8 Best Fences for Dogs: Pros and Cons of Every Option
Keep Fido from fleeing with these pet-friendly fences
When you have a dog, having a fence on your property is a good idea. A fenced-in yard lets your pup run around, play, and sniff all the smells, all while keeping them safe. Choosing the best fence for your dog ultimately comes down to your yard, your dog’s needs, and, of course, your budget.
With the cost to install a dog fence between $1,500 and $8,000, it’s important to do your homework before writing a check. Here are some of the best Fido-friendly fence options to choose from.
1. Chain Link Fencing
A chain-link fence costs $10 to $20 per linear foot. Sure, it might not do much in the way of curb appeal, but it’s affordable, easy to maintain, and an effective dog fencing option.
However, there are some drawbacks to consider with chain-link fencing. For one, any broken fence pieces can be a safety hazard that can cut or poke your pup. If your dog is a digger, they could also easily tunnel underneath the fence. If you choose a chain-link fence, inspect the perimeter of your yard regularly so your dog doesn’t get hurt or make an escape.
Pros
Affordable
Durable
Easy installation
Cons
Escape artists can climb over or dig under
Not the most visually appealing option
2. Vinyl Panel Fencing
A busy homeowner's dream, vinyl panel fencing is easy to maintain. Vinyl panels offer dense, solid protection around your yard that keeps out views and disturbances from the street. Its density means it’s durable—perfect for keeping your dog from sprinting after neighborhood squirrels.
Vinyl is often much less expensive to purchase and install than an option like wood fencing (the cost to install a vinyl fence is $10 to $35 per linear foot). You don’t have to worry about painting or sealing, either—a good power washing once a year should be everything you need to keep your vinyl fence sparkling.
Pros
Potential to plant shrubs by fencing to dissuade digging
Dogs don’t scratch vinyl as easily as wood
No nails or broken chain links to worry about
Cons
More expensive than chain link fences
Homeowners may prefer the visual aesthetics of other options, like wood
3. Wood Fencing
Wood is a pricey fencing option (installing a wood fence costs $11 to $45 per linear foot), but it also adds classic charm to your yard—and gives your pup a safe space to play safely.
When the wooden boards are placed solidly side-by-side, you won’t have to worry about your dog wiggling between the posts in pursuit of a smell. This will also keep other animals, like a passing bunny or neighborhood cat, from wandering into your yard. Wooden privacy fencing is also a great choice if your dog is a jumper—some active breeds can jump 6 feet high.
Pros
Visually pleasing and easily customizable for your yard
Good sound and visual barrier
Pets aren’t often able to jump over tall wooden fences
Cons
Dogs can potentially dig under the fence to escape
Wood fencing requires regular maintenance
Loose nails can hurt your pet
4. Metal Fencing
Metal fencing has traditionally been used as pool, driveway, and landscaping fencing. However, this option has caught on as a choice for dog fencing in recent years due to its attractive, sleek look. Metal fencing, specifically made from aluminum, steel, and wrought iron picket fencing with gaps or holes in the framework, can allow you to fence your entire yard without blocking views or creating a "closed off" look. However, it does come at a price—the cost to install wrought iron fencing is $25 to $35 per linear foot compared to an aluminum fence cost averaging between $7 and $32 per linear foot.
So, will a metal fence work for your doggo? It all depends on their needs. If your pup has a high prey drive, which is a built-in instinct to chase prey like a rabbit or squirrel, they might be a little too excitable for a wrought iron fence to keep them happy. These fences are also not ideal for small dogs who can wiggle (or, in the case of teeny-tiny pups like Chihuahuas) just walk out between the bars.
So, a wrought iron fence won't be the best fit unless you have a moderately sized, calm woofer.
Pros
A sleek look
Very durable
Cons
Doesn’t block views of potential distractions for dogs
Needs to be tall enough to keep your dog inside
Crafty dogs may squeeze through openings to escape
5. Corrugated Metal Fencing
For a metal fence option that offers plenty of privacy for dogs and homeowners, corrugated metal fencing is a viable choice. It stands out for its longevity, low maintenance, and resistance to rust and weathering and features a vertical orientation. This design boasts increased security compared with its open-weave counterparts. A corrugated metal fencing cost averages between $17 to $90 per linear foot, putting it in the middle-ground cost range compared with other types of dog fences.
