Fencing your backyard has multiple benefits. Whether it’s to keep your dog safe inside your yard or to have more privacy, fences are the ideal solution. However, you might already have heard of pets that have escaped their home. No matter how the story ends, losing your companion is never a fun experience. Hopefully, dog proofing your fence can help you to avoid this type of situation!
Keeping your loved ones safe is probably among your main priorities. Thus, you should seriously consider investing in a quality fence. This will keep everyone safe inside it including your dog. Besides, this protection accessory will allow you to enjoy fun things together without disturbing all the neighborhood. That’s why I recently started some research about fences for canine owners. Let me share with you what I’ve found about dog proofing a fence!
There are many ways to keep your dog from escaping your yard. Wood, chain link, metal, or invisible fences are all good options. But dog proofing your fence is also important to give your dog any chance to escape. E.g. Attaching chicken wire or any other protection at the base of your fence will keep him from escaping by digging under it!
Your backyard could be an amazing space to have fun with your companion. Nonetheless, it won’t be safe without a fence. That’s why every dog owner should invest in this yard furniture. With my research, I’ve found plenty of useful information about fences and how to dog-proof them. At the end of your reading, you will know everything you need to keep your dog from escaping your backyard!
Why Is Dog Proofing Your Fence Important?
Fenced yards have many advantages for dog owners. Whether it’s to play with your buddy in your backyard or to provide him with fresh air regularly, a fence is always an excellent idea to keep him safe. However, not all fencing solutions will be good for him. Therefore, you need to analyze every option out there to pick the perfect one for your situation!
Hopefully, I’ve already done some research about the different fences on the market. I will share with you the pros and cons of all these options later in this article. Whatever type of fence you choose, you will probably have to dog-proof it. Otherwise, it’s not very useful to fence your yard if your companion can still escape easily from it!
The main reason why dog proofing your fence is so important is for your buddy’s safety. He’s way more secure where you can keep an eye on him. Without proper precautions, you can expose him to many dangers. Therefore, a dog-proof fence will keep your canine safe inside, restrict others to cut through your backyard, and provide more privacy!
How To Dog-Proof Your Backyard With Fences?
Now, let me share with you what are the best solutions to keep your dog inside your yard. There are so many ways he could escape without dog proofing your fence. Thus, it’s your responsibility to make sure he can’t find a way out of your backyard. Otherwise, your companion could escape and get hit by cars, encounter ill-intentioned people, wild animals, aggressive pets, or face other dangers!
Opt For The Right Type Of Fence.
Before talking about dog proofing your fence, you need to select the right one. Some fences are simply not ideal to keep your companion safe. Depending on your needs, certain types of fences will be more interesting than others. Your dog’s personality and conditions will also influence your final choice to make sure he can’t escape from your yard!
There are many options for fences on the market. Nonetheless, they won’t all provide security to your furry friend. If you choose the right fence, you will have less dog proofing to do on it. That’s why you should take some time to choose the perfect fencing solution for your backyard. Here are some of the most popular fences for dog owners!
Picket Fences.
Usually made of wood, these fences aren’t ideal for your companion security. They are often used for decorative purposes, more than to keep pets safe inside the yard. To be honest, this type of fence won’t keep many dogs from escaping the backyard. I wouldn’t recommend opting for the picket fence because most dogs can jump over it, dig under it, or simply break it!
Pros
- Beautiful.
- Simple.
- Affordable.
Cons
- Not Secure.
- Easy To Escape For Dogs.
Best Fence For:
- Small or Toy Dogs.
- Aesthetic Purposes.
Materials:
- Wood.
- Vinyl.
- PVC.
Metal Fences.
Normally made of a series of metal poles, these fences can be interesting for dog owners. They are extremely solid, tall, and difficult to overcome for pets. Around 3 to 6 feet high, metal fences are not easy to jump over or climb on. However, some athletic dogs could certainly escape from them. The biggest concern about this type of fence is that it’s very expensive. Besides, you will have to ensure that your pooch can’t pass through the gaps between the metal poles!
Pros
- Beautiful.
- Secure. (Solid, Tall…)
- Difficult To Escape For Dogs.
Cons
- Expensive.
- See-Through.
- Not Ideal For Small Dogs.
Best Fence For:
- Medium To Large Dogs
- Security & Aesthetic Purposes.
- Low-Maintenance.
Materials:
- Iron. (Stronger)
- Aluminum. (Cheaper)
Chain-Link Fences.
Extremely popular for it’s low-cost, durability, and low-maintenance, the chain-link fence can be good to keep your dog safe inside the yard. Generally made in metal, some are surrounded by colored vinyl. This is the perfect choice for an inexpensive fence that will keep most dogs from escaping. Nonetheless, some escape artists could jump/climb over it or even chew it until they can pass through it!
