As much as your dog loves you, sometimes he just wants to get out and explore. Fully enclosing your backyard is a great way to keep your pooch safe and happy. An enclosed yard allows your dog to enjoy playing outside without you needing to worry about what goes on beyond your boundaries. With the addition of a well-made fence, some specially-designed gates, and a watchful eye around your space, you can enclose your backyard to keep your dog protected and content.
Build an underground barrier around your yard perimeter. An underground barrier is necessary to prevent your dog from digging beneath a fence. Poured concrete is the most secure way to prevent your dog from tunneling its way to freedom. Ideally the concrete perimeter will be at least two inches wide and will extend at least two feet beneath the ground.
Consider fence options, and choose one that fits your needs and wants. Wood fences are attractive, but dogs can claw and chew their way through them. Choose a more durable material, such as vinyl, chain link, or wrought iron for your fence. If you choose a slatted fence, ensure that the spaces between slats are small enough that your dog cannot slip through them. The fence should be tall enough that your dog cannot jump over it. Check your neighborhood zoning laws concerning fencing before making a final decision.
Build the fence you have chosen or have it installed. If possible, extend the fence posts into the ground behind your concrete perimeter, making them extra sturdy. Check to make sure no objects in your yard are close to the fence that your dog could climb on and vault over the fence.
Add a slanted topper to your fence. A fence topper slanted inward will help prevent your dog from hopping the fence. With a fence topper, your dog cannot jump onto the top of the fence and then vault itself out of the yard.
Include double gates in your fence. For a double gate, a box-shaped section of fence is added at the gateway with an inner gate. You must enter the inner gate box to reach the outer gate when leaving the yard. From the outside, you will enter the outer gate into the gate box and then pass through the second gate into the yard. The second gate prevents your pooch from darting out of the yard when you or someone else opens the outer gate.
Add secure latches to your gates. Choose a latch complicated enough that your dog cannot fumble it open with its paws. If possible, place the latch high enough on the gate so your dog cannot reach it.
Perform regular perimeter checks in your backyard. Even if you have taken all the necessary precautions to enclose your yard, it is important to check your work periodically and make sure Fido hasn't been working on any future escape routes. Repair holes in the fence. Refill any digging spots and top them with rocks or other heavy objects. Check gate latches to see if they show signs of tampering.
Tips
For a cheaper, easier way to secure your underground perimeter, bury chicken wire or large rocks beneath your fence line. A stone or brick wall of appropriate height is another option in place of a fence. A padlock on the gate latch can keep your pup secure if unattended in the yard for extended periods of time. Puppies raised in a fenced yard will tend to obey the perimeter more readily than dogs who are introduced to the concept later in life.
Warnings
It is not advised that an invisible fence be added to your yard, as the shocks the dog receives when approaching the barrier can lead to aggression.
Warnings
It is not advised that an invisible fence be added to your yard, as the shocks the dog receives when approaching the barrier can lead to aggression.
Tips
For a cheaper, easier way to secure your underground perimeter, bury chicken wire or large rocks beneath your fence line.
A stone or brick wall of appropriate height is another option in place of a fence.
A padlock on the gate latch can keep your pup secure if unattended in the yard for extended periods of time.
Puppies raised in a fenced yard will tend to obey the perimeter more readily than dogs who are introduced to the concept later in life.
Items You Will Need
- Concrete
- Fence
- Fence topper
- Double gates
- Gate latches
- Large stones
References
Resources
Tips
- For a cheaper, easier way to secure your underground perimeter, bury chicken wire or large rocks beneath your fence line.
- A stone or brick wall of appropriate height is another option in place of a fence.
- A padlock on the gate latch can keep your pup secure if unattended in the yard for extended periods of time.
- Puppies raised in a fenced yard will tend to obey the perimeter more readily than dogs who are introduced to the concept later in life.
Warnings
- It is not advised that an invisible fence be added to your yard, as the shocks the dog receives when approaching the barrier can lead to aggression.
Writer Bio
Madeline Masters works as a dog walker and professional writer. In the past she has worked as a fitness columnist, fundraising copywriter and news reporter. Masters won two Pennsylvania Newspaper Association Awards in 2009. She graduated from Elizabethtown College with a Bachelor of Arts in English.