Fido's Favorite Fence: How to Choose the Right Dog Fence

Are you looking to install a dog fence in your yard? If so, read on to learn how to choose the right dog fence.

In 2018, surveys revealed over 80 million families owned a dog. Dog ownership is a big responsibility. Your dog needs lots of love and care. Exercise is also important.

Your dog needs a safe place to run, play, and relieve himself since you won't always have time to go out walking.

If you're a dog owner, a dog fence is a great investment. It brings freedom and peace of mind for both you and your pet.

Thinking about installing a dog fence? Read on for information about choosing the best fence for your dog.

Keeping Your Pet Safe

Exercise and play are essential for your pet. Exercise helps a dog maintain his weight and burn off nervous energy. A daily walk is the best. But sometimes it's impossible to fit in a walk.

A fenced-in yard is the next best thing. Your dog can safely play and run off-leash. No worries about your dog getting loose and scaring someone or getting hit by a car.

Your Dog's Temperament

Before choosing a fence for your dog, determine his temperament. Different breeds have different temperaments. Of course, each dog has his own personality too.

Some large dogs, like Great Danes, have weak hips and can't jump high. But other more agile breeds, like the Border Collie, can easily jump most fences.

Take into account your dog's breed, agility, and behavior when choosing a dog fence.

Does Your Dog Jump?

Some mid-size Cocker Spaniels can jump as high as six feet, though four feet is more common. Some small dogs may surprise you with how high they jump.

If your dog's a jumper, err on the safe side and go with at least a six-foot fence.

But be aware that some large breed dogs can jump as high as eight feet. Always check your neighborhood rules. Some cities don't allow eight-foot fences.

Keep in mind that dogs are smart. If you leave a chair or short table near the fence, your fuzzy pal might use it to propel himself over a tall fence.

Big Dogs

Safety demands that large dogs are contained. Many people are afraid of big dogs. Even if your dog is safe, not everyone is a dog lover. Never let a big dog run outside on its own. If something happens, liability is an issue.

If your dog is large, make sure your fence is sturdy and tall.

Small Dogs

Small dogs aren't always the easiest when it comes to containment. A little picket fence is cute and seems like a good choice. But little Rover can often squeeze between the pickets.

Even if your small dog can't squeeze through, he might become agitated if he can see through. Do you have a heavily-trafficked street?

If there are lots of people coming and going on the sidewalk, consider a fence the dog can't see through. A 3-4-foot fence with tight pickets will do the trick.

Digging Dogs

Lots of dogs, both big and small, love digging. If your dog digs, you'll need underground reinforcements. Use vinyl fencing and install it below ground level. Or use chicken wire below ground.

A short row of shrubs along the fenceline is often enough to keep a dog from digging.

Another digging deterrent is a foot of gravel alongside the fence. River rocks or large stones also work. If your dog is an extreme digger, you can use a concrete-filled trench along the fence. But that's an expensive solution.

Also, take the time for some dog training. Most dogs train easily. Consistency and clarity are key. You don't need an expensive dog trainer for good results.

Climbers

Some dogs are surprisingly good climbers. They can get a paw into anything that isn't solid. If your dog climbs, you'll need vinyl or solid wood. Stay away from chainlink fences if your dog's a climber.

A Better Option

There's another easier option for containing your furry friend. That's an electronic fence and training system. There are a couple of types:

• Wireless fence
• In-ground fence

Wireless Fence

A wireless fence is easy, portable, and safe. It only takes a few minutes of set-up time. And it's an inexpensive option compared to building a fence.

The fence operates with radio signals. The dog wears a collar that "hears" the signal from the wireless fence. If your dog steps near the safe boundaries, he hears a warning sound.

Then a safe and humane static correction goes through the collar. There are several levels of static stimulation. Use the level that works best for your pet.

Your pet gets plenty of free space to roam. Make your boundaries small or up to about a half-acre. If you need bigger boundaries, add additional transmitters.

In-Ground Fence

With the in-ground fence, you'll bury the wire around the containment area. Your dog wears a special collar equipped with a receiver. The receiver gets a signal from the transmitter.

Like the wireless fence, your dog gets a beep if he strays near the boundaries. If the dog stops and comes back inside the containment area, there's no correction. If the dog continues outside the boundaries, he gets a small static correction.

The in-ground fence comes with training flags. You'll set the flags around the boundary. This way your pet has visual cues for boundary assistance. Training usually only takes a couple of weeks.

Once the dog knows where the boundaries are, you can remove the flags.

The Perfect Dog Fence

Dogs, like people, are all different. They have different temperaments and different needs. Some dogs are high jumpers while others won't jump at all. Some dogs can dig huge holes.

If you've got a dog, you need a dog fence. Fences are a big investment, but well worth it for the safety and comfort of your dog and family.

One of the easiest dog fence choices is a wireless fence. It's also one of the most economical choices.

Are you ready for a dog fence? Let the folks at RadioFence.com help.