Tips for Choosing a Fence for Your Furry Friend
Dogs were meant to run free — but whether you live in the suburbs, the city or the secluded countryside, keeping your pets safe with reliable fencing is an important concern. We’ve been installing dog-friendly fences in the greater St. Louis area for 20+ years.
Here are just a few of the many tips we advise you consider when selecting a fence for dogs that’s both attractive and effective:
1. Pick it for pickets
Nothing like a good fencing pun, is there? No? Well, regardless, it pays to pay attention to pickets when choosing the right dog fence. Whether you opt for traditional fencing material or something more maintenance-free like vinyl or aluminum (and for your sake, we hope that you do), the picket design is critical in ensuring your pets stay safely contained in the yard. Vinyl fencing comes in a variety of picket styles, many of which are well-suited for dog containment.
For small dogs, consider a fence with tightly spaced pickets, such as the popular (and affordable) Princeton style fencing. The Princeton is the most popular contemporary style pet fence that Maintenance-Free Outdoor Solutions offer in the St. Louis area. While the Baron style vinyl fence is an excellent choice for containing larger dogs, with an evenly spaced, wider picket style.
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- Baron Fencing
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- Princeton Fencing
> Pro Tip: Keep in mind that for larger and more aggressive dogs, a stronger, more durable fence is best, such as a commercial grade aluminum fence.
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2. Think strength
For larger and more aggressive dogs, traditional wooden fences just don’t cut it — they’re simply not strong enough. We’ve installed a lot of dog containment fences in St. Louis over the years, and for clients with big dogs, we always recommend a stronger, more durable solution like aluminum, vinyl or steel fencing. In addition to being stronger and more durable than wood fencing, these other fencing materials are virtually maintenance-free, so you can watch your pet play in the backyard — and they don’t have to watch you work!
3. Height matters
Admittedly, it’s probably not an issue if you’re looking to contain a Chihuahua or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, but safely containing larger dogs like German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers typically means investing in a taller, more secure fence. Keep in mind, too, that many traditional options — like chain link fences — are easily scalable by many dogs, and are not well suited for safe pet containment.
4. Location is key
As they say in real estate, “location is key,” and the same is true for placing a fence designed to keep dogs safely contained in your yard. Digging is instinctive for many breeds, and burrowing beneath fences is a tempting challenge for the most determined doggies. Once you’ve decided on a fence, be sure to consider proper placement and landscaping to deter your furry friends from tunneling their way out. Different soil types and even decorative landscaping elements can make a big difference.
Your Fencing Solution
Providing a safe place for your dogs to run and play is vital to your pet’s well-being as well as your peace of mind. Fortunately, fencing has come a long way since ineffective wood, scalable chain link, and cost-prohibitive wrought iron. Ready for an effective and an attractive fencing solution that’s virtually maintenance-free? Contact the fencing pros at Maintenance-Free Outdoor Solutions today — we’re happy to help. Click here for a free no-obligation estimate and consultation.
