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The Best Types of Fences for Dogs

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. 

Author: emily-rose