Pros
Durable, sturdy barrier
Difficult for dogs to climb or jump over
Low-maintenance
Cons
May have a higher upfront cost
Can transmit sound in certain areas, increasing noise levels
Sensitive to temperature, so homeowners need to know how to keep dogs away from a fence during hot weather
6. Invisible Dog Fencing
Invisible dog fencing costs $2.50 per linear foot. Hiring a local invisible fence installer might be your only option if your HOA has fencing rules or if you have a large property and don’t want to invest in the high costs of installing a traditional fence. Some areas are also simply not easily fenced, especially if it’s an area with rough terrain or many slopes.
However, there are several factors to consider. For one, these invisible fences deliver shocks to your dog. Some people have strong feelings about using invisible fences and don’t feel they are safe or humane for dogs.
This negative reinforcement can also lead to dogs associating boundary lines with punishment. And the shocks don’t always deter every dog—over time, smart dogs may learn how the fence works and simply run across, regardless of the shock. As a dog security fence, this may not be the best option. Plus, since there’s no physical barrier, other animals—and people—could easily walk onto your property.
Pros
No need to install traditional fencing
No need to worry about a fence obstructing views
Cons
Painful to your pet
May not work for every dog
The collar battery can die unexpectedly, leaving your dog free to run off
Doesn’t keep other animals out
7. Picket Fencing
Picket fences are shorter than traditional fences, at 3 to 4 feet tall. It’s a good fit for you if your dog is calm and hasn’t shown an interest in escaping. Though visually pleasing, these fences are not enough to contain large dogs or dogs that love to run off whenever they can.
Pros
One of the most affordable types of fencing at $10 to $75 per linear foot
Visually appealing and adds to your home’s curb appeal
Cons
Won’t contain most pets
Dogs can squeeze through pickets, jump over, or dig under
8. Hog Wire Fencing
Hog wire fencing is a good option if you don’t like the look and feel of chain link, but still need a low-profile fence to contain your dog. Hog wire fencing costs depend on the size of your yard, but are often less expensive than more traditional wood fencing.
Pros
Durable
Affordable
Long-lasting
Cons
Low to the ground, so not a fit for dogs that like to jump
Not much privacy—your dog can still see any distractions walking by
What to Consider When Choosing a Dog Fence
There are a lot of different fence options for dogs, and some are bound to work better for you and your pet than others. Here are the most important points to keep in mind.
Installation Costs
First off, you’ll want to consider your budget. Because there’s a range of pricing for each type of fence, you want to figure out your top two or three options and call dog fencing installers near you to get estimates. On average, dog fence costs will range between $1,000 and $8,000.
When you compare the different types of dog fencing for yards, you’ll notice that vinyl can be a good deal, especially since it doesn’t have some of the downsides of other cost-effective options, like chain link, picket, and electric fences. For example, even if you know how to install an electric fence for dogs, the DIY cost may still be high given the necessary requirements.
Size of Your Yard
Consider the size of your yard, whether you have a smaller yard or over 10 acres of land. If your yard is smaller and you’re covering less space, you may have a bigger range of options because even the most costly fencing type may be within your budget.
On the other hand, if you have a substantial property spanning 5 to 10 acres or more, you may consider an invisible fence. The range of fencing depends on the brand, so be sure to research and ensure the product you choose will fit your needs.
Style
Like with any home addition, you’ll want to consider the fence’s style. Some fence options, like vinyl and wood, are versatile with different customization options. In other words, you can find the exact color and style that matches your home’s exterior.
Durability
If you have an energetic dog, then the durability of the fence will be a big part of your decision. For example, a chain link fence may not be sufficient, and you may need to opt for vinyl or a brick fence.
You can also take steps to increase the durability of your fencing. You can bury the fence about 2-feet underground, so when the dogs dig, they hit a wall. You can also reinforce holes with chicken wire, concrete, or a layer of gravel.
Maintenance
Some fence types are easier to maintain than others. Also, if you have a dog that may be destructive, consider what kind of damage and maintenance your fence may require over time.
Vinyl and chain link fences are easier to maintain than wood fences. Brick and stone maintenance requires annual cleaning and sealant, while electric fences require regular voltage checks.
Your Dog
Last but certainly not least, take your dog’s personality and behavior into account. A small, well-behaved dog may be fine with a low picket fence, while a large, highly energetic dog may need a tall, vinyl fence with concrete poured at the base.
Besides your dog's current behavior and traits, finding out why some dogs are so antsy to escape is helpful. It may be anything from pure boredom to anxiety or inability to keep their cool around squirrels and other animals.
Scott Dylan Westerlund and Mizuki Hisaka contributed to this piece.