DOG FENCES
How to Choose the Right One
Keeping your dog contained safely in your yard is a must for many pet owners, but knowing what type of fence to get can be a challenge. Knowing what’s right for you and your pet depends on several factors including the size and personality of your dog, your budget, and any neighborhood rules.
TYPE OF DOG
First, what size is your dog? Are they a larger dog that easily could get over a fence or a smaller one that could wiggle underneath?
Larger Dogs
Ideally they should not be able to put their front feet on the top rail of the fence. This should be the starting point for what height you need.
Smaller Dogs
Make sure that if you choose a fence that has bottom rails that they are low enough to the ground to prevent them from going under it. Check that vertical pickets are also narrow enough to contain your pup. Some brands do offer “puppy picket” fencing to accommodate especially small breeds.
YOUR DOG’S PERSONALITY
Next, think about how your dog will behave around a fence. Will they try to jump or climb over it, dig under it, or chew through it? Or are they crafty enough to squeeze themselves through it?
Also, think about how your dog reacts to activity outside your yard. Do they bark at every car, bike, person, or other dog that goes past your home?
Jumper or Climber
You will need to increase the height of the fence so they are unable to jump over it. Or you may consider a higher wood fence since most dogs cannot climb them.
Digger
Chain link fences work well for diggers since the bottom can be buried which helps prevent your dog from tunneling underneath it. Most public dog parks use this fence type for this very reason.
Chewer
Most fence types work to contain dogs that are chewers, except for a wood fence. They may be able to chew through any loose boards.
Squeezer
Limit the spacing between the pickets or you may want to choose a privacy fence since the pickets are next to each other.
Barker
You may want a privacy fence that will limit their view when they are outside.
YOUR BUDGET
When you are budgeting for your new fence, you should consider how much you are willing to pay upfront as well as the level of ongoing maintenance you are comfortable doing. Lower cost fences (e.g. wood) have more maintenance than higher cost fences (e.g. aluminum, vinyl) with low maintenance. However, the continued maintenance costs of wood fencing can often equal the one-time cost of aluminum and vinyl fencing. If you’re planning to be in your home for many years, this may be important to consider.
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
You will also need to take your neighborhood into consideration. Some zoning ordinances may limit fence height, style, and location of your fence. If you have a Homeowners Association, most will have guidelines, including board approval, in their bylaws.
Also, consider what style will look best with your house in addition to the other fences in your community. Each of our materials has a variety of style options and colors, so choose one that best fits your taste.
WHERE PEERLESS FENCE GROUP CAN HELP
Peerless Fence has been providing dog fencing to our customers in the Midwest for over 55 years. We will help you design a fence that will add curb appeal to your house and provide the best strategy for keeping your dog safe and secure in your yard. Learn more about our Dog Fences.
