Outdoor Dog Fence Guide: Things to Consider

Rufus loves having the freedom to come and go as he pleases through his doggie door leading to your backyard. He can “escape” the house to enjoy some outdoor stimulation when he needs it, or simply to do his business. The problem is, you don’t want him to actually escape from your property one day when he feels particularly bored or curious.

Fortunately, that’s where an outdoor dog fence comes in. 

With yard fencing for dogs, you can keep your pooch in and keep all unwanted creatures out. Of course, not all fences are created equal. Here’s a rundown on the multiple factors to consider before erecting an outdoor dog fence for Man’s Best Friend in the weeks or months ahead.

The Height of Your Dog Fence

One of the top factors to take into consideration when installing an outdoor dog fence is the height of your fence. As a general rule of thumb, a fence that is six feet high is sufficient for a larger dog. Meanwhile, a fence that is three or four feet high is typically adequate for a smaller dog.

Of course, if your dog happens to be a jumper, you may want an even taller fence, which should further help to prevent furry friends of every shape and size from escaping. For instance, a tall outdoor dog fence is ideal for large avid jumpers, such as rottweilers, border collies, pit bulls, Labrador Retrievers, and German Shepherds. In addition, tall yard fencing can prove helpful for smaller jumping dogs, such as paillons, Shetland sheepdogs, rat terriers, greyhounds, and Jack Russell terriers.

Your fence material is yet another important factor to consider if you have a dog who likes to not only jump but also climb. In this situation, it might be beneficial to choose a privacy chain link fence over a standard chain-link fence, which may be easier for him to maneuver in his attempt to climb across it.

A Fence for Digging Dogs

Let’s say that your dog enjoys digging—an instinctual behavior—just as much as he enjoys jumping. In this situation, it may behoove you to install your outdoor dog fence as close to the ground as possible. This will help your dog from squeezing underneath your fence to flee from your property. However, having your fence closer to the ground will also keep other animals from squeezing their way onto your property.

However, even after you’ve erected a new outdoor dog fence on your property, you should still try to encourage Rufus to focus on digging in safe places that are far from the fencing. You may also consider installing anti-digging fencing alongside your regular fencing, this could be a number of things.  You could trench in a concrete mow strip alongside the fence or lay a section of fence horizontal on the ground and tie to the bottom of the new fence to create a “floor” of fence to prevent digging.  All these options may or may not work for you animal but hopefully it helps to give ideas on what may be a fix.

Fencing That Will Keep Your Dogs from Escaping

In addition to considering the height of your fence and its proximity to the ground, be sure to pay attention to your fence’s vertical gaps at the ends or gates. A fencing professional can recommend fencing where gaps are close enough together so your dog can’t squeeze through to escape. The spacing will ultimately depend on your dog’s size, but a maximum spacing of just three inches is generally sufficient for property owners.

A Dog Fence That Provides Privacy

Finally, consider installing a privacy chain link fence if privacy is one of your top priorities in your fence installation project. 

Fencing that offers privacy will offer your dog protection by keeping other animals, such as other dogs, rabbits, and even deer, away from him. This will help you to avoid “fence fights” with such passersby. However, it is also important given that wild animals may carry diseases such as rabies. With a secure, private fence, you can prevent your dog from succumbing to animal bites as well as other injuries and illnesses.

Take Advantage of All American Fence Erectors’ Fencing Services Today!

The last thing you want is for your furry friend to flee from your property due to an inadequate outdoor dog fence. Unfortunately, if your fence isn’t secure enough, even a well-trained dog could become caught up in following another dog or a squirrel and end up wandering away by finding a way out of your fencing.

Fortunately, with the help of All American Fence Erectors, you can make sure that your dog receives the perfect fence for his unique needs and personality. Get in touch with us today to schedule a free consultation for yard fencing for dogs on your property. In no time, we can help you to keep your dog safe and sound at home with you—right where he belongs.