Garden Fencing Ideas for Dogs
The sun is finally peaking out from beyond the clouds and that starts to make us think about getting out in the garden. Your furry friends might also want a bit of vitamin D so we've put together a guide on the right garden fencing for dogs to keep them safe and sound. We also include some bonus garden tips as well, so read on to learn more.
Why you need a garden fence for dogs.
We love our dogs and we'd do anything to keep them safe. If you have a garden that you let your dogs play in, it's essential you install a garden fence for them. This is because it keeps your pet safe from harm in many ways;
- Other people are safe from your pet. Even if you have a friendly dog, some may attack unexpectedly when they feel threatened.
- You may be fined by the Dog Warden for an escaped dog. Plus, they will charge for housing the dog while they discover who the owner is. If this happens frequently enough, the fixed penalty can be increased up to £1000.
- If your dog has not been spayed or neutered, preventing it from visiting lovers will avoid any unexpected puppies.
- You may also avoid paying for the vet bills of another injured animal if your dog encounters another pet.
- It's a deterrent for criminals. Dog snatching is on the rise and having a secure fence will reduce the chances of a break-in.
- Your dog will not cause an accident, whether that's on the road or in your neighbourhood.
- Having a garden fence will provide you with peace of mind about your dog's safety.
Dog Proofing Garden Fencing Ideas
If you don't already have a garden fence but you do have dogs, here's some garden fencing ideas for dogs that will keep them safe and sound.
High Enough
Now, this is likely dependent on your dog size but make sure your fence is high enough so they cannot jump over it. While a small dog will be easier to contain, some medium-sized dogs and of course large dogs, can jump surprisingly high when they want to. A waist-high fence usually won't suffice, so opt for a standard six-foot fence panel. Make sure you check the laws regarding how high a fence can be in your area and for your property before committing to your garden fence panel size.
Solid Fence Panels
There are many different types of garden fencing and we discuss some of the various options in our article, what is the best garden fencing. But, we believe the best garden fencing for dogs is a solid or semi-solid form of fence panels. Slatted wooden fence panels provide only a thin gap that will not allow dogs to put their paws or noses through to the other side. Not only will this stop them from getting hurt but will reduce the risk to people walking by if your garden backs on to someone else's garden or a highway. If your dogs get riled up at the sight of other dogs or people, then we'd advise getting double slatted wooden fence panels. They still have the same beautiful, contemporary look as single slatted panels but will reduce visibility. This will keep you and your dog calm by restricting the view. It will also stop others from looking into your garden, another bonus.
Secure Gates
If your garden needs an entrance that doesn't come through the house, you should get a secure gate to keep your pets in. A latch lever that is high up the gate is good, but you'll be surprised how many dogs figure out how to open these types of locks, so the higher the better. A more secure option is a bolt, though this won't open from the other side of the gate. If your dog is a keen escape artist, you may want to consider installing a double gate system. Having two gates with a gap between them as a type of lobby will reduce the chances of your dog bolting into the street when you are trying to bring the shopping in.
Options to stop digging
Some dogs just love to dig, so for these furry friends, we'd recommend installing some provisions in the ground as part of building your garden fence. Using a metal plate or grid, buried under the base of a fence will stop even the most determined digger. If a sub-level fence is not possible, use rocks around the base of a fence to deter their digging. Some of their digging may be natural while other forms might be behavioural issues. Check out the Humane Society guide on dogs digging.
Other Garden Considerations
It's not all about the fence when it comes to keeping your dog safe.
Remove Escape Aids
Move bins, planters and furniture away from your fence so your dogs don't use it to hop over. Not only will it stop the escape, but it will also reduce the risk of injury. Ideally, you should not leave your dogs unsupervised for long periods in your garden.
Plants
Plants in the garden are an important consideration for all pet owners. Of course, you must do your research and avoid any poisonous plants that will harm your dog if ingested. But you can actually use plants as a deterrent for digging and escaping. Spikey or dense plants make a great barrier against fencing or for areas where fencing cannot be installed. As with poisonous plants, do your research to make sure they are suitable for your breed of dogs, as some can damage their eyes when contact is made.
Pet-Friendly Garden Fencing
We hope we've provided you with lots of solutions for your garden-escaping dogs. If you would like any further help or advice, our team is always happy to help. Check out our collection of suitable fencing, secure gates and additional supports to help you build the perfect garden fence for your home and furry friends.