How to Modify Your Fence So Your Dog Can't Escape
If your dog keeps escaping even though you have a fence, it may be time to reinforce your perimeter. There are a range of modifications you can make to your fence. Depending on your situation, you may want to consider the following ideas.
1. Repair Holes
Unfortunately, if your fence is in a state of disrepair, it won't stop your dog from escaping. Talk with a fence repair specialist about fixing any issues with your fence. You should address holes, gaps between gates and posts and spaces along the ground in particular.
2. Reinforce Fencing With Hog Panels
If you have a post and rail fence, your pup will easily be able to get out regardless of his size, and small puppies can sometimes slip out between the balustrades of wrought iron fences. If your fence's design has holes that allow your dog to get out, you need to consider a temporary or permanent modification.
In both cases, hog panels can work. These are sturdy pieces of metal that a fence installer can affix to your existing fence. You also may be able to put them on yourself. Just use some metal ties to attach them. These panels are basically metal grates. However, the openings tends to be larger on one side of the fence than the other. Make sure to orient your panels so that the bigger holes are near the top where the dog can't reach.
3. Make the Fence Higher
Some dogs are incredible jumpers, and they can easily get over a tall fence. If your dog jumps, you should talk with a fence installer about increasing the height of your fence. There are a number of different ways that you can add height to a fence.
In the meantime, until you can get a professional out to your property, you may want to take some precautions on your own. If you have a wrought iron fence with spindles or spikes on the top, those may end up impaling your pup if he attempts to jump over the fence. To prevent that, you may want to cut slits in tennis balls and place them on top of the spindles.
4. Stop the Diggers
Some dogs are more prone to tunnelling themselves out rather than squeezing or jumping out. To keep those canines in your yard, you need to extend your fence underground. To do that, consider digging a trench around the perimeter of the fence and investing in some chicken wire.
Chicken wire is much more flexible than hog panels, the holes are smaller and it comes in rolls rather than panels. Place the chicken wire in the trench, but allow some of it to stick out of the trench so that it's overlapping the fence. Then, connect the chicken wire to the fence, and bury the rest of it with soil to hold it in place. If your dog tries to dig through, the wire will stop him.
If you prefer a more aesthetically pleasing look, you may want to dig a trench and fill it with rocks. Then, cover it up. If you like, you can add railroad ties just below the bottom of your fence or a rock border. Both prevent your dog from being able to dig under the fence and escape.
5. Put in a New Fence
To protect your dog, you may just want to put in a new fence. Fencing contractors can help you choose a design that's tight, sturdy and free of decorative holes. You can even customise the height you want and choose a fence that partly goes underground.