The best fence for dogs keeps your dog in, keeps distractions out and holds up to scratching, leaning and the occasional dig. Here’s how to choose a dog fence and the details that make the difference.
Which Fence Material Is Best for Dogs?
- Wood or vinyl privacy fence. The top choice for most dogs. Solid boards block the view of passing people, dogs and squirrels, which helps cut down on barking and fence-running. See privacy fencing.
- Aluminum. Good for calm dogs and where you want to keep the view. Picket spacing keeps most medium and large dogs in. Small dogs may fit through, so check the spacing for your breed.
- Split rail. Not a dog fence on its own. It marks a boundary but won’t contain a dog.
How Tall Should a Dog Fence Be?
For most dogs, a 6-foot privacy fence is plenty, and 6 feet is also the typical limit for side and rear yards here. St. Clair Shores allows privacy fences up to 6 feet 6 inches overall. Smaller, calmer dogs often do fine with 4 feet. Front yards have much lower limits, so plan the dog area for the back or side yard. See how tall a fence can be.
Close the Gap at the Bottom
Small dogs squeeze under fences, and diggers widen any gap they find. Keep the gap between the bottom of the fence and the ground tight. St. Clair Shores caps it at 3 inches for every fence. On uneven ground, we follow the grade so the gap stays consistent instead of opening up at low spots.
Make the Gate the Strongest Part
Most escapes happen at the gate, not over the fence:
- Self-closing hinges swing the gate shut if someone forgets.
- A latch your dog can’t nose open, mounted high or on the inside.
- A solid hinge post keeps the gate from sagging and leaving a gap at the latch side.
Read more in choosing a fence gate.
Diggers and Jumpers
If your dog digs along the fence line, tell us at the estimate so we can plan the bottom of the fence around it. For jumpers, the solid face of a privacy fence also helps, because dogs are less tempted by what they can’t see.
Do You Have an Invisible Dog Fence?
If you have an invisible or electric dog fence, its wire runs underground along your yard. Utilities don’t mark private lines like this through MISS DIG 811, so show us where it runs before we dig. See the installation prep checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Tall Should a Fence Be for a Large Dog?
For most large dogs, 6 feet is the right height, and it’s also the typical limit for side and rear yards in our area. See how tall a fence can be.
Is a Privacy Fence or an Open Fence Better for Dogs?
A solid wood or vinyl privacy fence is better for dogs that bark at passersby or chase what they see. An open aluminum fence keeps the view but lets dogs see everything going by.
Will an Aluminum Fence Keep a Small Dog In?
It depends on the gap between pickets and the size of your dog. Measure your dog and check the picket spacing before you choose aluminum.
Can a Fence Stop a Dog From Digging Out?
Keeping the bottom gap tight and following the grade helps. Tell us if your dog is a digger so we can plan the bottom of the fence around it.
Our Recommendation
For most families with a dog, a 6-foot wood or vinyl privacy fence with a self-closing walk gate is the right call. It keeps the dog in, keeps the yard private and meets the rules in most of our service area. Get a free dog fence quote.
Planning a fence? We check the rules for your address as part of every free estimate. Request your free quote or call (810) 614-4181.
