If you own a dog, a fenced-in backyard is a must to give your pup space to run free and play. Whether you have a small urban backyard or a sprawling lawn, getting the right fence is an important part of keeping your pet in, and wildlife out, and meeting your expectations for aesthetics, privacy, and security.
Your fence is the barrier that keeps your dog contained and safe. It’s important to consider your dog’s size, activity level, and behavior when you’re choosing the right fence.
Here are some key aspects:
Here are a variety of dog fence ideas for dogs of all sizes to offer a safe space in your garden, backyard, or front yard.
Wood is the go-to for front and backyard dog fencing. Its versatility offers a range of designs that can be combined with other materials for more aesthetic appeal, functionality, and more. Here are some popular wood fence ideas to contain your dogs:
Great for backyards
A wood fence with a doggie window is the perfect choice for curious dogs that want to look into the outside world. It offers security to ensure your dog can’t wander and keeps feral cats, stray dogs, or wildlife out, but your dog won’t feel closed in.
While this is a good choice for many dogs, it may not be a good choice for toy or small breeds that can slip through small openings. You should also keep in mind that some dogs may be more agitated if they can see wildlife they can’t chase, leading to stalking or barking.
Great for large dogs depending on height
Ideal for larger dogs, this fence style combines the sturdiness of wood with the elegance of iron gates. This is a good choice if you have large or giant breeds that need a sturdier fence to stay in the yard.
It’s good for large dogs to be able to see through the iron gate, but the distance between the iron posts leaves enough space for smaller dogs to slip through. And like the window, dogs that are reactive may be more anxious if they can see a lot of activity that they can’t get to.
Great for small or digging dogs
Bull wire dog fences have wire that extends the length of the fence and into the ground, perfect for keeping small dogs and voracious diggers from escaping. It also offers openness for you and a great sightline from your property. The wire is heavy duty and strong enough to withstand the push and pull of large livestock, so it’s capable of keeping strong dogs contained.
These fences may not go as high as other fences, so there is a risk of athletic dogs jumping over the fence and getting out.
Great for large dogs depending on height
Horizontal 4′ tall front yard dog wood fences offer privacy and security for you with height and a solid barrier to keep your dog contained. Dogs can’t see what’s going on around them, preventing them from fixating on neighborhood cats, wildlife, or passersby, and it’s difficult for dogs to jump over.
These fences are durable and wood is a classic design, but it is higher maintenance than some other fence types. You will need to stain the fence regularly and fix sagging, warping, or damaged boards to prevent your dog from escaping.
Great for large and curious dogs
Horizontal board fences with top-spaced slats combine privacy with some open space to keep your yard airy and give your dog an opportunity to see what’s going on around them. For some dogs, having gaps between the wood rails prevents them from barking at what they can’t see.
This fence type is great for larger dogs that can see through the open slats. However, some dogs benefit from not being able to see outside their own fence, so it’s important to know what works for your dog.
Great for small or large dogs
A horizontal slatted fence offers the best of both worlds. Solid boards offer privacy while open spaces between the slats allow natural light into your yard. This is a good choice for big or small dogs, as they can’t slip through or jump over the fence.
The open spaces do take away some of the privacy, but it’s still difficult to see inside your yard through them. Dogs that are capable climbers, such as Siberian Huskies and other spitz breeds, may be able to use the space between the slats to scale the fence and escape.
Great for backyards
Board on board dog fences are a privacy fence that’s designed with overlapping pickets that prevent any gaps from forming for a solid structure. This is a great choice for big or small dogs, as these fences are typically high and offer no gaps for dogs to slip through.
However, board on board fences have limited airflow, which can be uncomfortable in hot climates like Austin. If your board on board fence is made of wood, it will require maintenance to prevent decay.
Great for large or small dogs
A basket weave fence features a design that has wooden slats woven together horizontally and vertically, creating a basket-like pattern. This fence is attractive and sturdy, offering a combination of privacy and airflow.
Like board on board, basket weave fencing for dogs is ideal for big or small dogs. It’s difficult to jump over and offers no space to slip through, but talented escape artists may be able to climb the boards and get out.
Image link: Lattice- Ben.jpg
Great for escape artists
A lattice top fence is a type of fence design that incorporates a lattice pattern along the top section of the fence for a decorative look with plenty of privacy. This option is ideal for dogs of all sizes, even the escape artists, because it’s too tall to jump over and completely solid and sturdy for privacy and security.
While wood complements the rustic look of the lattice, it’s a higher maintenance material that will need to be stained or painted regularly. If any part of the fence is damaged, you will need to replace the individual board or panel to ensure your dog can’t escape.
