How to Dog-Proof Your Fence (2024)

The world is full of adventures, and dogs are naturally curious creatures. They love to explore their surroundings, which can sometimes lead them to find creative ways to get past your fence. To keep them safe, it’s important to dog-proof your fence. Here’s how.

Why Do Dogs Try to Escape?

There are a number of reasons why dogs climb over, dig under, or find other ways to escape fences. Some are motivated by curiosity or a desire to explore their surroundings. Others are bored, have pent-up energy, or even feel stress. They may be lonely or looking for their owner. It’s important to understand your dog’s specific motivations for climbing and address them accordingly.

You should always make sure that:

• Your dog is happy and not stressed
• The dog gets enough exercise and opportunities to explore and play
• You lock the gates and secure any potential escape routes

However, dogs frequently want to venture outside of their boundaries because they’re curious about their surroundings, local wildlife, or neighbors’ dogs. And they find many creative ways to do so, from climbing to digging and even chewing on fence material. They also like to take advantage of any gaps or weak spots in the fence.

A really good escape artist can be frustrating, but there are things you can do to nip this habit, pun intended.

9 Ways to Dog-Proof a Fence

Add Large Rocks Along Your Fence

Make digging difficult with a fun DIY project. By partially burying large rocks along your fence, you create an impenetrable obstacle that makes it challenging for dogs to dig underneath. The uneven surface and varying sizes of the rocks deter them from attempting to dig, providing an effective barrier. They can look natural and aesthetically pleasing, too.

Works best against: Diggers
Estimated price: Boulders typically cost $100 to $385 per ton.

Bury Chicken Wire at the Base of the Fence

Another effective method to prevent dogs from tunneling under your fence is to bury chicken wire fencing at the base. Chicken wire buried just beneath the fence line creates a barrier. You can use landscaping or mulch to cover any exposed edges of the chicken wire.

However, make sure you roll the sharp edges away from your yard.

Works best against: Diggers
Estimated price: You can buy 50 feet of 4-foot-tall chicken wire for around $34

Sink Your Fence Below Ground Level

The most important step to dog-proofing your fence is making sure that you have the right fence in the first place. You can learn about common fence types here. But the best fences for dog owners are typically ones that are tall and sturdy, such as vinyl fences, or aluminum fences. These provide a physical barrier that should deter your fluffy companions from climbing.

A chain-link fence is another budget-friendly option. If you build a chain-link fence, you can also add a section of fencing on top (lean-ins) or bottom (l-footing) to further prevent any escape attempts. However, your dog will be able to see through this fence, so you may also want to consider installing one of the solutions mentioned below (e.g., privacy screens or landscaping). Moreover, if you get a chain-link fence, take note that some of the other dog-proofing measures, like blunt pest spikes, probably won’t work on it.

Also, by installing your fence one to two feet below the surface, you can further prevent your dog’s digging attempts.

Works best against: Climbers, diggers, dogs that chew on fences or try to find weak spots
Estimated price: A new fence usually costs between $1,330 to $5,550, or $3,440 on average; get your quote

Use Pavers or Pour a Concrete Footer

For even more protection from digging, consider installing concrete footing (sometimes called concrete footers) for your fence. You simply pour concrete into a trench dug alongside the fence line. This creates a solid foundation and makes it much more difficult for dogs to dig and escape. It also makes fences more stable.

Take note, though, that concrete footing only works with new fences because the concrete needs to be poured and set before the fence is installed. It also doesn’t work with all fence types.

You can also install pavers at the base of your fence. Typically used in patios and as stepping stones, they can provide a strong wall to prevent digging.

Works best against: Diggers
Estimated price: May cost anywhere between $1.50 and $24 per linear foot; however, most average around $5 to $9 per linear foot

Conceal the Outside World With Privacy Screens

Sometimes, a sneak peek into the exciting world outside can be enticing for dogs, leading them to become more determined to escape. Privacy screens can be an effective solution for concealing the outside world and reducing your dog’s curiosity. There are various types and heights available, and they’re especially useful if you have a fence that is otherwise easily see-through.

