Because it is inexpensive and simple to deal with, chicken wire is a great material to use for your dog fence.
Additionally, the openings in chicken wire are small enough that your dog won’t be able to squeeze through them. It is a terrific tool to prevent your dog from destroying your lawn or burrowing through the fence when done correctly.
A chicken wire fence that has been erected correctly can last for many years. For the majority of dogs, this strong fence is a fantastic option. You can contain a range of dog varieties and sizes using chicken wire. If installed correctly, it can support dogs weighing 50 to 70 pounds, but it can also support little Chihuahuas.
Cons of a Chicken Wire Fence
Unfortunately, not everyone or every yard is a good candidate for a chicken wire dog fence. Small yards are ideal for them because installing them by yourself can be physically demanding. Larger yards will require a lot of labor and effort.
Your dog might be able to jump over the chicken wire fence if it is not high enough.
Smaller creatures, including snakes, will still be able to slither under a chicken wire fence despite the fact that it will keep the majority of intruders and animals out.
There can be restrictions on the kinds of fencing you can erect in your backyard if you live in a neighborhood or development, and chicken wire might not be permitted.
Chicken wire dog fences are only as sturdy as the support posts you use, so pick wisely!
Are dogs safe behind wire fencing?
Woven wire fencing is one of the best solutions for keeping your dog safe outside of your house despite the fact that there are many other possibilities. The physical barrier offers a safe protection against unauthorized guests as well as a visual deterrent. Numerous materials can be used as wire fencing substitutes, but none match the safety and security of woven mesh. Here are some instances of various substitutes and justifications for choosing woven wire fencing:
- Breaking a wooden fence could result in dangerous holes, and maintaining one is expensive and time-consuming.
- ugly chain links with unraveling wires
- An invisible barrier will not deter predators.
- tethers and ties restrict roaming and keep animals from fleeing from predators
- Children and dogs are harmed by electric fences, which are seen as a form of punishment.
- hazardous gaps are caused by plastic meshchewing; interim fix
- Broken wirewelds can result in wounds and unauthorized openings.
Without an electric fence, what can I do to keep my dog in the yard?
As you can see, you have to keep your dog in your yard so that it can be kept there safely. It’s the sole way to lessen the risks that the aforementioned treats provide.
Fortunately, you can accomplish this without putting up a fence permanently in a few different ways:
Invisible Fence
When your dog crosses the barrier, an electric gadget called an invisible fence gives her a small static shock.
When owners want to keep their dog in their yard without a traditional fence, this is likely the first option they consider.
Your dog won’t likely dig under these systems, they’re frequently less expensive than physical fences, and they require less upkeep.
Others function without any wires at all, while some invisible dog fences require you to lay a cable around the edge of your yard. To determine where your dog is, they rely on a GPS signal instead.
The static shock these fences deliver is really low, so don’t let the thought of electric shocks deter you from utilizing them. Instead of hurting your dog, it’s supposed to surprise her and let her know that she’s getting close to a barrier.
You will have to train your dog using the fence, though. The majority of problematic fence situations dog owners have involve poorly trained dogs.
It should be emphasized that some dog trainers believe that these types of invisible fences are cruel because they employ punishment and fear as training methods, which can be harmful to your dog. However, if choosing between an electric fence and your dog’s safety, the latter may be your only choice.
Tie Outs, Tethers, or Trollies
Tie out methods keep your dog where you want her to stay by using a rope or chain.
Others are more transient and made to be tied to trees and other sturdy buildings, while some require to be staked into the ground.
Others include sliding, mobile anchors that practically give your dog access to the entire backyard, while some anchor to a fixed spot and only provide a small amount of running space.
In our post about dog tie-outs and trolleys, we go over some of the benefits and drawbacks of the various systems and assist you in choosing the best one for your needs.
Tethers and trolleys should not be used in an unattended backyard because dogs can become entangled in the chains or ropes. Therefore, you should only use these when you can watch over your pet.
Boundary Training
One of the more time-consuming but also less expensive fence solutions is boundary training. You merely need to train your dog to stay in your yard.
