If you’ve got a canine escape artist on your hands, you’ve likely been spending a lot of time researching fencing options. With so many different types of pet containment system available on the market today, it can be exceedingly difficult to decide on which is the right one for your pooch. Whether you opt for the traditional wood or chain link or gravitate towards more technology based fencing solutions, you are bound to find the perfect fence that meets Fido’s needs and doesn’t break the bank in the process.
Things to Consider
There are many important factors to consider when making a decision about which style of perimeter fencing is best suited to your home. While some families do install fencing primarily for the purpose of privacy, this is often of secondary concern to people with pets. Choosing a fence which offers some sort of visual barrier can be helpful for people with dogs who display territorial tendencies or who may be prone to fence fighting if another likeminded animal resided on the other side of the fence. But the #1 priority of families seeking perimeter fencing for pets is most often a means to keep their beloved animals safely contained within the confines of their yard.
Here are a couple of important things to reflect on when making the decision as to which type of fence is the right one for your family:
- Cost
While traditional fencing such as wood or chain link has long been the gold standard for perimeter pet containment, those types of fencing come with hefty price tags that not all families can afford. Thankfully, there are many different types of fencing units available today in a variety of price points, allowing each pet owner to provide safe, secure fencing for their pets without going bankrupt to do so.
- Size of the area
The size of the area requiring fencing can determine which option is the most suitable for you. Certain types of pet containment systems operate on radio frequencies to establish their boundaries, meaning if your yard exceeds the limits of the fence’s frequency range, it will be necessary to purchase several units to properly contain your pet.
Conversely, certain types of fencing systems become far too cost prohibitive if your intent is to fence the entire area. In these cases; if your heart was set on any one particular type, you could opt to fence in a run area only or a portion of the yard to make the overall cost more affordable.
- Height
The height of your new fencing solution is a very important consideration. If your dog can jump or climb your new fence, it will be very difficult to keep him contained. When considering the height you would like your new fence to be, it is important to contact your local municipal office to find out if zoning laws cap fences at specific heights and if a work permit is required for any construction.
- Professional installation or DIY
Certain types of fencing are better suited to do it yourself projects while others clearly require the expertise of a professional. If you have your heart set on chain link, it is best to contact a company who specializes in the installation of this type of fence. Hiring a professional will increase your cost, but it will also provide assurance and a guarantee that your new fence will be properly installed and unlikely to befall any pitfalls which could result from an amateur attempt.
Some Great Fencing Options
Once you have determined the specifications for your new fence, it’s time to consider what medium is the best choice to keep your pet safely contained.
Here are a few of the more popular options on the market today:
- Wood
Wood has enjoyed a long run as the family favorite when it comes to a material for perimeter fencing. There are many benefits to choosing wood, but perhaps its greatest selling feature is its durability. Though wood will cost you more money and will required regular painting or staining, it is one medium that is built to last. Wood also provides an attractive fence finish which can increase your overall property value if reselling is part of your future plans. Best of all; with so many shades to choose from, you can customize your fence color to match the exterior of your home or even to provide a splash of color.
As an added bonus, wood provides a visual barrier which keeps prying eyes from snooping in your yard and prevents any potential issues with territorialism in your pets. For the ultimate in privacy, you can’t beat wood.
If a do it yourself project was what you had in mind, a wood fencing is definitely something a handyman can tackle. By installing the fence yourself, you will save money in labor, but it is important to realize ahead of time that the cost of lumber will continue to place this type of fencing as one of the most expensive options.
- Chain link
Chain link is one type of fencing that is best installed by professionals. Not your least expensive form of fencing, chain link can be installed for several feet beneath the earth to thwart canine diggers, providing you with an added measure of security. One drawback to chain link is some dogs quickly learn to climb it, making it unsuitable for devious canines with the determination to find a way out of the most cleverly constructed canine confinement system.
Chain link is an extremely low maintenance fencing option. Your only costs are up front, and most typically the fencing is guaranteed for a period of time. Chain link, like wood, is built to last.
If fencing your entire yard with chain link is not an affordable option, you could certainly fence a portion of the yard or even just a section for a run. It is also possible to fence the top of a run to give you peace of mind that your pooch cannot outsmart your fencing system and take a jaunt around the neighborhood when you least expect it.
- Welded wire
Welded wire is your least expensive fencing option. This heavy gauge wire system is available in rolls for easy installation. You will need to purchase metal or wooden posts to install in the ground for the fencing to be attached to.
Welded wire comes with grids of different sizes, allowing you to select fencing that is best suited to your pet. Small grids are better to keep smaller breeds contained with larger grids being best for bigger dogs who really couldn’t fit between any grid holes given their more substantial size.
Welded wire is not only affordable, but it is also surprisingly durable. Best of all, it is simple to install and easy to remove. However, its strength lies in its functionality not its beauty.
- Vinyl
Vinyl fencing is a simple solution to your fencing woes. Available in panels and in different styles, it is easy to install once your fence posts have been secured in the earth. Vinyl is one of the most expensive pet containment systems, but it is also one of the longest lasting and certainly the most stylish. You will find vinyl fencing is extremely easy to maintain, requiring only a quick hose down several times a year to keep it looking fresh and clean.
- Invisible/wireless
The invisible fence, also know as the wireless fence, is a means to keep your pet confined on your property but without having to go to the expense or work of an actual physical perimeter fence. This type of fencing typically requires a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter comes in the form of a battery powered or wired in unit which emits a radio frequency which defines the yard boundaries electronically. Many homeowners choose to mark this perimeter with small flags to provide a visual cue to their pets as to the limits of their freedom. The responder is a collar worn by your pet. This collar typically can be set to a number of different settings including vibrate, tone, and shock. When your pet encroaches on the boundary, the collar emits the designated frequency as a warning prior to administering the selected correction. The main disadvantage to this type of fencing is that training is required. But in addition to this, the invisible fence will keep most pets in, but it does nothing to keep other animals (or people) out which could potentially put both your home and your pets at risk. In addition to this, not all pets are deterred by the corrections of the collar. If sufficiently motivated, some pets would rather risk the pain to gain the reward and will not remain in their yard.
- Electric
The electric fence operates on a similar principle as the invisible or wireless fence except wire must be either buried along the perimeter or along established fence posts to keep your pet contained. It works by delivering an electronic zap to any pet that tries to cross the set boundaries. There is a period of adjustment for each pet to learn their limitations with the electric fence; however, it is typically quite effective once the learning curve has been set.
If you’ve got a pet, perimeter fencing is a great idea. Consider one of these great options today.
