There are plenty of factors you should consider when choosing the right fence for your yard. One of the most important, and most often overlooked, is whether the fence will be suitable for containing a large dog. Generally speaking, large dog breeds have plenty of energy and can be great climbers.
So how do you know what kind of fence will be best for your big dog? Well, here at Legend Fence Corp, we’ve had plenty of experience installing fences for customers with big dogs, so we know exactly what does the job. Here are some top tips to consider when choosing your fence.
1. Make sure your fence is high
Some people might not want a tall fence because they can block out nice views or make your backyard feel smaller. However, if you’ve got a big dog, then the height of your fence is probably the most important thing to consider. Big dog breeds, such as Huskies and Labradors, have an amazing ability to jump, which can be impressive at times, but not when they’re trying to escape from your yard.
For a large breed, a fence around 6ft high should be fine. It’s unlikely your dog will be able to jump higher than this, but if they can then you can always add an extension onto the fence at a later date. At the absolute minimum, you should choose a fence that’s 5ft high, but always consider how athletic your dog is.
2. Choose the right materials
There are plenty of options to choose from when selecting the material for your fence, and each has its own pros and cons. However, if you’re installing a fence to contain your big dog, then you need to be much more careful about which material you choose. Most large dog breeds are very strong and wouldn’t have a difficult time getting through a low-quality fence, even if it’s made from durable materials.
The best choice of material for using around a large dog would be either wood panels or vinyl. Sure, chain link fences might seem the sturdiest option, but these come with a range of other issues for containing a dog. A fence made from high quality wood, vinyl, or composite will be the best options because they’re resistant to jumping, scratching, and chewing.
3. Don’t forget they can climb
Many large dog breeds are actually surprisingly good climbers, but only if they’ve got good footholds. This is why chain link is a bad idea because your dog will have little problem climbing over it. Panel fences, or vinyl fences, are an ideal choice because they don’t give your dog any footholds, meaning their only option for escape would be jumping. And providing you’ve built the fence high enough, this shouldn’t be a problem.
Along with your choice of materials, you should also ensure there aren’t any boosters around the fence that your dog could jump from. Things like planters and bird baths might seem like a good idea, but you’ll probably think differently when your dog uses them as a springboard to get out of the yard. One of the best things to do is let your dog into the garden and keep an eye on it. See where it goes, and if there are any areas you’re suspicious of, make sure there’s nothing they can jump on.
4. Are they territorial?
Being territorial isn’t unique to large dogs, although their size and strength makes it a bigger issue. Does your dog love to bark at people or animals as they pass by your house? You might find this annoying, but your dog only thinks it’s doing its job. However, this is definitely something you should consider when choosing the right material for your fence.
The best options will again be something like wooden panels or vinyl. The aim is to install a privacy fence so your dog has no visibility outside of your property. For this reason, chain link is obviously a no go. Installing a solid fence will theoretically mean your dog acts slightly calmer, and will hopefully reduce the risk of them wanting to escape. After all, if they can’t see that dog walking, then they won’t want to chase after it.
5. Pay attention to fence upkeep
While this tip applies to all fences, regardless of whether they’re containing a large dog, it’s particularly applicable in this case. As mentioned above, large dogs are strong, and so you don’t want your fence to be weakened through lack of care. This will give your dog more opportunity to escape, which is the last thing you want.
If you have a wooden fence, make sure you clean and treat it every year. Vinyl and chain link fences have less upkeep, but should be checked regularly for signs of damage and wear. If your wooden panel fence is looking a bit shabby, one of the best options might be to replace it. Dogs are clever and will more than likely know if there’s a weakness in your fence, and they’ll be perfectly happy to exploit it.
6. Give your dog reason to not want to jump the fence
Granted, this tip isn’t directly related to your choice of fence, but it’s useful nonetheless. Dogs often want to escape out of boredom, too much energy, or curiosity. So, you should do everything possible to stop it from wanting to escape. Make sure there’s plenty for your dog to do in the yard, and work on modifying their behavior so they know not to escape. This will be just as useful as building an escape-proof fence.
Conclusion
Hopefully these tips have helped you see what kind of fence it takes to contain a big dog. However, if this has made you realize that your current fence isn’t up to the job, then give Legend Fence Corp a call. We have over 15 years experience in the industry, and know exactly what fences will work around big dogs.