It may be easier to educate your dog the boundaries of the yard if the owner already has natural boundaries surrounding the area (such as extensive gravel or dog-friendly mulch strips around the borders).
During first training, other owners would need to install a visible barrier, such as a rope or flags.
You’ll begin by walking around the yard with your dog on a lead. Reward your dog when it stays within its designated limit. When your dog crosses the line, swiftly re-direct them into the proper space, then praise them.
You’ll gradually start to circle the perimeter with them as a form of reinforcement for adhering to the boundary. In time, you’ll encourage your dog to remain inside the barrier by walking on the outside of it while tossing treats in the direction of your yard’s interior.
Even if it takes a while, it’s the best option for people who wish to keep their dogs in the yard without using physical restraint.
Despite this, we do not advise relying only on this approach. Dogs are nevertheless susceptible to being stolen, pursued by other dogs, or distracted by wildlife.
It’s excellent for when you and your dog are outside together, but you shouldn’t rely on it if you want to leave your dog outside by herself.
Long Line
Simply put, a long line gives your dog more freedom in the yard while you’re there by acting as a long leash, rope, or tether.
It is similar to the tethers or tie-outs mentioned above, but instead of being a permanent anchor, it is typically attached to you.
Using one gives your dog the chance to travel across a lot of ground while staying securely on your property.
It goes without saying that you and your pet will need to be outside while using this, so it may not be a long-term option. However, a long line can come in handy immediately or while you’re lounging in the yard with your pet.
Build Your Own Fence
A DIY fence might be an excellent option if you want a fence but don’t want to spend a lot of money on a regular one. A DIY fence will not only be easier on your wallet, but it may also be tailored to your particular requirements.
There are several DIY fence solutions to take into consideration, but be realistic about your finances, your dog’s capacity to flee the yard, and your own building abilities.
Exercise Pen
An exercise pen is just a little enclosed enclosure that you may set up in your backyard. Although your dog won’t have access to the entire yard, it won’t take much of your time either.
Puppies benefit most from these exercise pens since they require little space to play but lots of time. You can also bring many exercise pens indoors to keep an untrained dog confined to a certain room or region.
The size of the pen must be larger the larger the dog. Moving a pen around will be more challenging the larger it is.
In these situations, you might wish to use a dog run or outdoor dog kennel instead.
Does chicken wire have the strength to deter predators?
The majority of people mistakenly believe that “chicken wire” offers the best security for a chicken because of its name, however this is untrue. Although chicken wire performs a good job of keeping hens in their pen, it does not shield them from the majority of predators.
What is Chicken Wire?
Galvanized steel or stainless steel chicken wire is frequently used as fence for hen coops and runs. It is a flexible wire with one or two apertures in the shape of a hexagon. It is available in various thicknesses, ranging from 19 to 22 gauge.
Chicken wire is flexible, therefore it does not prevent determined predators from entering because of the size of the holes. Strong animals can burst through the wire, while small rats and animals can squeeze past it or eat through it.
How can I construct a dog fence out of chicken wire?
If you own a dog, you are surely aware of the advantages of being able to take your dog outside to play. Obviously, allowing your dog to wander free is extremely dangerous, and you should never consider doing so. If your dog gets tangled in the chain or escapes from its collar, tying it to a stake might also be risky. Building a fence so your dog may roam freely across your yard is the greatest solution. You may build your fence for a low cost using chicken wire.
The area where the dog fence will go should be measured and marked. Building a square or rectangular fence is the simplest option. Scuff the earth with your shoe to identify the four corners. The four wooden stakes will be placed in these locations.
At each of the four locations you marked, dig a hole that is 2 feet deep and around 2 feet in diameter. To complete this task, use a shovel or post hole diggers.
In your wheelbarrow, combine the water and the quick-drying cement. Next to the first post, place the wheelbarrow. Ensure that the post is in the center of the hole. If you’re working with a friend, ask them to hold the post straight as you pour cement into the hole. Till the cement is three inches from the top of the hole, shovel it in.
