Best Fences for Big Dogs
Big dogs come with big personalities, and any owner knows how hard it can be to keep your four-legged friend contained in your yard. Unless you don’t mind chasing your dog down the street every time a car or squirrel goes by, you’ll want a quality fence. The trick is to find a fence that’s pleasing to the eye and your budget. Here are a few things to consider when shopping for a fence for your large canine.
It’s a Bird…It’s a Plane…No, it’s a Large Dog!
You’ve seen your dog soar through the air to catch a ball or a frisbee. Just think how high he’d be willing to jump to get to the neighbor’s cat. You’ll want a fence at least six feet high if you own a big breed like a Husky, German Shepherd, or Labrador. Some owners start with a shorter fence and add height as their dog continues grow. With each new addition, this tactic will only teach your dog to jump a little higher. You also want to choose a strong material, like metal or composite vinyl, to prevent Fido from getting bored and chewing through the fence.
Dogs are Clever
Even the highest fence won’t stop your dog from attempting to climb over it. This means a chain-link fence is not a good idea as it practically invites your dog to climb. A solid panel fence is impossible for even the most determined dog to get a foothold. After installing your fence, check to make sure there’s nothing close to the fence that your dog can use to boost itself. This includes things like planters, birdbaths, and swings.
A Little Privacy Goes a Long Way
So, your dog probably doesn’t care about privacy, but a wood or vinyl privacy fence will give you peace of mind and fewer headaches. Your dog will be much calmer if he can’t see what he’s missing beyond the fence, and dogs on the outside won’t be able to see yours, either. Chain-link fences are much less aesthetically pleasing than solid privacy options, and your dog can see everything happening on the other side.
What About an Invisible Fence?
If you aren’t thrilled with putting up a fence, you may be curious about an invisible fence. Unfortunately, this type of “fence” can increase your dog’s behavioral issues. After all, how would you feel if you received a shock every time you crossed a line you couldn’t see? And, similar to chain link fences, your dog will still see everything that tempts him and will try to go after it. Instead, consider planting along your fence line to soften any hard lines and add a more lived-in effect to your yard.
Happy Dogs Don’t Want to Escape
Dogs don’t usually care for being restricted, and this is especially true for larger breeds. Boredom is a primary contributor to undesirable behaviors. Taking your big dog for frequent walks is an excellent way to help burn off energy but making your backyard dog-friendly will also help keep your pup happy. Consider a designated digging area with treats and toys your dog can bury. Also, be sure your dog has plenty of shade and water. Dogs love to play in the water as much as they need it to drink, so a small kiddie pool would be excellent for those hot summer days.
Contact Us
Do you need help designing a permanent or temporary fence for any event in your life, including your large dog? At Myers Fencing, we’ve been in the business of top-quality fencing products for more than 20 years. We work closely with each customer to ensure you get a fence you love that will last for many years. Give us a call at (859) 887-3548 or send us a message to request a quote. We are in Nicholasville, KY, and are proud to serve Lexington, Nicholasville, Versailles, Georgetown, Louisville, and Richmond, KY.