There’s never a one-size-fits-all solution for fencing when it comes to animals. Some will try to climb a fence, others will try to dig under it, and some will try to jump over a fence. There are some animals that require a fence they can’t see through. Be aware that a fence should also keep out a variety of wildlife.

Dogs

The most common type of fencing for dogs is chain link. It can be equipped with underground guards that prevent canines from digging under it to escape. Chain link is available in multiple heights to prevent dogs from jumping over it.

For dogs that are easily excitable, a wood fence or one of PVC prevents them from seeing outside and can be built to multiple heights. The fencing should be at least 3 times the height of the dog for those that jump or even climb.

Horses

Wood fences are attractive for properties with horses, but they must be high enough to prevent equines from jumping over them, typically 6 ft. in height. The bottom rail must be low enough to deter a horse from crawling under them. Rails should be close enough together to prevent horses from getting their head, feet or legs between them.

A frightened horse may not see a metal fence. PVC fencing is a good option that can be easily seen by equines. It’s durable and can be constructed to meet a wide range of requirements. Wire fencing is often selected due to its low cost, but is difficult for horses to see without some type of highly visible top rail or markers along the fence line.

The squares in woven wire fencing should be small to prevent horses from getting heads, hooves and legs trapped. Mesh fencing is another option that provides springiness should a horse run into it.

Chickens

Chain link is a good choice for backyard chickens, but must have small enough spacing in the mesh to prevent small animals from squeezing through to gain access. Extensions at the top with a 90-degree outward angle prevents wildlife from crawling up and over. Rollers can also be placed at the top to accomplish the same goal.

People that want safety fencing for their pet without a visible structure often choose underground fencing. It uses a combination of what manufacturers call a static-like shock in combination with sound as a deterrent.

People have used what’s been called hidden fencing to keep their pets contained for years. Old-style fencing worked via a transmitter collar or a sensor attached to the dog’s regular collar. When the dog neared the boundary, the sensor or collar gave the dog a shock as a form of aversion training. Dogs trained this way with the old-fashioned shock fencing often displayed fear and behavioral problems.

The new evolution of hidden fencing emits an audible warning sound and a “static” shock as a deterrent. Manufacturers of the fencing indicate the shock portion of the collar is similar to a static shock a human receives after rubbing their feet across a carpet and then touching metal. It also has multiple shock levels.

The process of teaching the dog his/her boundary begins with small flags that are placed in the ground along the underground cable as a visual clue to the canine. Once the dog has learned where the boundaries are, the flags can be removed.

The problems that people encounter with underground fencing is that it requires a time investment to train the dog rather than simply turning them loose and letting the collar shock them into submission. Depending upon the canine, that can take time that some people are unwilling to expend. However, some companies install the fencing and a pet trainer provides initial training.

Hidden fences are viewed as a convenient way to keep pets safe in their own yard. The downside is that it won’t prevent someone from coming into the yard and stealing the dog, a crime that happens far more often than people know. As a thief is taking the dog across the underground boundary, the canine will experience a significant amount of distress and pain.

The installation of chain link fencing is the preferred method of corralling rambunctious canines whether it’s in the back yard or at the local dog park. There are multiple benefits to chain link fencing for pet enclosures that aren’t available with other options.

Safety

The pattern in chain link fencing provides pet parents with safety and security for their dog. Available in multiple heights, it’s a deterrent to canines that try to jump and can be installed with preventative measures for those that try to burrow. It’s effective for keeping out unwanted wildlife. Fencing can be installed with child-proof latches and self-closing springs for another level of safety.

Puppies like to explore and a very real danger is that a puppy will try to climb between the rails of traditional fencing and get stuck or actually make it through to the other side. The same is true of smaller dogs. Chain link fencing has a close-knit pattern too small for puppies or small dogs to wiggle through.

Cost

Expense is a major consideration for homeowners or communities that want to create a dog park for residents. Chain link fencing is highly cost-effective. A vinyl coating can be applied in multiple colors to coordinate with surroundings and it’s an easy matter to attach relevant signage for the public spaces to make individuals aware of pertinent rules.

Durability

The average chain link fence will last up to 15 years and choosing a smaller gauge wire can increase the strength. It’s also quick and easy for professional installers to erect, meaning the amenity can be offered to residents in fairly little time or homeowners can allow their canines to begin exploring their own backyard unfettered.