Make sure the post is straight by using your level. With dirt, fill up the remaining space in the hole and compact it with your feet. Before moving on to the next post, make sure the first one is level once more. Continue doing this until all four posts have been installed.
Put a metal “T” bar in the middle of each post. Each “T” bar should be driven into the ground at least 12 inches, ideally 24 inches, with a hammer or mallet. The two posts on either side should line up with the “T” bars. One “T” bar ought to be left over.
Wherever you want the entryway to be, choose the post. The last “T” bar should be placed close to the post and driven 12 to 24 inches into the ground.
Chicken wire should have one end fastened to the entrance post’s side away from the “T” bar. Apply additional “U”-shaped nails to the post to secure the chicken wire.
Around the exterior of the posts and “T” bars, unfold the remaining chicken wire. As you go, nailed the chicken wire to each post. With the aid of wire fencing ties and pliers, secure the chicken wire to the “T” bars. At the bottom, middle, and top of each “T” bar, use three ties. When you return back around to the entrance post, do not nail the wire to it.
When you get back to the entrance post, cut the wire to the correct length. Instead of using the post itself, attach wire to the “T” bar next to the post. You won’t have to build a gate because of this. To use the “T” bar as the entrance place, simply knot or untie the chicken wire to it.
Which wire gauge is ideal for a dog fence?
The next step is to choose the wire gauge that will work the best for you. You might not know where to start with the variety of wire gauges available. Wire for dog fences is typically offered in 20, 18, or 14 gauge.
The least expensive option, 20 gauge wire is relatively thin and prone to breaking. To keep it out of the weather, it must be buried. If the arrangement requires it, it can also be run along a fence.
20 gauge is followed by 18 gauge wire. Not much better in terms of durability or thickness.
Better but still not the greatest is 16 gauge wire. The wire is thicker the lower the number.
The ideal wire for your electric dog fence is 14 gauge. 14 gauge dog fence wire has a solid core and is robust, strong, and long-lasting.
The greatest of the best is Max Grade Wire. Max Grade wire, which is also 14 gauge dog fence wire, has a thicker coating than standard 14 gauge dog fence wire.
How can you keep your dog in your yard the best?
A well-fenced backyard where your dog can wander, discover intriguing objects, and take a nap in the shade is essential for many dog owners. Except when your dog decides the grass is greener somewhere else and turns into a brilliant escape artist, it’s perfect. From the kitchen window, you can see them one moment, and the next, they are gone.
It is upsetting to feel like you can’t trust your dog even in your own backyard, along with worrying about their safety. Don’t give up; there are a few quite easy things you can do to prevent your dog from fleeing the yard or track them down if they do.
How (and Why) Your Dog Is Making a Run for It
Your dog can opt to stray if they feel lonely outside. Despite how lovely all that space is, they might prefer your companionship or might simply be yearning for a friend. A territorial dog may see anything beyond its border that it perceives as a threat to the house and will need to go out and repel it.
They might have discovered “treasure on the other side” in the form of a fun new playmate, food, a tempting stream of water, or a sizable field to play in. Of course, there are also hunters who hunt primarily for prey. They won’t be prevented from chasing a squirrel or rabbit that has just run through the yard by a simple fence. They might just be a young child or a puppy with excessive energy who needs more ways to burn it off.
Dogs can escape in a variety of ways. Some people are jumpers; they take off running from the ground and jump. Some people climb up the fence using whatever is there before jumping over. Other dogs are tireless diggers who tunnel their way to freedom. Then there are the fence-climbers, who can gnaw a hole big enough for them to squeeze through. The cerebral kind might discover how to truly open a gate. When the gate is opened, some dogs charge it and bolt outside before you can catch them. Dogs who are really determined will combine these methods.
Even if you have a lovely fenced-in yard, you should still walk your dog every day, despite the fact that it might seem counterproductive to do so. Your dog may be able to burn off some of their excess energy and prevent boredom while playing in the yard thanks to the excellent physical and mental activity that comes with a stroll.
