Fences add a layer of security to your home. And for your dog, it gives them a safe space to play and blow off some steam. But even the happiest pups can be swayed to break out of their comfort zones, whether by a fellow neighborhood dog or the natural call of the wild.

With that in mind, you must do what you can to keep them safe, and that includes pet-proofing your fence to ensure they don’t have a way out. Below are several fence-related tips that experts recommend to prevent your pooch from accidentally putting themselves in danger.

How to Keep a Dog From Jumping Your Fence

If you already have a fence installed, you can add an extension to ensure your dog can’t hop over it. You might want to get some information about your dog’s breed if they’re prone to jumping, so you know exactly how high to make it. It’s also good because some dogs are more likely to attempt to escape your backyard by jumping.

However, higher isn’t always better; in fact, it’s actually more important that the fence tilts inward at around a 45-degree angle. That leads to the most important thing: making sure your dogs don’t have anything to launch off of.

You can spend all your time and money on making your fence as tall as can be, but if your dog has easy access to something that can help them get over that one spot, it’s all pointless. Angling your fence makes it harder for your pup to clear it.

How to Keep Dogs From Digging Under Fences

If your dog can’t get over your fence, they’ll do the next best thing: Attempt to escape underneath. Fortunately, that isn’t a fast method for escaping, so most pet owners will see their efforts and have time to stop them before they break out. Still, the goal here is prevention, which isn’t always easy for the avid diggers who see every acre of land as a fresh opportunity to hide their favorite bone or chew toy.

A good deterrent for dig-happy pups is a concrete footer. It will effectively act as a moat along the length of your fence, and since there’s no chance your pal will break through concrete, it’ll be more than enough to have them give up and look for fun elsewhere.

How to Keep Your Dog From Breaking Through a Fence

Full-blown breakouts are the least common method of escape, but that doesn’t mean they’re an impossibility. Bigger dogs might be so intent on chasing after a rogue squirrel that they find a weak part of the fence and muscle their way through. Even smaller dogs can chew through a fence and make a hole big enough to come out the other side, and those who love to dig are bound to take advantage of weaknesses in a fence and find a way to break their way through.

Therefore, even with a concrete footer, it’s vital that you remember to regularly inspect your fence’s integrity. If you need repairs or panel replacements because of doggy–related damage, make sure you schedule them promptly.

You’ll run into these problems a lot less frequently when you build your fence from stronger materials. Many homeowners love hardwood for aesthetics, but it’s worth it to look into sturdier options, like pressure-treated pine, if you want to keep your dog safely within your yard.

Other Fencing Tips that Keep Your Dog Safe

Some additional tips for ensuring your furry friend is both safe and secure include the following:

Invisible Fences Aren’t Enough

Many homeowners opt for invisible fences (which use radio signals and collars to keep dogs from crossing certain boundaries) over physical ones. That might seem okay at first, but the issue will quickly become about something more than the dog getting out: something else getting in. Physical fences made of strong materials are ideal for protecting anyone within them, and your dogs are no exception.

Have the Right Lock and Gate

Owners of some smarter breeds may also wonder how to prevent their dogs from figuring out the lock and finagling their way out of the yard. The only way to do that is with a strong enough locking gate system that the dog can’t easily manipulate. Chat with a fencing contractor if you’re interested in upgrading to something with a design that even the smartest pooch can’t crack.

Protect Your Pets With Professional Fence Services

East Georgia Fence is here to help keep your pets on your property where they belong. Contact our team today to learn more about our fencing services and schedule an appointment!

How to Keep a Dog From Escaping Your Fence