Dog Fences 101: What Do I Need?
The benefits of installing a residential fence are many: boosted curb appeal, heightened privacy, barriers to keep out intruders, etc. But another common advantage is preventing pets from wandering off. Although many homeowners nowadays resort to shock collars, there remain a number of benefits unique to building an actual three-dimensional dog fence. In this article, American Security and Gate Company dives into the pros of pet fences and discusses the type(s) best suited for homeowners.
Two quick notes before we continue. City/county permits are sometimes mandatory for fence building. And in neighborhoods with homeowners’ associations, you might be limited in terms of what types and heights of fence you can build. Be sure to consult local codes before installation.
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What are the benefits of building a dog fence?
The #1 reason remains keeping pets from leaving the yard—but since electronic dog fences can do the same thing without the expense of construction, why should you even consider building a traditional fence? To begin with, a physical barrier helps seal off view of animals and objects that tempt dogs to wander off in the first place. If your pooch cannot see the neighbors’ cat or the squirrel across the street, they might not be so eager to run off. Also, don’t forget: electronic fencing is not foolproof. It’s not uncommon for dogs to “take the shock” and run through in pursuit of whatever’s grabbed their attention. Once that happens, when they’re ready to come home, you have to leave your house, walk over to them, take off their shock collar so they can re-enter the yard, and put it back on afterward.
Another advantage of dog fence panels is that your pet can be in the yard unsupervised. This is especially convenient on workday mornings—when you’re scrambling to get ready and your furry friend suddenly needs out. Rather than leash and accompany them, you can simply allow them into their fenced-in yard and continue prepping for your day.
Did you know that local ordinances sometimes require all dogs to be either leashed or fenced in? Not building a barrier to contain them could result in a violation. What’s more, having a fence rather than a leash allows and promotes exercise, which is vital for maintaining a dog’s health. Leashes greatly limit how far your dog can walk, and it’s not uncommon for them to get tangled around posts and shrubs. Kept in by a reliable fence, they can walk around freely.
What type of dog fence is recommended by American Security and Gate Company of Fargo?
Most homeowners build one of three types of dog fence: wood, vinyl, or chain link. What are the advantages and disadvantages for each one?
- Wood. Design plays a major factor in the efficiency of a wood fencing. Pickets, for example, provide gaps that make distractions on the other side visible—not to mention most small breeds can easily squeeze through. What’s more, a determined larger dog might attempt to chew their way through the pickets. (Whether they succeed or not, your fence will end up with unsightly teeth marks!)
This is why American Security and Gate Company of Fargo recommends solid wood fencing. The impervious build completely blocks off view of the outside world, and allows no points for chewing.
- Chain Link. One of the most common and visually welcoming forms of residential fencing, chain link is not always ideal when it comes to homes with outdoor pets. (The mesh, with its diamond-shaped gaps, can easily be climbed over.) Some homeowners attempt to solve the climbing problem by adding vertical additions to their fence—but once a dog figures out how to climb a chain link fence, once you attach additions, they tend to figure out they only need to climb higher. Plus, the gaps in the mesh go back to the earlier mentioned point of providing visibility to distractions outside the yard.
- Vinyl. If you have a home with an anxious dog but want a fence that’s a little more visually attractive than wood, look no further than solid privacy vinyl fencing. This fence type—available from American Security and Gate Company of Fargo—combines the best of everything mentioned above: beautiful aesthetics, a solid barrier, protection for your pets and family.