15 Dog Fence Ideas for Your Backyard

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As dog owners know, having a secure fence around your yard is incredibly important to keep your pet safe and enclosed. It’s dangerous to allow your animal to roam around the neighborhood instead of staying in its owner’s yard.

If you’re looking for ideas on types of dog fences to put up around your yard, this list will offer you several examples. Regardless of if you have a small yard and a small budget, you can install a fence to keep your canine friend in your backyard.

1. Temporary Fence

If you’re looking for a quick fix to an open backyard area, you can erect a temporary enclosure. You can purchase all of the necessary items at your local home improvement store — such as The Home Depot or Lowe’s.

Temporary dog fence ideas
(c) socialdoggyclub.com

You can view for more temporary fence ideas here: socialdoggyclub.com

The purpose of such a fence is to keep your canine contained in your yard instead of running off somewhere. While this fence may not be particularly attractive to look at, it gets the job done.

This isn’t a permanent solution by any means, it can do the job for a few months until you can find new fencing for your yard. If you have a larger dog or one who can jump quite well, you need to ensure that the temporary fence can contain them properly and securely.

Here is another example of what a temporary fence can look like. Again, not attractive to look at but you can easily set it up within an hour or two.

2. No Dig Fence

If you find that your dog is a fan of digging holes and often tried to dig its way out from under the fence, you may need to consider a no-dig fence. These fences often have pieces that go deeper into the ground, instead of just sitting on top of the dirt and grass.

No dig dog fence ideas
(c) petco.com

An example of such a fence can be found here: petco.com

The metal pieces go deep into the ground, thus keeping your dog from digging under them. This is a perfect solution to keep your dog contained in your backyard area.

You’re likely able to purchase such a barrier at your local pet store, as they tend to have them in stock. You can set up the fence yourself or call in a professional to save you time and effort.

If your dog enjoys looking out of their yard and wants to keep an eye on passing pedestrians and other animals, a chain-link fence could be ideal for them. The chain-link fence succeeds in keeping them safely secure in your yard while also allowing them to view the outside world.

Chain link dog fence
(c) socialdoggyclub.com

You can check the other ideas here: socialdoggyclub.com

If you have neighbors who also have dogs, your dog may enjoy greeting their friend during the day. Depending on the temperament of your dog, this could be great for their overall mood and wellbeing.

4. Small Fenced In Area

If you have open land and you’d rather not place a fence around your entire property, you can just build a smaller fenced-in space for your dog. Make sure it’s large enough for them to play and explore, though.

Small dog fence ideas
(c) backyardboss.net

An example of this can be found here: backyardboss.net

This gives your dog the chance to have their outdoor area while allowing you to continue enjoying your open backyard concept. This suits both parties quite well and can be a great solution to your dog fence problem.

If you need further inspiration on how this type of fence could look in your yard, here is another example. This could be a quick and easy DIY dog fence project for the weekend. It’s important to ensure that your dog has plenty of space in the yard to run around and enjoy the fresh air.

If you enjoy the style of a wooden fence but want to allow your dog to view the outside world, this type of fence could be the best of both worlds. Your backyard can still look modern and fresh while allowing your dog to enjoy the view.

Wooden and chain link dog fence

Check the actual project idea here: pinterest.com

The main concept of a dog fence is that it keeps your furry friend happy and healthy. Dogs tend to be much happier when they don’t feel trapped in their yard without anything new to look at.

Another example of this fence concept is located here, in this photo. Some people consider chain-link fences a bit of an eyesore, which is why they prefer wood. However, combining the two keeps the fence from being cheap-looking.

6. Small Dog Fence

If you have a smaller breed of dog, then you can opt for a smaller fenced-in area. Naturally, smaller dogs don’t need as much space as a larger breed of dog. A Chihuahua and a Great Dane take up significantly different amounts of room.

Small dog fence
(c) lh4.ggpht.com

If you’re looking for a small dog fence, here is an example of how you can attach one to your home: lh4.ggpht.com

Adding a ramp that your dog can enter their fenced-in yard by themselves is convenient and keeps you from having to let them out yourself several times a day.

These types of fences won’t work for larger dogs. You’ll need to have an entire fenced-in yard for them to have the proper amount of space to run around and get their energy out. Here is another example of a small fenced-in area that would be perfect for small breeds of dogs.

7. Tall Dog Fence

Some dogs can jump over fences, so it’s important to build a tall enough fence that inhibits them. If your dog is an avid jumper, you’ll need to measure the height appropriately to ensure your dog can’t escape from your yard.

Tall dog fence
(c) matthew-cunningham.com

You can view the detailed dog fence project here: matthew-cunningham.com

Tall fences don’t have to be an eyesore, however. This is an example that looks clean and modern and doesn’t draw necessary attention to your yard. It’s tall enough that even a surprisingly nimble dog wouldn’t be able to jump over it.

8. Patio Fence

If you would prefer that your dog stays out of the rest of the yard, you can surround your patio with a fence. It’s usually best to have at least a small patch of grass for your dog to enjoy. If for whatever reason you want to keep them on the patio, the task of adding a patio fence is fairly straightforward.