Easy Maintenance

Chain link fencing requires very little in the way of maintenance. If a section of fencing becomes damaged, it’s a simple matter to repair it or to replace the damaged portion.

Fencing is the easiest and most effective way to protect pets from harm. There are multiple fencing materials from which to choose that will keep a pet safely contained while providing beauty to the home environment. There are multiple elements for individuals to consider when choosing a pet fence.

Size of the Pet

That cute puppy that’s so tiny now will eventually mature into a full-size dog. If a fence is erected with spaces between the uprights, the gaps must be small enough to prevent the pet from slipping between them. Fencing with solid panels offers the most protection since there are no gaps through which an animal can escape. The size of the pet as an adult must also be considered.

Skill Sets

If a pet is seeking an escape route, some will try to jump a fence while others are more likely to attempt a breakout by digging under the fence. Still, others are agile climbers. Some pets develop skills on their own that include opening gates. There’s no way to tell if a pet will be skilled at escapes, but a child-safe gate is always a good option.

Fencing materials are desired that don’t provide any way for a pet to gain purchase with their feet for climbing and fences with an underground safety cable are effective in mitigating under-fence escapes. Be sure the fence is high enough to discourage jumpers.

Maintenance

Some pets are more destructive than others. Wood fencing isn’t a good choice for these pets. Vinyl and metal options require little maintenance and aren’t as likely to be destroyed should a pet become restless or bored.

Raise the Roof

While most people are concerned with fences to keep canines contained, a great many cat owners want to give their feline the benefit of fresh air in a safe manner. The same precautions should be considered when erecting a fence for cats as for other pets, but with the added addition of a securely attached overhead barrier to keep the cat from climbing up and over.

Creating a pet proof backyard entails more than just ensuring a pet can’t get out. It must also incorporate elements to keep roaming pets out, along with the wide variety of wildlife that could potentially enter. There’s also a multitude of factors that most people don’t consider, but are essential for keeping a dog safe from harm.

Chemicals

Canines should be kept away from lawns and plants that have been treated with fertilizers, insecticides and pesticides. Even the residue can result in a toxic response and fertilizers can burn the pads on a pet’s feet.

Clean the Premises

Damp, dark and debris-filled areas are prime real estate for fleas, mosquitoes and other pests. It’s a good idea to regularly clean doghouses and wash blankets or beds dogs use. Sweeping decks, porches and patios will help keep down pests. Don’t forget to address outdoor structures and storage sheds, along with the undersides of porches and decks.

Fencing

The enclosure will require a fencing option that the canine can’t climb, jump over, or dig under. From raccoons and deer to coyotes and the potential for an occasional panther, the barrier must also prevent wild or stray animals from squeezing through slats or panels, depending upon the style of fence that’s selected. Inspect the fence regularly for weak spots.

Another area where fencing will be critical is the pool. An estimated 5,000 canines die each year from pool-related accidents. Dogs don’t intuitively know how to get out of a pool. There are no guarantees, even with dogs that have undergone training to recognize steps and they may be unable to climb a ladder.

Mow Often

Fleas, ticks and other parasites live in grass and the longer the grass, the bigger the risk that they’ll hitch a ride on your pet and eventually into the house.

Plants

Dogs like to dig, chew, and roll around in greenery. Some types of flowers and bushes are poisonous to dogs, such as amaryllis, azaleas, daffodils, and tulips. It’s best to consult with a veterinarian on poisonous plants. Owners should be prepared to remove existing plants that are toxic and use extreme caution when installing new plantings.

Trash and Recycling

Dogs are naturally curious. They’ll delve into trash cans and recycling containers not understanding the potential for danger such as chocolate or chicken bones. Don’t store trash, recycling containers, antifreeze, cleaning supplies or any type of chemicals where pets can reach them. Antifreeze is deadly to pets.

Water and Shade

Hydration and a shady spot to rest are as important to dogs as it is to their human companions. Fresh, clean water should be available at all times and there should be enough shade plants that enable dogs to get out of direct sun at any time of the day as the sun moves across the sky. Dogs experience dehydration and heat sickness just as their human counterparts and can even die without appropriate shade.