Keep your furry friends safe. We review the best fence styles for jumpers, diggers, and visual barkers.
By The Fence Lady Co. Team
Published: April 5, 2024
Securing the Yard for Your Best Friend
For many homeowners, the primary reason for installing a fence is keeping a dog safe. But not all dogs are the same. A fence that works for a lazy Golden Retriever won't necessarily contain an athletic Husky or a digging Terrier.
For the "Visual Barker"
If your dog barks at every squirrel, mail carrier, and neighbor that walks by, you need to eliminate their line of sight.
**Best Option:** Solid Cedar Privacy or Vinyl Privacy.
**Why:** If they can't see the stimulus, they are much less likely to bark or become agitated. Avoid chain link or ornamental iron, which provide a clear view of the street.
For the "Jumper and Climber"
Athletic dogs can easily clear a 4-foot fence, and some can climb chain link like a ladder.
**Best Option:** 6-Foot Solid Wood or Smooth Vinyl.
**Why:** Height is crucial, but the surface matters too. Chain link provides paw-holds. A smooth, solid 6-foot fence is nearly impossible for a dog to climb. Ensure the smooth side of the fence faces the inside of the yard so the dog can't use the horizontal rails as stepping stools.
For the "Digger"
Some dogs treat the yard like an excavation site. A standard fence won't stop them if they can dig under the bottom rail.
**Best Option:** Any fence style, but with added subterranean security.
**Why:** You can add a "dig guard" (chicken wire or welded wire buried a foot deep into the trench below the fence line). Alternatively, installing a treated wood rot-board tight against the ground can deter digging.
For the "Escape Artist" (Small Dogs)
Small dogs can squeeze through surprising gaps.
**Best Option:** Ornamental Iron with "Puppy Pickets" or Solid Wood.
**Why:** Standard ornamental iron pickets are spaced 4 inches apart—enough for a small terrier to squeeze through. "Puppy pickets" add extra bars at the bottom to reduce the gap to 2 inches or less.
What About Invisible/Electric Fences?
While cheaper, invisible fences do not prevent other animals (like coyotes or stray dogs) from entering your yard and threatening your pet. A physical barrier is always the safest option.
Related Questions
How high of a fence do I need for a large dog?
A 6-foot fence is generally considered the standard for containing large or athletic breeds safely.
Can my dog chew through a vinyl fence?
It is highly unlikely. Vinyl is tough, smooth, and tastes terrible, making it a very poor target for chewing compared to soft wood.
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