Pros
- Durable.
- Most Affordable Option.
- Easy To Install.
- Secure.
Cons
- See-Through.
- Not Beautiful.
- No Privacy Provided.
Best Fence For:
- Cost-Effective.
- Large Properties.
- Low-Maintenance.
Materials:
- Metal.
- Vinyl.
Privacy Fences.
These solid fences are generally higher than 6-foot-tall and difficult to climb. Privacy fences are an excellent solution to keep your buddy from escaping. Furthermore, this is probably the best option for dogs that bark at other pets or people they see. Usually made of wood, they can also be produced from PVC, vinyl, or other materials. These fences are among the most secure and efficient ones to keep your dog safe!
Pros
- Not See-Through.
- Solid.
- Tall.
- Secure.
Cons
- Not Always Beautiful.
- Moderate Maintenance.
Best Fence For:
- Medium To Large Dogs.
- Privacy & Security Purposes.
Materials:
- Wood. (Affordable)
- PVC. (Low-Maintenance)
- Vinyl. (Low-Maintenance).
Brick or Concrete Fences:
This is probably the ultimate fencing solution to keep your dog from escaping your backyard. Difficult to climb on, jump over, or dig under this type of fence, it’s perfect for security. The only problem with brick or concrete fences is their cost. They are very secure but extremely expensive. Therefore, you will need to be ready to pay a lot of money for this fencing option!
Pros
- Solid & Secure.
- Durable.
- Not See-Through.
- Difficult To Escape For Dogs.
- Low-Maintenance.
Cons
- Extremely Expensive.
- Difficult To Remove or Replace.
Best Fence For:
- Strong & Large Dogs.
- Privacy & Security Purposes.
Materials:
- Brick.
- Concrete.
Other Fence Alternatives To Dog-Proof Your Backyard.
Invisible Fences.
Also called electric or shock fences, “invisible” fencing is an interesting alternative to normal fences. It simply consists of putting a wire in the ground around the perimeter you don’t want your dog to pass. Then, you make your dog wear the special collar that will give him shocks every time he’s not in the area you have decided to enclose. At the start, you should probably put some flags to help him understand where he can or can’t go!
Apart from underground invisible fences, there are also wireless electric fences. The concept is very similar, but wireless fencing uses radio signals to generate shocks to your dog when he crosses the circle boundary line. Depending on your yard shape, time available and budget, one of these invisible fence options could be better for you!
How Does It Work?
Invisible fences will give mild shocks as soon as your dog is too near the boundary. The closer he gets to the “fence”, the stronger will be the shocks he will receive. In theory, this should restrict him to escape from your yard. However, some dogs are able to take an intense shock to cross the boundary. Besides, these fences won’t protect your companion from other pets, wild animals, or people!
Wired Fence.
Pros
- Custom Boundary Shape.
- More Stable Than Radio Signals.
Cons
- Complicated To Install.
- Underground Wire Can Break.
For a wired invisible fence, I would recommend you invest in the Extreme Dog Fence. (See It On Amazon) [Link Open In a New Tab]
Wireless Fence.
Pros
- Easy To Install.
- Transportable.
Cons
- Circular Boundary. (No Custom Shape)
- Perimeter Can Change With Weather.
For a wireless invisible fence, I would recommend you to invest in the PetSafe Wireless Containment System. (See It On Amazon) [Link Open In a New Tab]
Best Fence Alternatives For:
- No Physical Boundaries.
- Aesthetic & Security Purposes.
Leash Stakes.
This is simply a piece of metal that you can fix in the ground to attach your dog’s leash to it. To give him more freedom or space to play, you can also replace his leash by a longer tether. This fencing alternative is relatively secure if you use it properly. However, it’s not as efficient as physical or invisible fences. Besides, this won’t protect your furball from other animals or malicious people. That’s why you should always keep an eye on him with this accessory!
Here’s the Dog Tie-Out Stake I would recommend you to buy! (See It On Amazon) [Link Open In a New Tab]
Pros
- Affordable.
- Simple To Use.
- Transportable.
Cons
- Not Extremely Secure.
- Need Supervision.
Best Fence Alternative For:
- Front Yard.
- Camping.
- Dog Park.
Aerial Dog Runs.
Similar to the tie-down stake, an aerial dog run is a long suspended cable on which your buddy is secured. You simply have to fix the cable between two stationary objects (Trees, Your House…) to leash your dog on it. This will allow him to have more room than leash stakes to play in your backyard without escaping from it!
Here’s the Aerial Dog Run Kit that I would recommend to you! (See It On Amazon) [Link Open In a New Tab]
Pros
- Affordable.
- Give Plenty Of Space For Your Dog.
- Solid.
