Dog Gates And Fences

Info all about dog fence options and how to keep your dog secured within a fence

dog fence Deciding on what type of dog fence to get isn’t difficult, but there are many different types of dog gates and fences and each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Read on to find the criteria you should use to select dog fencing and learn about dog fences so you can decide what’s best for you and your dog.

Dog Fencing: All About Dog Fences and Gates

The size and type of dog you have will ultimately determine the type of dog fence you'll need. If you have a smaller dog (like a Pomeranian) and you don’t anticipate ever getting a larger one, the height of your dog fence doesn’t have to be as high as it would be if your dog was a bigger breed (like a Golden Retriever.)

You will also want to consider the look of the dog gate or fence and what is most visually appealing to you. Before you look into material types, check to see if any types of dog fencing are not permitted in your area due to zoning or deed restrictions. And of course for most people, cost is a consideration as well.

Electronic Dog Fences

about dog fences If you don’t like the idea of a fence blocking your view, you may want to consider an electric dog fence (also known as an invisible dog fence.) These fences aren’t really fences at all, they work by training your dog to stay within the boundaries of your yard by making it uncomfortable for him to try to leave it.

The technical way that invisible dog fences work is called static simulation training. Boundaries determined by you are established by a wire or wireless technology. The wire is underground and can conform to any boundaries; the wireless technology operates only with a circular shaped boundary.

After the wire or wireless boundary is installed, you’ll place a special collar on your dog that delivers a tone and a small static “shock” to your dog when he attempts to leave the boundaries. The small “shock” is around the same strength of a shock that you’d get from static electricity when you rub your socks on the carpet and then touch something metallic.

You may have feelings about exposing your dog to static "shocks" in order to keep him in your yard. Although the stimulation is humane and not very strong, it still involves training your dog by using punishment. Your dog learns to stay in the yard because he gets an uncomfortable sensation when he ventures to leave the yard.

With this type of training in place, you may find it difficult to get your dog to leave the yard even when you've removed his "shock" collar. Another issue with invisible dog fencing is that it can be costly to install and if your dog ignores the static "shocks" on any occasion, there is the possibility that he could escape your yard without any real physical barrier.

Metal Dog Gates and Fences

Metal dog fences are very common and come in two main forms - chain link fences and wrought iron fences. Wrought iron fences are some of the most attractive dog fences available. They add a rustic look to your yard and can be very effective in keeping your dog enclosed.

The real question is how wide are the spaces between the iron uprights? If your dog can get through the spaces, wrought iron is obviously not a good choice for you. Another possible drawback of iron dog fences is that they typically don’t reach all the way to the ground so you’ll need to be sure that your dog won’t slip under the fence and that he can’t dig his way out. An additional consideration is whether your dog will be exposed to lots of people in your yard. If he is, a wrought iron fence may leave enough space for people to stick their hands or other objects into the fence to tease your dog.

The second kind of metal dog fence is chain link fencing. Chain link dog fences can be the easiest to put up and don’t cost as much as wrought iron fences. This type of material is very strong and can be used for nearly any kind of dog. Chain link fences can reach to the ground and do not have large spaces so there is less chance that your dog can escape. Again with chain link fences there will be some space where people could poke their hands in at your dog, so consider a different type of fencing if your yard is in a high traffic area.

Wooden Dog Fences

A dog fence made from wood is an attractive way to keep your dog safe. Wood fences don’t have any spaces between the fence posts where your dog can slip out or where people can stick things into the fence. Wood dog fences do allow your dog to dig underneath them and dogs with a high propensity for chewing or separation anxiety can chew through wood. Also depending on the design you choose, this type of fence can be expensive.

Additional Measures to Secure Your Dog Fence

If your dog is prone to jumping over fences or digging, you may want to put extra security in place to make sure your dog fence does the job. Many fences can be built with a foundation beneath the ground to create a barrier from your dog digging his way out. You can also bury a chain link barrier under the boundaries of your fence to prevent digging.

To keep your dog from being able to jump your fence, first know what your dog is capable of. Does your dog jump high? Is he high energy? If so, you will want to build your dog fence at least 6 feet tall and perhaps taller depending on the size of your dog.