Whether you have a guard dog, toy dog, or any other type of canine companion, it is a dog’s innate nature to sniff and check what is on the outside of the area people divided. If allowed, a dog will check the neighbor’s garden. Why not?

Well, there are numerous reasons why we can’t let them do that. From keeping them, our dogs, to keeping other animals and people safe. We never know what can happen once they are out of the safety of our yard. That’s why a good dog fence is a must. Especially if you have an escape artist in your yard.

Wooden Fence

The first on our list is a simple yet quite effective fence for most homeowners. It is a fence made of wood, and depending on the looks we can divide these types of fences into three:

• Flat board fence – as the name suggests, flat boards are used to fence the yard. They are usually completely solid, meaning you cannot “peak” through or a dog cannot put its head through. A good choice for someone who likes privacy. They are also great for building high fencing on your property.
• Picket fence – If you have a dog breed that cannot jump high, for example, a Dachshund or any other short-legged breed, a picket fence is a good and beautiful choice. Just keep in mind to make the spacing between the pickets small enough so that a dog cannot get stuck trying to get out.
• Split rail fence – If you own a big property, this is a good choice for it is usually the cheapest. It depends on what kind of wood you are using. A split rail fence won’t keep your dog in on its own, but if you add a chainlink fence in between the rails, it will do the job. 

Chain Link Fence

You can often see this kind of fence around public dog parks. They are sturdy and tall enough for most dogs, and they are less expensive than wooden fences. But, if you have a dog that is also a skilled climber, these fences are not a good choice.

However, because not a lot of dogs can do this, we recommend this fence for anyone looking for a quick installation and durable fences that will keep 99% of dogs inside, and other dogs/animals/people outside.

Stone Fence

This is the expensive type that will definitely stand for hundreds of years (if properly built, of course). You can make them as tall as you want by stacking stones, however, it will cost you. There are different options, from combining stone with railing or with wood. 

These fences are beautiful, they do the job but can be too much for some people. Then again, if you’ve got the money and you think it will look nice in your neighborhood (if allowed) then they won’t let you down. 

However, some dogs, such as Belgian Malinois, need a tall stone fence too. They are quite good jumpers, so think about it before deciding to get a fence made of stone.

Vinyl (Plastic) Fence

A plastic fence is more expensive than a wooden fence but less expensive than a stone fence. However, if you choose a vinyl fence over a wooden one, even though it is initially more expensive, they need less work around them.

So in the long run, they are more affordable than a wooden fence. You can also have a vinyl picket fence, vinyl fence panels, or a split rail vinyl fence. But, they do look plastic (they are made of plastic) so this might be something you do not like. 

Aluminum (Metal) Fence

When compared to wood or vinyl, these fences are more expensive. However, they look nice, they are durable, and will keep the majority of dogs inside. But, they are not the best choice for dogs that like to dig.

A Dachshund dog will easily get under the aluminum fence. And, if you don’t keep the space between the railings small, they can get through it. Not just a Doxie, lots of dogs from the Terrier group can do the same.

Invisible (Shock) Fences

And, the last one is the only fence we do not approve of. It is the so-called invisible fence. These fences are based on an electrical wire that is buried underground and connected to a dog’s collar. 

When a dog crosses the boundary marked by a buried wire, it sends a shock signal to a dog’s collar, essentially giving a dog a small electric shock. Now you see why we don’t like it.

Also, it is not accurate, it often misjudges where the dog is, and it can lead to many problems with your dog’s health.

How High Should A Fence Be?

If you own a large dog breed, such as a Doberman Pinscher, Cane Corso, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, or others, the fence around your property has to be a minimum of 5 feet tall. To be honest, 6 feet would be perfect.

Some dog owners make special additions to their 6-foot fencing to be certain nothing can come out or inside the yard. This is very important for the high jumpers, such as the already mentioned Belgian Malinois.

Of course, if you own some of the smaller dog breeds, a 4-foot fence is adequate, especially if it is a breed that is not known for being a good jumper. For example, a Bulldog or a Basset Hound.

Important Dog Habits To Consider 

When choosing the right fence, you have to think about your dog’s habits. Go through these traits and think whether your dog has one of these:

• Digger
• Chewer
• Fence opening master
• Jumper
• Patrol officer 

So, if it is a digger, the best choice is stone, vinyl, or flatboard fences. 

For chewers, obviously, something durable, such as stone, metal, or chainlink.

Fence-opening masters need sturdy gates that cannot be easily opened.

Jumpers need a very high fence, a minimum of 5 feet; avoid chain link, because the chain-hoops can help them jump over it.

And for those who like to patrol around the yard, the best choice is a chain link fence or aluminum fence.

Final Thoughts

Aluminum is the best for dogs of all kinds. However, as a cheaper version, we choose chain link fences. They are good for most dog breeds, but if you have a dog that can truly jump high, then you will have to pick a flatboard fence or add some extra pieces on top of your chain link fence.

It is very important to think about your dog’s habits and traits, both physical and mental. Tiny dogs will easily squeeze through big spacings in a fence, no matter the material. Diggers will dig under the fences that have to be elevated from the ground. 

So, get inside your dog’s head and see through its eyes. Then choose a fence best to keep your dog inside. 

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