Cons
- Complicated To Install.
- No Protection Against Other Animals or People.
Best Fence Alternatives For:
- Front Yard.
- Relatively Secure Playing Area.
Kennels or Playpens.
Fencing your backyard can be a serious investment. That’s why outdoor kennels or playpens can be an excellent alternative to keep your dog safe without having any permanent fence or dog house. There are also plenty of dog pens (like this one on Amazon) [Link Open In a New Tab] that you can simply put in your backyard. However, some large or agile pooches won’t have any difficulty escaping from small playpens!
Here’s an example of Pet Gazebo ideal for medium to large dogs! (See It On Amazon) [Link Open In a New Tab]
Pros
- Portable.
- Secure.
- Durable.
Cons
- Small Play Area.
- Relatively Expensive.
Best Fence Alternatives For:
- Small or Young Dogs.
How To Choose The Best Fence For Your Dog?
With all these options, it can be difficult to choose the best fence for your backyard. There are many things to consider such as the installation, durability, security, cost, etc. The most important is to find something that will keep your dog from escaping your yard. You certainly want him to be also protected from other dangers such as wild or aggressive animals!
Why Should You Fence Your Yard?
Fencing your backyard has many benefits. First, it will keep your doggie safe inside your yard. Then, a fence will also keep others out of your property. Finally, most fencing solutions will provide privacy. A fenced yard will also help you to do more exercise with your buddy, prevent him from boredom, and make toilet breaks more fun and safe!
How To Keep Your Dog From Escaping Your Backyard?
There are many reasons why your furball would like to escape your yard. Dogs are curious pets that will love to discover new things around the neighborhood. Nonetheless, you shouldn’t restrict him from having fun in your backyard by the fear that he escapes. The best way to make sure he stays safe without leaving your property is certainly by dog proofing your fence!
10 Solutions For Dog Proofing Your Fence!
Once you choose the perfect fencing solution for your yard, it’s time to make it even safer for your pooch. Whatever fence you have (or will have), he could probably still find a way out of your backyard. Hopefully, there are some ways to prevent him from escaping by dog proofing your fence. Here are 10 things you can do to avoid this common problem!
1. Extend Your Fence Higher.
Sometimes your fence is simply too short to restrain your dog from jumping over it. Some breeds can jump up to 6 feet to clear objects like fences. Therefore, it’s always better to have taller walls to keep your companion from escaping your backyard. Depending on his breed, size, agility, and many other elements, you might consider extending your fence!
2. Remove Things That Your Dog Could Climb On.
The height of your fence isn’t always the problem. Objects around the yard could allow your companion to climb over the fence quite easily even if it’s very tall. I highly recommend you to remove climbing aids that will allow your dog to escape from the yard. Remove things such as garbage cans, chairs, tables, or anything else that he can jump on near the fence can help him to overcome this obstacle!
3. Install Rollers At The Top Of Your Fence.
This is an awesome dog proofing solution for your fence to restrict animals from climbing over it. Rollers are long metal bars that will keep your pet safe inside your yard. It’s also an excellent idea to protect him from predators such as coyotes that won’t be able to clear tall fences with rollers. They are designed to prevent your dog or other animals from getting the foothold they need to go out or in your yard!
Similar Dog Proofing Fence Solution: Lean-in extensions at the top of your fence could also restrict your companion to jump or climb over it!
4. Try Landscaping.
Another awesome way to discourage your furry friend to jump or climb over the fence is with landscaping. Planting dense shrubs along the inside of the fence line will make it more difficult for him to jump. Besides, landscaping looks better than most dog proofing fence ideas on this list!
5. Extend Your Fence Under The Ground Level.
Dogs are excellent diggers that will certainly be able to find their way under your fence. The ultimate solution to prevent your companion from escaping by a tunnel is to install something that extends your fence under the ground level. This will require some more work and material, but it’s efficient!
6. L-Footer For Diggers.
Very similar to the last dog proofing fence idea, the L-footer will be easier to install. It simply consists of extending your fence at the base with something bent 90 degrees (like an “L”) that will restrict your dog from digging. For this fence extension, you could be made from materials such as hardware cloth, chicken wire, or anything else that’s solid. You could also decide to bury or put some grass over the L-footer for aesthetic purposes!
7. Put Gravel Or Concrete At The Base Of Your Fence.
Instead of grass or dirt, you could put some gravel or even concrete at the footer of your fence. This will certainly stop your dog from digging to escape from your backyard. For concrete footers, make sure to embed the bottom of your fence into the mixture before it solidifies. This might take more work, money, and time to implement, but it will be extremely effective!
