Keeping Your Pet Safe with a Custom Fence
Dogs love to run outside and enjoy the freedom of a yard, but the right fencing is important to keep our dogs safe and happy when they’re outside. Whether you’re improving your yard for your current dog’s sake, or you’re thinking about adopting a puppy and want to know what you’ll need, here are some things to consider as you choose the right fence.
1. Your Dog’s Size
Fence height matters. Small dogs, like terriers, may be just fine with a fence that is four feet tall. Larger dogs that can jump higher, like German shepherds, need a fence that is at least six feet tall. An easy reference point to use is that a fence should be at least three times as tall as the dog is long in order to prevent them from jumping over it.
You also need to ensure that the fence style you choose either does not have any spaces, or that the spacing of slats is not large enough for your dog to squeeze through and escape. Chain link fences are a great option for this reason.
2. Your Dog’s Behaviors
Jumping isn’t the only mode of escape for dogs! Some dogs might be more prone to digging than jumping and they may be able to tunnel out by digging under the fence. If this is the case, you’ll need to ensure the fence is as close to the ground as possible. With certain types of fences, you can even add extra support to the bottom, such as a bottom tension wire on a chain link fence, which makes it more difficult to push out underneath.
Does your dog like to climb or jump? Try and find a fence design with a smooth top. This way, if your dog does jump up and try to escape, their collar won’t get caught on the fence. More athletic breeds are notorious for pulling off these high-wire escapes.
If your dog is a chewer, stick to metal fencing materials that will be uncomfortable for them to bite. Vinyl and wood fences can be damaged by chewing more easily than metal.
3. Your Neighborhood
Do you live in a busy residential neighborhood or further afield in a more rural area? In busy residential areas, a fence that your dog can’t see through is likely best. Fences with gaps between slats, chain link fences, or metal fences with gaps will all give your dog a clear view of the road and all the cars, people, squirrels, and other dogs running by. For many dogs, this can be frustrating or can even become a game – and either can lead to loud barking.
If you’re in a more rural area, what your dog can see outside of the fence may be less of a concern. However, consider building an even taller fence than you would have considered for the size of your dog to try to limit the amount of other wildlife that can get in and bother your pet.
Contact Us
We’d love to sit down and schedule an estimate with you for residential work. Or, we also have retail materials and products available! You can reach out to us at (207) 829-5549 or fill out the form on our website.
