Securing a fenced yard for your beloved pet is an important milestone for any pet owner. With proper pet fencing, your dog will have plenty of free space to around the yard without being able to wander off towards your neighbors.
There are several types of fences to choose from. When deciding on which one to install in your yard, think about the materials and costs. You need to make sure that the fence can contain your dog (larger dog breeds need a stronger fence) while matching the aesthetics of your home.
Benefits of having a fenced yard
No matter the breed, dogs need to be active. With a fenced yard, your dog will have access to an open space where they can exercise and burn off their energy. This prevents them from getting bored indoors which can lead to destructive behavior. A fenced yard is also beneficial for recovering dogs and dogs with socialization problems. Despite their limitations, they can still play around in a safe environment. A fenced yard will also make potty breaks more convenient. Let your dog out when nature calls, and call them back inside after they’re done.
Types of Fences
Wood, chain-link, metal, and vinyl are the most popular materials for pet fencing. Each of them has its perks and level of security.
Chain-link Fence
Chain-link, cyclone wire, or wire-mesh fence is the best option if you’re going for the most practical choice and do not mind the barren look of wires. Chain-link fence costs less and requires minimal maintenance. It also holds up to harsh weather pretty well. In case of bad weather and a tree falls on it, you can easily fix it over the weekend with no professional help.
Some chain-link fences are being sold at up to 12 feet tall, so height won’t be a problem if you’re worried about your dog jumping over it. However, athletic dogs like the Belgian Malinois can easily climb over it. Your dog can also chew the fence. If you think a chain-link fence is not for you, you may want to consider the more secure options below.
Wrought-iron Fence
A wrought-iron fence is made up of vertical iron rods connected by horizontal iron rails. The rails and the vertical rods are welded together, making for a pretty sturdy fence. A wrought-iron is perhaps the strongest material you can rely on to secure a playground for your dog.
It is, however, expensive and prone to rusting. For this reason, we don’t recommend a wrought-iron fence if you live near the beach or somewhere with a very humid climate (unless you won’t mind the regular repainting).
A wrought-iron fence can be up to 6 feet in height. While it’s not impossible, climbing it would be tough for dogs. This fence is okay for small up to large dogs as long as they’re not world-renowned escape artists.
Wooden Fence
Wooden fences are the most popular fences around. After all, they do a great job making our backyards look so aesthetic. You can also rely on them to keep your pet from running off. Since they’re solid, they block the view from outside, giving you privacy.
They also reduce the visual stimulation for your dog if he gets easily excited from his surroundings. It’s also a good choice if your dog is prone to barking at strangers and you want to have some peace and quiet during the day.
Wooden fences can be as tall as you want. It depends on the lumber you will use. They are often over 6 feet tall and are commonly seen in urban areas. The downside is that they are very high-maintenance. They are prone to rot and warping, so you need to regularly re-stain and repaint them.
Vinyl Fence
Vinyl fences are known to be five times more durable than wood. Since they are synthetic, they do not rot or warp from changing weather.
You can also easily clean them with just a simple power-wash, making maintaining it a breeze. They cannot be easily jumped over and can take on some weight just in case you own a large dog who will try to tackle it head-on.
Vinyl fences are more expensive than wood. They, however, last longer and come in a variety of design options.
Conclusion
We hope we were able to help you choose among the best fences for dogs. Be sure to have your pet fencing installed properly to keep your furry friend safe while happily playing in your yard.
