Best Fence for Dogs: How to Choose the Right Type of Fence 

As a fencing contractor who’s worked with countless dog owners, I can tell you that choosing the best fence for your dog isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. Whether you have small dogs that like to squeeze through gaps or a large dog that could leap over standard fencing, the type of fence you want must match your specific situation. The best fence for your dog depends on several key factors we’ve learned through years of installing different dog fences.

When dog owners call us about installing a dog fence to keep their pets secure, the first thing we discuss isn’t fence types or materials—it’s their dog’s specific behaviors and characteristics. This approach has saved many families from upgrading or replacing a fence that wasn’t the right choice for their pet.

Understanding Your Dog’s Needs: The First Step in Choosing the Best Dog Fence

Before discussing whether a chain link fence or a vinyl privacy fence is best for your furry friend, we need to consider your dog’s characteristics. Here’s what we’ve learned from real situations with different types of dogs:

Breed Matters When Choosing the Right Fence

We recently had a customer planning ahead for a German Shepherd, they knew these determined dogs can clear a 4-fence with impressive athleticism. We helped them upgrade their 4-foot tall chain link fence to a 6-foot version, finding ways to save money by reusing existing materials while ensuring their fence would be strong enough to contain large dogs.

Training Status and Background

Your chosen fence should account for your dog’s training level and history. We’ve seen plenty of cases where families install a fence for dogs they’ve raised from puppies, only to find that a new rescue dog has entirely different needs. One memorable case involved an escape artist—a family called us the day after adopting their rescue dog because their existing fence wasn’t tall enough, and in less than 24 hours their new pet had already jumped over the fence.

PTSD and Anxiety Considerations for Your Dog Fence

Something many dog owners don’t consider is how fence types can affect their pet’s stress levels. We’ve installed privacy fences for dogs with anxiety or past trauma. The right fence addresses these behaviors effectively, ensuring that your dog doesn’t feel anxious. In one case, a family with dachsunds living next to pit bulls needed a solid fence rather than a see-through option. The privacy fence prevented their dogs from getting stressed by seeing the neighbor’s pets, showing how the right dog fence can address behavioral and emotional needs.

Another customer bought a house with a neighbor who owned chickens….and while her dog couldn’t jump the existing chain fence, it would go nuts seeing the chickens.  So she requested removal of the old fence and installation of a wood privacy fence.

Wildlife Protection

In areas where coyotes present a threat, choosing the best fence becomes even more critical.
The right fence for your dog needs to keep dogs safe from wildlife while preventing dogs from escaping.

We recommend a fence height of at least 6 feet for coyote protection, with additional features like roller bars or coyote rollers at the top to prevent wildlife from climbing over. The fence should also extend at least 12 inches underground or include L-shaped mesh footers at the base to prevent predators from digging under.

 

Choosing the Best Type of Fence Height for Dogs

When choosing the best fence for your dog, height is essential for keeping determined dogs safely in your yard.

Ground Clearance: Essential for Your Dog Fence

The space between your fence line and the ground is just as important as height when choosing a fence for dogs. When installing a pet fence, we consider:

• How tight to the ground your dog fence needs to be
• Whether you need a fence to prevent your dog from digging
• Maintenance needs for your fence line
• Your type of dog (especially for small dogs that might squeeze through gaps)

For small dogs like Chihuahuas, we make sure the fence is positioned close to the ground. However, if you have a large dog that isn’t prone to digging, we might give your dog more space beneath the fence for easier yard maintenance (weed whacking).

Privacy vs. Visibility: Which Dog Fence is Best?

Different types of dog fences offer different benefits. Choosing between a privacy fence and a see-through fence often depends on your dog’s behaviors and the size of your yard. Here’s what we’ve learned from installing dog fences:

When to Choose a Privacy Fence for Dogs

• If your dog may get excited seeing other animals
• When neighboring dogs (or other animals) might affect your furry friend
• To prevent determined dogs from being triggered
• If your neighbor has children who are inclined to put their fingers through a chain link or ornamental steel fence

When See-Through Dog Fences Work Well

• For dogs that offer good behavior watching their surroundings
• In situations where you’ll need a fence with visibility
• When your type of dog isn’t reactive to external stimuli

Chain Link Fences for Dogs

Chain link fences offer one of our most popular options for a secure fence for dogs. These types of dog fences provide:

• Cost-effective fencing
• Strong fence durability
• Clear visibility to keep your dog in sight

However, remember that chain link fences might not be the best fence for dogs that are escape artists. Just like providing footholds for kids climbing a chain link fence, some dogs use the diamonds for climbing traction.  If that’s the case and you want a see-through option consider an ornamental steel fence.

Wood Fence and Vinyl Privacy Fence Options

These fence types offer several advantages when choosing the right fence:

• Give dogs privacy from visual triggers
• Prevent dogs from jumping over the fence
• Keep dogs from seeing exciting distractions
• Help dogs feel more secure with a solid fence-style

Metal Fence and Ornamental Options

When considering a metal fence for dogs, we often recommend:

• Special spacing options for different types of dogs
•  Smooth top rails to keep your dog safe
• Durability for large dogs
• Various heights to prevent your dog from jumping

Gates and Security Features for Your Dog’s Fence

The fence you choose is only as secure as its gate. When installing different types of dog fences, proper gate function helps keep dogs from escaping. A good dog fence gate system should include:

• Self-closing hinges that help keep your dog secure
• Latches that keep dogs in your yard in any weather
• Lock options to prevent determined dogs from escaping
• Strong fence posts that maintain your dog fence integrity

We always use metal fence posts for gates rather than wooden fence materials because they give dogs a more secure boundary. This prevents common issues with gates that won’t keep your dog contained because the fence post has shifted or the gate is sagging.

Common Issues with Dog Fences

Solutions for Escape Artists

Sometimes you need to modify your existing fence to better contain different types of dogs. Here are solutions we’ve developed when choosing the right type of fence for dogs and considering fence-style upgrades:

• Adding height to chain link fences to prevent your dog from jumping
• Installing privacy fence panels to give dogs fewer climbing opportunities
• Reinforcing the fence line for dogs that dig

Maintaining Your Dog Fence

Regular maintenance helps ensure your fence types continue to protect your furry friend:

• Check your wood fence or vinyl fence for damage
•  Ensure your dog fence gates close properly
• Monitor where dogs might dig near the fence line
• Watch for gaps that might let small dogs escape

Making Your Final Decision on Dog Fences and Choosing a Fence

The best fence for dogs creates a secure space where you and your furry friend can relax. Take time to evaluate different types of dog fences, and don’t hesitate to contact us.