Vinyl fences are a popular choice for their durability and versatility, particularly with the modern homes in Austin. They offer a low-maintenance solution with different design options for different home styles, especially for dog owners. Here are some popular vinyl dog fence ideas:
Great for backyards
A vinyl slatted fence features horizontal or vertical slats that are spaced evenly apart to create an appealing design with privacy and security. Like other vinyl fences, the material is durable and resistant to rot and insect infestation.
While the spacing between the slats provides airflow and privacy, the degree of privacy depends on the spacing you choose. Keep in mind that small dogs may be able to slip through the spaces. Though the material is durable, a strong, determined dog may be able to break the slats as well.
Great for front yards
Vinyl picket fences are a classic look for virtually all home styles. It features vertical pickets attached to horizontal rails, offering plenty of airflow and natural, though not a lot of privacy. Dogs may enjoy the view through the pickets, and it’s a good choice for larger breeds.
Though vinyl picket fences are durable, the space between the pickets offers an escape route for small breeds or dogs that are strong enough to force their way through, breaking the pickets. Some dogs may have the athleticism to jump over the fence, as picket fences are typically not as tall as privacy fences.
Great for large dogs
If you want the look of wood with the durability and low maintenance of vinyl, Dogwood is a great option. It comes in a variety of colors, styles, and wood grains to match your home’s aesthetic, and the solid privacy design is great for keeping your dog secure and contained. The addition of the gate makes Dogwood suitable for your front or backyard and ensures you have access from outside.
Dogwood designs have a gap between the fence and the ground, so keep this in mind if you have a small dog that can slip under or a strong digger that can create enough of a gap to get out.
Classic look, great for large or medium dogs
A white vinyl dog fence provides containment for your dog with the attractive and classic white color. These fences are durable and low maintenance, offering security and privacy. Bright white also improves visibility, helping you keep an eye on your dog while they’re in the yard.
Generally, a white vinyl security fence can work for both large or medium dogs, especially if you choose a tall fence. However, small dogs may be able to get under the fence panels and escape.
Great for large dogs
Like lattice fences, vinyl with top pickets offers privacy and security with the classic look of picket-style fencing. The fence panels have solid vinyl at the bottom with a top section that has pickets arranged along horizontal rails. These fences have no slats to slip through, a slick surface that dogs can’t climb, and too much height to jump easily.
Depending on the design you choose, there may be a gap at the bottom of the panel that small dogs or digging dogs can escape through. If you have a curious dog, they may jump up to try to get a view through the pickets.
Iron fences are an elegant choice that provides security and durability. Though these fences aren’t suitable for small dogs, they have the ideal security for medium to large breeds. Here are some popular iron dog fence ideas:
Traditional design, great for large or strong dogs
A classic iron fence is a traditional design constructed of iron with evenly spaced posts and pickets. You’ll often see classic iron fences in historic districts, estates, parks, and commercial properties with varying degrees of finials, scrollwork, or different motifs.
While classic iron fences come in a variety of styles and heights to suit different architectural styles, they often have too much open space to be a good choice for small dog breeds. Otherwise, iron fences are difficult to climb or break through, making them ideal for strong dogs and escape artists.
Great for escape artists and digging dogs
If you have a relentless digger, an iron fence with a cement base offers a specialized solution that can keep your pet contained. You’ll get the durability and security of iron with a cement base that no dog can get past, reducing the risk of roaming or damage.
The cement forms an impenetrable barrier for dogs that love to dig, but there are still spaces that smaller dogs can slip through above the cement.
Great for privacy large dogs
If you want security with privacy and a barrier to keep your dog in the yard, an iron fence with hedges can be the ideal choice. This fence type is classic and complements any architectural style, and the addition of the hedge provides some visual screening and a barrier that’s more difficult for your dog to get through.
While it’s more difficult to get through a hedge, it’s not impossible for a determined dog. Smaller dogs can get into the hedge and through the fence gaps, so it’s important to be careful. Athletic dogs may be able to use the hedge as a platform to jump out of the yard as well, so keep that in mind while you’re designing the landscaping.
Great for privacy and large or small dogs
Iron fences with climbing vines and other decorative plants are an attractive choice that balances rustic and industrial with natural elements. Like the hedge, an iron fence with decorative plants can offer some visual screening and a barrier that prevents your dog from climbing or getting through the openings in the fence posts.
That said, it’s possible for a small or determined dog to work their way through the plants to the gaps in the fence. Medium or large dogs are unlikely to climb this fence, but it is possible to dig under it.
In order to choose the best fence for your dog, you have to know your dog and what will keep them most secure. The team at Austex Fence & Deck is here to help. Get a free, instant online quote or contact us today to schedule your consultation!
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