Fences serve many purposes, and pet safety is one of them. Whether you live on a main road, or a quiet street, keeping your dog in your property is vitally important for the dog’s safety, and the safety of others. However, if you’re an experienced dog owner you’ll know that some dogs are simply too determined to be stopped by ordinary fencing. If the style of fence isn’t the right one, they find ways under, over, and around them.
Luckily, there are several varieties of fences that are effective dog barriers. Here are the best ones.
The best outdoor dog fence is aluminium
Aluminium fences are the best for keeping dogs in for a number of reasons, but the most obvious is their durability. One of the most common reasons dogs escape fenced yards is through a damaged and deteriorated fence, and timber fences are especially susceptible to this problem. In a humid subtropical climate like Queensland’s, exposed timber can easily rot or be ravaged by termites. Aluminium, on the other hand, doesn’t degrade as easily, and won’t corrode when exposed to the elements. That means it’s likely to remain effective for years.
Other dog proof fences
Of course, aluminium isn’t the only dog proof fencing option. Despite the flaws of timber, timber palings are a good alternative option for keeping dogs penned. The timber palings can be spaced to suit the size and breed of your dog. And if you have a large breed, you’re in luck—less timber will be needed to keep the pooch inside.
Internal dog barriers
Not all dog fences are external—there are plenty of situations in which you may need an internal dog barrier as well. For example, you may wish to keep your dog off the elevated deck for safety reasons, or you may wish to keep it out of your upstairs level to keep your house clean. The perfect solution in both cases is an internal aluminium dog barrier. These types of barriers are configured in a similar way to pool fences, and include a sturdy and easy-to-open gate. They are generally about waist high, so they’re not too intrusive, but you can get higher ones if you need. The benefit of aluminium in this case is purely aesthetic. Powder coated aluminium offers a smooth finish, complete with the durability we discussed above.
Fences for dog owners to avoid
Now let’s cover some of the fences to steer clear of if you’re a dog owner – starting with chain link fencing. Chain link fences are cheap and sturdy, which makes them an appealing choice in some cases. But they’re usually made from galvanised steel, which doesn’t corrode, but can still easily rust. That can create weak points which your dog will eventually find, and exploit with the skill of a velociraptor. Worse, though, is the prospect that those weak links could expose sharp and pointed edges, which could injure your furry friend.
Solutions for dogs jumping fences
If your dog is jumping your fence, it’s time to rethink your fencing. The best thing to do is install a higher fence, but we understand that can be expensive, and it’s not always going to be a feasible option. If you need a quick fix to keep your dog from jumping your fence while you get a new one sorted, we would recommend a canvas or polyester sheet extension at the top of your fence. Shade cloth material works well, especially if it’s angled inward to discourage your dog from attempting the jump. Be warned, though—it’s not a sturdy fix, and it won’t last forever.