How To Dog-Proof Your Fence

Not all fences are created equal. Dogs can dig, jump, squeeze, or chew their way out if the fence isn't secure.

To keep your pup protected, you need to dog-proof your fence based on their size, behavior, and level of desire to escape.

Here’s how to make sure your dog won’t get through your fence.

1. Evaluate Your Fence Material

First things first: what’s your fence made of? Different dogs respond differently to different materials.

When it comes to some of the most common fencing materials, keep these things in mind as you look at your current fence (or consider new fencing):

• Chain-link: This is a commonly used material, but it offers easy visibility, which may encourage barking or fence fighting. It's also easier for dogs to climb over.

• Vinyl: This is more durable and harder to chew, but it can crack under pressure.

• Wood: This is sturdy and provides privacy, but bored dogs can chew it.

• Wrought iron: It looks classy, but spacing between bars can be an escape risk for smaller dogs.

Pro tip: If you are installing a new fence, choose one that suits your dog’s personality. For example, if they’re a chewer, vinyl or metal may be better than wood. Otherwise, if you already have a fence installed, reinforce it to handle whatever escape tactics your dog may try.

2. Choose the Right Fence Height

Fence height matters more than you think. Some medium to large breeds, like Huskies and German Shepherds, are impressive jumpers.

The following fence heights are most likely (but not guaranteed) to keep your dog from escaping:

• Small dogs: 4 feet or higher

• Medium dogs: 5 feet or higher

• Large or agile dogs: 6 feet or higher

When in doubt, go higher than you think is necessary.

If your fence is already installed, finding ways to either heighten it or using deterrents to keep your dog from getting too close to the fence can help make sure they don't jump over.

Pro tip: Things like a trellis or a fence topper can give your fence some extra height.

Learn More: How To Dog-Proof Your Home

3. Secure the Bottom of the Fence

Digging is one of the most common escape tactics, especially for terriers and other natural diggers.

To prevent your dog from tunneling out, consider:

• Burying chicken wire or concrete pavers along the fence line

• Extending the fence below ground by at least one to two feet

• Lining the base of the fence with large rocks or pavers

• Pouring a concrete footer if you have a serious digger on your hands

• Using an L-footer barrier (wire fencing bent inward at the bottom)

Dogs have been known to dig under fences in minutes, so this is a must-follow tip if your dog likes to tunnel.

Pro tip: When you bring home a new dog, watch how they interact with your fence line. If it looks like they are about to start trying to dig under it, you’ll know reinforcing the bottom of the fence is necessary.

4. Reinforce and Lock All Gates

Gates are often the weakest point in your fence. Make sure:

• There are no gaps large enough for a head or paw to squeeze through

• They latch securely and can’t be nudged open

• Visitors and delivery workers know to keep them closed

• You use lockable latches or carabiners to prevent clever paws (or kids) from accidentally opening them

If you are worried about your pup slipping past you when you open the gate, look into adding a double gate or a “gate buddy” system to catch escapees before they reach the street.

Pro tip: Consider a self-closing hinge so the gate always shuts behind you or anyone else coming and going from your yard.

5. Close All Gaps

Dogs are escape artists. If there’s a gap, they’ll find it, and they might even widen it. They can slip through surprisingly small spaces.

If your dog’s head can fit, the rest often can, too. Inspect your fence for:

• Areas of erosion that create holes underneath

• Gaps under gates or between posts

• Loose boards, holes, or rusted-out chain-link sections

Patch or replace damaged areas immediately. Use additional slats, hardwire mesh, or filler boards to seal any gaps larger than two to three inches.

Pro tip: Watch out for sloped yards where the fence height varies and gaps form naturally.

6. Prevent Jumping or Climbing

Some dogs don't just jump; they climb. This can include Border Collies and Jack Russell Terriers.

If you want to discourage your dog from jumping or climbing over your fence:

• Add a coyote roller or angled topper to prevent climbing

• Avoid structures (benches, woodpiles, trash cans, tables, and chairs) near the fence that act as launch pads

• Consider installing privacy panels or vinyl slats to reduce visual triggers, like squirrels or passing dogs

Pro tip: Tall bushes or trees can unintentionally boost a dog's escape route. Clear those away from your fence line.

7. Use Deterrents if Needed

If you’ve tried angled toppers and coyote rollers, you might need to up your game.

For especially determined escape artists:

• Bitter sprays might discourage chewing at wooden fences

• Fence extension toppers can raise the fence height

• Motion-activated sprinklers may discourage escape-prone pups

Ultimately, supervised time is the best deterrent. Many dogs escape out of boredom, not rebellion.

8. Address the Root Cause of Escaping

Fencing is only part of the solution. Most dogs try to escape for a reason:

• Boredom: Try providing enrichment toys, training, or playtime

• Curiosity or mating instincts: Make sure your dog is spayed/neutered and mentally stimulated

• Separation anxiety: Avoid leaving them outside unsupervised for long

Take the time to understand why your dog is trying to get out of your yard. Then, try to address that issue. Working with a trainer might be helpful in curbing this unwanted behavior.

Pro tip: A dog with unmet needs will likely always find a way out, no matter how secure your fence is.

What About Invisible Fences?

Many people like them, but we aren’t among them. We don’t recommend them for the following reasons:

• If the battery in the collar dies, it won’t contain your dog

• If there’s a power outage, the system won’t work

• High-drive dogs may ignore the stimulation and run right through them

• They don’t keep other people or animals out

They may work for some dogs, but it will take a lot of time and training. The safer option will always be a fence and addressing why your dog is trying to make a break for it.

Bonus: Dog-Proofing for Specific Fence Types

Based on your fence type, here are some dog-proofing tips to help keep your dog in:

Fence Type	Watch Out For	Dog-Proofing Tips
Chain-link	Climbing, gaps, sharp edges	Use privacy slats, coyote rollers
Invisible/Electric	Limited effectiveness for some dogs	Use only with training and backup fencing
Iron/Wrought Iron	Wide bars your dog can slip through	Add mesh or wire lining
Vinyl	Cracks, separation between panels	Check corners and install ground barriers
Wood	Gaps, rot, digging at base	Inspect regularly, reinforce base, repair as needed

Final Thoughts

A dog-proof fence doesn’t mean your dog can be unsupervised in your yard 24/7. It does mean they’re safer while outside enjoying their yard.

Whether you’ve got a chill couch potato or a four-legged Houdini, taking a few smart precautions can help you avoid the heartache (and chaos) of a great escape.

Sources

1. Dolce, J. (2013, August 8). Peace in the Yard: 7 Ways to Dog Proof Your Fence. Retrieved from https://notesfromadogwalker.com/2013/08/08/dog-fence-fixes/

2. Best Friends. (n.d.). Dog-Proof Fence Ideas and Options. Retrieved from https://bestfriends.org/pet-care-resources/dog-proof-fence-ideas-and-options

3. Pet Playgrounds. (n.d.). Dog-Proof Fencing: Chew-Protection Solutions for Your Yard. Retrieved from https://petplaygrounds.com/2024/08/27/chew-proof-dog-fence/

4. The Ruly Bully. (n.d.). Dog Proofing a Fence: 14 Creative Options for a Secure Yard. Retrieved from https://www.therulybully.com/dog-proofing-a-fence/