Works best against: Diggers and dogs that are generally interested in the outside world
Estimated price: Prices vary, but you can get 6-feet high 50-feet long privacy screens for $46.50; a 3-pack of 3.3-feet-high and 16.4-feet-long bamboo curtains for around $107; prices vary based on material, height, and manufacturer

Make Sure There Are No Weak Spots in Your Fence

Sometimes, the answer to keeping your dog on your property is right in front of you: a strong and sturdy fence. If you don’t want to build a new fence, it’s important to ensure that there are no weak spots in your existing fence that your dog can exploit. Small dogs, especially, may be able to squeeze through gaps or dig under a fence if there are any weak spots.

Regularly inspect and reinforce any areas that may be vulnerable to prevent any escape attempts. Check that your dog doesn’t try to chew on any part of the fence, either, especially if you have a wooden fence. Here’s more about repairing a wooden fence.

Works well against: Dogs that chew on fences or try to find weak spots
Estimated price: Fence repairs may cost between as little as $50 and as much as $2,500, but the average cost is $460; get your quote

Grow Plants As Natural Climbing, Digging, and Chewing Deterrents

If you’re looking for a more natural approach, consider using landscaping like plants and shrubs to deter your dogs from climbing and digging. Some plants, such as rose bushes, have thorns or prickly leaves that can discourage dogs from escape attempts. They’ll help keep them inside and intruders outside.

Alternatively, dense shrubs, hedges, and trees can create a physical barrier that dogs are less likely to try to get through.

Also, who doesn’t love a beautiful garden filled with vibrant flowers and plants? Here’s more about the benefits of living fences.

Works well against: Climbers, diggers, dogs that chew on fences or try to find weak spots
Estimated price: Shrubs, hedges, and trees cost anywhere from $25 to $3,000 per plant

Set Up Pest Spikes with Blunt Tips

Some dogs are just determined to climb over the fence. If that sounds like your pup, there are various solutions, and blunt pest spikes are one of them. You should be able to place blunt pest spikes with blunt tips on top of your fence if it’s thick enough.

Blunt pest spikes are specifically designed to deter animals from gaining access to your yard by creating an uncomfortable and unsteady surface. Because their blunt tips are humane and safe, they won’t harm your dog or potential intruders.

Pest spikes with blunt tips are commonly used for birds, cats, raccoons, and other animals. But there’s no reason they shouldn’t work against canines.

Works best against: Climbers
Estimated price: $20 to $30 for one set of 20 blunt pest spikes (you’ll probably need multiple sets); $20 to $30 for an outdoor spike-deterrent mat

Consider Coyote Rollers

Do you have an avid climber at home? Consider coyote rollers. These rollers are designed to prevent coyotes from climbing over fences by creating a slippery surface that they cannot grip. But they work against avid climber pups, too. They can provide an effective solution for keeping your furry companion safely contained in your outdoor space. Plus, they can also prevent animal intruders from getting inside your property.

It’s important to note, though, that they may not work for every dog (or coyote). It’s important to specifically consider your situation and what’s best for your yard.

Works well against: Climbers
Estimated price: You can get a pack of five 17-inch rollers for $43 (you’ll probably need multiple)

Discourage Escape Attempts With Vinegar

One of the easiest ways to keep your curious dog from attempting to explore the outside world on its own is to deter it with a harmless scent (and taste) it doesn’t like, such as vinegar. To be clear, this won’t necessarily keep the dog within its boundaries, because a really determined furry escape artist will get past an unpleasant smell.

But you could consider applying vinegar to your fence as well as using other dog-proofing methods to further discourage any escape attempts. Just remember that you’ll need to reapply it if it rains.

Works well against: Climbers, diggers, dogs that chew on fences or try to find weak spots
Estimated cost: $2 to $4 for a bottle of vinegar

An Extra Fence

Maybe you have an extra persistent furry escape artist. Or, your dog and the neighbor’s dog may be constantly barking at each other. If your neighbors have other animals, they may also be a problem. Sometimes a double fence is necessary to address specific issues.

Because an extra fence isn’t the most affordable option and takes away from your yard space, it may be a good idea to consider other options first. However, if the issues with your dog persist and other solutions have been ineffective, an extra fence can provide a solution.

Works best against: Climbers, diggers, dogs that chew on fences or try to find weak spots
Estimated price: A new fence usually costs between $1,330 to $5,550, or $3,440 on average; get your quote

FAQ

Ready to Improve Your Fencing?

There are various ways you can keep your furry companion safe. Combine a strong, sturdy fence with some of the tips above, and your pup will have a much harder time escaping your yard than before. Get your quote to install your new fence today.

Main Image Credit: Ali Peterson / Canva Pro / License

Related Posts