How to Make a Dog Proof Fence: Dealing with Digging, Chewing, Jumping, and Motivation
Digging and Chewing
There’s great variation in the eagerness of dogs to dig and also in their digging abilities. Of course, if a person expects to be present at all times when the dog is out, then digging is not an issue. Irrespective of the precise circumstances, however, there’s really no such thing as a completely dog proof fence. if digging is an issue, one needs to take appropriate countermeasures–by training Fido not to dig under fences, or by establishing a digging barrier on the ground. For more on such alternatives see Fence Options.
Chewing is less of a problem, because most dog fences resist chewing. The main exception is plastic (polypropylene) fencing, which is easy for a chewing dog to penetrate. So if you think your dog might be inclined to chew the fence, or that chew-prone rabbits or ground hogs might be a problem, that kind of fencing should be avoided. A good alternative in such a case would be one of our welded wire fences.
The Dog Proof Fence, Dog Size, and Jumping
Similarly, there’s great variation in the eagerness and ability of dogs to jump fences. Some small dogs, and many mid-size dogs like border collies, can really jump. If you want to create a dog proof fence to contain such pets you need a fence that is disproportionately tall. There are also certain large dogs that are good jumpers, though this ability tends to be less common as size increases. So in general dog owners find, if their dogs are small or disinclined to jump, that a four-foot fence will do; or, alternatively, if their pets are big-time jumpers that a six-foot fence will suffice.
Temperament and Motivation
It’s really obvious. Some dogs (especially older ones) are so passive that one could hardly imagine their challenging any fence. Others are so frisky and energetic (e.g., a young border collie) that challenging any fence is in their blood. Hence, temperament has a lot to say about the kind of fence one needs.
Beyond that, some dogs are highly motivated to seek freedom any way they can get it, while others are merely motivated to engage in certain kinds of behavior (like digging) that are apt to cause fence problems. Therefore, take full measure of your dog’s behavior in making your fence plans.
