure when they get bored; at least, not if you have the right kind of
fencing for your yard.
If your dog is going to be hanging out in your yard all day
while you are at work, make sure they have access to enough food, water, and
cover to keep them safe and healthy. Invest in a shelter to let them get shade
and escape the rain. Typical plastic dog houses are not a good shelter for a
dog; they tend to get humid and muggy. One option, if you have the space for
it, is to invest in a small steel carport structure so they have plenty of
shade. Plus, you can enjoy the shaded yard for family cookouts and on nice
evenings.
Best Types of Fences for Dogs
Wood Fencing
A wooden fence gives you both security and privacy, and it
can often act as a sound barrier for a dog that barks a lot. Having this solid
fence will keep your dog from seeing everything outside of their
yard, so a more excitable dog will be less distracted. You can make a wooden
fence be pretty much any height, so if your dog is a breed known for jumping,
getting a fence tall enough to make it difficult for them to escape is a good
idea. You will need to keep an eye on the fence to ensure you catch any
potential holes where your dog could escape before it gets big enough for them
to get out; repairing these as fast as possible is crucial.
Vinyl Fencing
A vinyl fence is one of the best types of fences for dogs.
They are durable and will not warp, rot, split, or twist like a wooden fence
will. They often come with a warranty from the manufacturer, too, which is not
something many fences can boast of. Vinyl is a flexible material, so if you
have a large dog that loves jumping or leaning against your fence, having a
vinyl fence is a good idea because it can withstand the force better than wood
can. Plus, they cannot climb vinyl fences like they can chain link. It is also
easy to clean if your dog gets mud all over it when playing.
Stone Fence
A stone fence is built by stacking stones on top of one
another. These can be attractive to look at and are much harder for a dog to
escape. It is harder for a dog to tunnel under rocks than it is for them to
burrow under chain links or another type of fencing. However, these are
typically pretty expensive to install, and they are not very tall, so while
they are great in theory, in practice, they often do not work as well as we
want them to.
Worst Types of Fences for Dogs
Chain Link Fence
A chain link fence is usually low-cost and does not require
much maintenance. They are durable and can be up to 12 feet tall. However, they
are completely see-through and do not offer any privacy. If your dog loves to
bark at everything, a chain link fence is not a good idea since they will be
able to see everything. Plus, people can stick their fingers in through the
links, so someone could end up getting bit from teasing your dog.
What makes this one of the worst fences is how easy it can be
for a dog to escape. Dogs are a lot smarter than we often give them credit for.
Some dogs can figure out how to climb a chain link fence to escape. Others may
try to chew through the wires to get out. Dogs can also dig under the chain
link fence and squeeze through it to escape because of how flexible the chain
is.
Picket Fence
A picket fence may be part of the "American
Dream," but it is not a great choice for a dog owner. There are big spaces
between each board that a dog can stick their muzzle through, and if your dog
is strong enough, it can break through those pretty easily. Picket fences also
are usually not very tall, so many dogs can jump over them. These are also
usually made of wood, so they will require a lot of maintenance to keep them
looking good.
Split Rail Fencing
A split rail fence is even more problematic for containing a
dog than a picket fence. These have wooden posts and horizontal pieces of wood
in between them. You can see quite clearly through these fences, and it is easy
for a dog to escape.
Invisible Fence
The invisible fence has become popular with many dog owners
these days. It has an electrical wire buried underground and sends signals to
your dog's collar. If the pup tries to walk out of the boundaries, it will send
them an electrical zap. An electrical fence is expensive, and if your dog is
determined enough to chase that squirrel across the street, they are likely to
ignore the shock. If the dog has thick fur, you may have to shave a patch on
their neck so the shock can reach them, too. These are in the worst
category because many dogs will ignore the zap if they are focused enough and
because you are zapping your dog with electricity.
Things to Keep in Mind About Dogs in Yards
Small Dogs
Tiny dogs can fit through much smaller openings than others,
so you need to ensure they do not have any openings to get through. A chain
link fence is terrible for a small dog because they can often wiggle through
the links.
Jumpers
If your dog is a jumper, try to make your fence too tall for
them to get up. Also, make sure you do not have anything close enough to the
fence that the dog can use as leverage to jump off.
Gate Openers
Some dogs are too smart for their good. If your yard has
a gate latch on it that does not require thumbs to open, a dog can figure out
how to open it on their own and go on adventures in the neighborhood. Make sure
you get a latch that the dogs cannot open. Keep the gate locked when you can;
there is no way your pooch can open a locked gate.
Diggers
Getting a fence that is installed low to the ground is the
best way to deter diggers since it puts a barrier in their way.
Chewers
Dogs like to chew on wood, so some may decide to start
nibbling on your wooden fence. If you have a chewer, make sure you invest in a
strong vinyl or stone fence.
Final Thoughts
Having a fenced yard for your dog to play in will make your
dog happier and calmer since they will have the space to burn off their excess
energy. It is easy to find the best fencing for your dogs to keep them safely
and securely in your yard.
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About the Author
Auz Burger is a freelance writer and an expert in steel buildings. She has a BA from Washington
State University and has been writing and editing professionally for over a
decade.