Patio dog fence

Check out the tutorial here: youtube.com

You are likely going to need to hire a professional for this job unless you’re particularly handy yourself. This project could be completed within a weekend. Your dog will be outside enjoying the patio in no time at all.

Here is another example of a patio fence for your dog. This can help keep your dog from being underfoot while you’re outside grilling. It can be unsafe to have your dog running around while the grill is in use, as it gets very hot.

9. Wooden Fence

Perhaps the most popular of all the fences, the wooden fence can double as a great dog fence. Most dogs can’t jump this type of fence and most won’t bother trying to dig under it. If your dog fits into these categories, you can simply keep the standard wooden fence.

Wooden dog fence
(c) abetterfencecompany.com

For more wooden fence ideas, you can check here: abetterfencecompany.com

The wooden fence is traditional and looks great in most yards. Its aesthetics work great if you’ve also built your own wooden doghouse. The only downside is that your dog won’t be able to see past the wooden slats.

To fix this problem, you can add a small dog window to your fence. This ensures that your dog now can look outside of their backyard and see what’s going on around them. This usually keeps dogs happier and less cooped up.

10. Portable Dog Fence

If you find that it’s necessary to move your dog’s fence with you when you’re traveling or visiting family, then you can opt for a portable version. These types of dog fences are easy to set up and also to take apart.

Portable dog fence

Check the tutorial here: youtube.com

These fences can be a great option if you’re camping and you don’t want to keep your dog chained to a tree for the majority of the trip. A portable fenced-in enclosure allows your dog to have space to explore and relax.

You can even opt for a more decorative, white picket version of a portable fence. This blends in with a variety of yards and keeps both you and your dog happy.

11. Fence with a Roof

If you live in a particularly hot climate, you want to ensure that your dog doesn’t overheat while they’re outside. You can add a designated area that’s shaded away from the sun. You can add a wood or even a tin roof to your existing fenced-in dog area.

Dog fence with a roof

Check the project here: pinterest.com

By creating a safe environment for your dog to enjoy the outdoors while also staying protected from the elements, you’re ensuring their health and happiness.

Even if you don’t live in a hot climate, the addition of a roof can also protect your canine from rain. Your dog must have a dry area to lounge in so they’re not getting wet and potentially, sick.

12. Indoor Fence

If you want to keep your dog out of certain areas of the house, you may need an indoor fence. Sometimes, people want to keep their dogs out of the kitchen or out of a particular bedroom. In this case, choose the designated dog-friendly area of the house and fence your dog into that part.

Indoor dog fence
(c) playbarkrun.com

For more indoor fence ideas, you can check here: playbarkrun.com

It’s important to ensure that your dog has access to a window as well as to the outdoors, so they can use the bathroom and enjoy the fresh air.

13. Invisible Fence

If you don’t want your yard and your view ruined by erecting a large and obnoxious fence, you can opt for an invisible fence system to keep your dog contained.

Invisible dog fence
(c) travelswithbibi.com

Check the detailed project idea here: travelswithbibi.com

These systems usually work by communicating with a special collar for your dog. When the dog crosses a certain line, they will either feel a slight shock or even have an unpleasant scent sprayed at them that encourages them to keep behind the line.

This type of fence isn’t for everybody, but it’s a popular option nonetheless. This can work well if you have a lot of property and want your dog to have the freedom to explore but to also ensure they don’t go too far.

14. Lattice Fence

If you enjoy the look that a lattice fence adds to your property, then you’re in luck because they double as great dog fences as well. The latticework ensures that your dog can’t squeeze through the fence, as the holes are too small.

Lattice dog fence
(c) socialdoggyclub.com

View here for more open lattice ideas: socialdoggyclub.com

The open lattice areas also allow dogs the ability to look past the fence and to take in their surroundings. This is important for a dog’s overall well-being. You wouldn’t like it either if you were staring at the same four walls every single day.

15. Anti-Climb Fence

If your dog has a knack for climbing your fence and you’ve run out of ideas for how to stop them, try this PVC pipe method. The PVC pipe is intended to be slippery and to roll, to prevent a dog from being able to climb to the top.

Anti climb dog fence
(c) ifunny.co

Check the project idea here: ifunny.co

This is a quick and easy DIY solution if you are continuously having the same problem with your dog escaping from your yard. This method is budget-friendly as well, as PVC pipe is usually inexpensive to purchase from any home improvement store.

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Choose Which Dog Fence Idea Best Suits Your Needs

As long as the fence keeps your furry pet safe and contained within your property, then that’s all that matters. The breed and temperament of your dog can drastically affect which type of fence you choose to go with.

If your dog likes to dig, you’ll likely want to look at a no-dig fence. However, if you have a smaller dog then you could get away with a smaller fenced-in area. Do what’s best for your specific dog and its specific needs.

There are plenty of dog fence ideas above to get you started. You can always take ideas from multiple options and combine them to create the perfect fence for your dog.

Allen runs a popular home website, and understands what it takes to educate audiences through online content. Through his focus at home, Allen developed an insatiable appetite for home improvement projects that he could do for cheap on weekends. Over the years, he has gained valuable experience, which he shares in detail in articles like How to Build A DIY Dining Room Table. His ability to clearly share these DIY ideas is a huge asset, and he is a valuable resource to the home improvement community.