8. Block Your Dog’s View.
Some companions will try to escape because of things they see or simply interact with them. Whether it’s other pets, wild animals, or people, sometimes it’s better for him to not see them. For example, your dog could bark after everybody that’s walking in the street or jump over your fence to chase squirrels. These are excellent reasons to block his view with your fence. Rolls of bamboo, reed fencing, climbing shrubs, or anything else that you can’t see through could be an excellent solution!
9. Double Gate or Install Redundant Fences.
Dogs could take any opportunity to get their freedom. Opening your backyard gate for a few seconds can be enough for your companion to escape. Hopefully, you could install an airlock with two gates to give him any chance to escape. It means that everybody who wants to go in or out will have to open the first gate, close it, and open the next one. Another option would be to have two fences. It might seem weird, but it works according to this article from notesfromadogwalker.com! [Link Open In a New Tab]
10. Dog-Proof Your Gate With A Padlock or Clip.
With some practice, your buddy could understand how to open your gate. The solution is simple, you just need to install a dog-proof clip or padlock to prevent this happen. Otherwise, your companions will eventually figure out how your backyard door works!
5 Ways Your Dog Can Escape From Your Fence!
Pets will use different techniques to escape from the backyard. To keep your dog safe inside the fence, you need to understand what type of strategy he’s most likely to try. Here are the five ways that he could overcome your fence with the best solution(s) for each escape method!
Jumping Over Your Fence.
Dog Proofing Solution: Install a fence that’s simply too high for your companion to jump over it.
Climbing Over Your Fence.
Dog Proofing Solution: Install a taller fence or put rollers/lean-in extensions at the top of your fence to avoid your dog from climbing over it.
Digging Under Your Fence.
Dog Proofing Solution: Either put some gravel (or landscape) at the base of your fence or extend your fence under the ground around 12 to 24 inches (30-35 cm) to restrict your dog from digging under it.
Finding His Way Through Your Fence.
Dog Proofing Solution: Choosing a solid material for your fence such as metal, brick, or certain hardwood could certainly help to keep your dog safe inside your backyard.
Opening Your Fence Gate.
Dog Proofing Solution: Install a dog-proof clip to the gate that your companion can’t open to escape.
Find more information about these different escaping methods in this article from the K9 of Mine site! [Link Open In a New Tab]
Is Dog Proofing Your Fence Enough To Keep Your Canine From Escaping?
Choosing the right fence and dog proofing it is an excellent idea. Nonetheless, it’s not always enough to keep your companion from escaping your backyard. If he wants to find his way out, he will probably succeed at some point. Hopefully, the dog proofing fence ideas presented in this article will decrease the chance that it happens. However, there are some other precautions that you can take to avoid common dog-related fence problems!
Know Why Your Dog Wants To Escape!
The first thing you should do is to try understanding your companion. He might have some good reasons to escape your yard. Most dogs that are escaping are simply bored or lonely. Your buddy needs regular physical activity and mental stimulation, so don’t neglect that. Regular walks, fun games, or many other activities will certainly give him less motivation to escape your yard!
Therefore, it’s maybe your fault if your dog is constantly escaping. Knowing the reason why he does this will allow you to help him. Fear, anxiety, lack of training, and many other things can influence his motivation to clear your fence. By taking the problem at his source, you will be able to make your companion happier. That’s why you should probably take some time to think before dog proofing your fence!
Make Your Yard Fun & Safe!
Without anything to do in your backyard, your dog will want to go somewhere else. If he doesn’t feel good, safe, and happy in this area, it’s normal to escape from it. Your yard should be a place where you can both have fun together. Besides, you should make sure that your buddy has everything he needs in the yard such as a shelter, some water, and fun things to do!
Don’t Let Your Dog Alone Outside!
Pets are social animals that need to interact with others. Leaving your dog outside alone will encourage him to escape. That’s why I would recommend you to always give him attention while he’s in the backyard. Your simple presence will keep him busy and happy. To have fun together, you could play to fetch, do some training, or simply spend time in your backyard!
If you want my main resource, I find many dog proofing ideas in this article from the AKC blog! [Link Open In a New Tab]
Last Thoughts About Dog Proofing Fence!
Finally, there are several things you can do to keep your dog from escaping your yard. Choosing the right fence might be the most important step in this process. Then, you can dog-proof it to ensure it’s safe for all your family. However, don’t forget that no fencing solution will solve the problem of why your buddy wants to escape. That’s why making sure he’s happy might be the best way to prevent most dog-related fence problems!
Fences are still an excellent solution to keep your companion safe inside your yard. Nonetheless, some rare escape artists will always find their way out whatever precaution you take. Thus, providing them with proper exercise and mental stimulation might be the only option to keep them from escaping. I hope this article helps you learn some dog proofing techniques for your fence. The last thing to keep in mind is simply that the more fun you have together in your backyard, the less motivation your companion will have to escape!