For jumpers and climbers:
- Build a longer fence. It doesn’t necessarily need to be taller, but your dog will be discouraged if you add an inward-tilting part to the top. It will work with an L-footer or lean-in. Using farm wire to construct a sort of interior awning, you may create a lean-in by fastening it to the top of your fence. Your dog will be able to see the fence above them, which should discourage any climbing. The top of the fence has an L-footer that extends horizontally, acting as an awning-like barrier.
- Abolish the climbing aids. If there are any objects in the yard that are close enough to the fence that someone could use them as a climbing aid, such as wood piles, trash cans, playground equipment, benches, chairs, or boulders, make a note of them.
- Invest on a coyote roller. To prevent your dog from gaining the foothold he needs to climb the fence, you can connect these long, metal bars to the barrier. It rolls like a rolling pin when an animal tries to utilize it to achieve balance. They are made to keep predators out, but they also work well to keep a cherished pet inside. They do need end caps and mounting brackets, but you can get full kits online.
- landscape the area. Along the inside of the fence line, plant a dense shrub hedge. This not only makes for a harder jump, but it also looks fantastic.
For diggers:
- Place an L-footer facing in along the bottom of the fence. You can reinforce the base of the fence with chicken wire, hardware cloth, or a section of chain-link fence. Some individuals bury it purely for decorative purposes. However, you could also lay it on top of the grass and secure it with mulch, rocks, or even pots.
- Pour a footer of concrete. Even the most persistent digger will be stopped by this. The bottom of the fence should be buried in the concrete after it has been poured around its circumference.
For border patrollers:
- Restrict the view. A watchdog, guard dog, or any dog that monitors its territory will frequently leave the yard when it perceives danger. Put plastic slats through a chain-link fence if you have one. Rolls of bamboo or reed fencing are a relatively affordable solution for any form of fence. You only need to fasten it to your current fence with zip ties. It obscures the view and is not at all ugly. You can also grow climbing bushes or vines along the fence, however this takes longer to become effective, and you’ll need to keep the dog away from them while they’re growing.
More Tips for Keeping Your Dog From Escaping the Yard
There are some other steps you can take to make sure your dog is secure, regardless of how they get out of the yard.
- Install a secondary gate or an airlock. Create a tiny, contained space inside or outside the fence using a few lengths of fence and another gate. One gate must be passed through, closed, and then the second gate must be opened for entry or exit.
- Get a Puppy Bumper for your dog. This fiberfill-filled collar is designed to prevent pups and tiny dogs from slipping through tight spaces.
- Verify the security of all the latches on gates and fences. Add a lock or hook-and-eye closure to gates that blow open or latches that don’t remain closed.
- Make the yard a happy environment for them. The backyard ought to be a safe refuge, a place to hide, and a place to play, not a prison. Make that they have access to plenty of clean water and some cover. Bring out a toy that dispenses treats for amusement. To keep your dog interested, rotate their toys.
- Never let dogs outside unattended for long periods of time or if you can’t keep an eye on them. Being present with them in the yard is the best method to keep them there. Use the time to train, play fetch, groom them, or simply hang out. If their bestie is around, your dog will be less inclined to go.
- When you’re at home, keep your dog secure indoors so they can’t wander off and look for you or get taken out by someone else.
- Install a GPS tracking collar on your dog. These gadgets track and communicate your dog’s whereabouts in real time so you may use it to find him. They employ GPS technology, the same as what you’d find in your car or phone. Brand-specific device features can differ, but the majority use a smartphone app for tracking and monitoring.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that if your dog does manage to escape the yard, you shouldn’t punish them when you catch them or when they come back. Punishment won’t stop them from wanting to go away, and it can even make them hesitant to come back to your yard.
Last but not least, backup plans like a microchip or a GPS-enabled collar increase the likelihood that, even if your wayward pup does escape, he will be discovered safely and promptly afterward. Prepare now to prevent your dog’s subsequent escape attempt since you cannot place a value on your piece of mind.
