These days, there are a lot of options for how to keep your furry friend safe. Some people might decide that the best option is an electric dog fence, but others may think they can use a physical barrier to protect their pet from running away.
If you’re not sure what type of protection is right for you and your pup, this blog post will cover some easy DIY dog fence ideas – including step-by-step instructions on how to build them!
Styles of Fence Covered
- Wood Frame Wire Fence
- Full Wood Privacy Dog Fence
- Welded Wire Fence (Budget Option)
- Chain Link Fence (1980s Option)
- Slat Fence (Modern Option)
- Movable Travel Fence
- Underground Fences and GPS Fences Using E-Collars
- Adding a Jumping Deterrent
- Wood Crate Fence
- Self Made Electric Fence
How to Make Wood Frame Wire Fence
Build a frame with 2x4s around the perimeter of your yard, and use a wire (making sure there’s enough to overlap in between all pieces) to attach it.
In an area with lots of trees or other plants, you can also weave branches or even bamboo slats through the fence – this will make sure that your dog doesn’t try to climb or jump over your fence, as well.
If you’re worried that this type of fencing isn’t strong enough for your pup (or the weather where you live), then you can always add a layer of chicken wire overtop the fence – it’s inexpensive and easy to cut by hand.
Another option is to use some PVC piping to reinforce the sides of your fence.
Building a Wood Privacy Fence
If you’re looking for something a little more permanent, then this option might be right up your alley. It’s similar in concept to the ‘wire’ fence – but instead of attaching a wire to stakes, you’ll buy wooden planks and attach them to either side of the fence.
To make it as sturdy as possible, you’ll want to pick planks that are thicker and harder than average.
You’ll also want to buy screws or nails that can support at least 100 pounds of weight a piece – this way; your dog won’t be able to pull the fencing apart if he decides he needs to escape from his space.
What You Need
- Wooden boards (preferably at least 1 inch thick)
- Nails or screws, depending on how you plan to attach the pieces.
You may also want to use some hinges – these will make your fence more adjustable, so you can change the configuration if it’s not working out.
How to Build It
Once you have all the materials, start by attaching any pieces of wood that connect the two sides. You’ll also want to leave a small gap so your dog can’t squeeze through or jump over.
Once you’ve done this, attach the boards to the side of the fence – making sure there is enough overlap that it will stay attached, even if your dog tries to run through.
It would help if you had enough boards to have about six inches of overlap between each one (so your pup won’t be able to push them out when he puts his paws up against the fence).
Your final step is to attach any pieces of wood you can find – this includes old pieces of furniture, planks, or even 2x4s that you find lying around your yard. Then, next time your dog is outside, he’ll have all the privacy and space he needs to run around – without putting himself in danger.
Welded Wire Fence (Budget Option)
If you prefer a more secure option, but don’t want to shell out too much money, then this type of fence might be your best bet. They are relatively cheap to build – and, if done right, can be very sturdy.
Most building supply stores will offer different types of wire fencing materials – some of them are completely made out of wire, while others are made with a stronger wooden frame. Either choice will work for a dog fence – make sure that your options are safe for animals to chew on.
How Much Does it Cost?
The materials will depend on the supplier you go to – but expect to pay anywhere from $5-$10 per foot of fencing material. If you want a 6ft. high fence, that can add up real quick – so you may have to start searching around for the best deals.
How to Build It
Once you’ve got your items and tools, it’s time to start putting them together! Start by making sure all of your pieces are flat against the ground – if they’re skewed to one side, then your dog might be able to use it as a stepladder!
Place the fencing material about 6 inches away from your fence – this will give you enough room to attach a frame. If you want something more sturdy, you can purchase wood or steel beams and weld them onto the wire.
Once you have your boards set up, the next step is to attach them – I recommend using strong plywood or metal beams. This way, your dog won’t be able to break through (or make an escape route).
When attaching things, it’s important to make sure they are both level and secure – if the fence isn’t attached correctly, you risk breaking one of the panels when your dog tries to run through it.
Remember that this method is also customizable – if one type of wire doesn’t work out, try a different kind! You can even purchase specially made pet fencing materials if you want something especially sturdy and long-lasting.
Chain Link Fence (1980s Option)
If you’re looking for a more classic look, then this fencing option might be just what you need. This was the most popular type of dog fence during the 80s – and while there are definitely cheaper options, it doesn’t mean that they are easy to install!
How Much Does It Cost?
Most chain link fence materials can be recycled or found in your local junkyard – so you shouldn’t have to spend too much money on them.
However, if you want a whole fence that is 6 feet tall, expect to pay anywhere from $30-$50 per foot of fencing material.
How to Build It
Your first step will be installing the poles – this can often be the hardest part because you will have to find a flat and strong enough place for the poles.
If they aren’t secure enough, your dog may push them over – which will not only ruin the fence’s stability but could hurt your dog in the process!
Once all of your poles are up (and secure), it’s time to start adding the fencing material. Again, start at the bottom and work your way up – this will give you a sturdy foundation.
Try to keep your gaps between panels no larger than 6 inches (preferably smaller).
If they are too big, then your dog may be able to push his way through – which means he is not only in danger but could cause damage to your house or property while trying to get out!
Remember that most chain link fencing options can be easily bendable – which means you should be able to create any shape of fence you desire.
If you want something specific, adjust the wire accordingly – and remember to make a secure gate (which can also be customized to your liking).
Slat Fence (Modern Option)
Depending on how much you want to budget, this option might seem affordable – but it won’t necessarily be easy!
This fencing material is currently the most popular for dogs and other animals because it looks more natural but is still strong enough to keep them in.
How Much Does It Cost?
You can purchase slat fence panels in any size you want – but the bigger they are, the more expensive they will be.
When choosing sizes, keep your dog’s size and weight in mind – if you choose something too tall or too wide, then there is a good chance he could escape or break through it.
Things you need
Panel 1 (the bottom panel) should be 6 inches high, and Panel 3 (the top panel) should be 8-10 inches high.
This will help prevent your dog from jumping over the fence.
For most small to medium-sized dogs, this is enough height for them to feel comfortable without escaping or breaking through.
As for width, most slat fences are 36-60 inches wide – though smaller and larger sizes are available. The bigger the size you choose, however, the more expensive it will be.
How to Build It
Your first step should be attaching each of your panels – this can be done using screws or nails. If you want something especially sturdy, try using PVC pipe to connect the panels – it will make the fence even stronger.
Once all of your panels are connected, place them into the ground.
This can be tricky because if one panel isn’t secure in the ground, then your dog may easily push through or jump over it – which means you should use heavy-duty materials to make sure they are secure.
To prevent your dog from pushing the fence over, you should brace it with a border or other heavy objects – this will not only make it more stable but help keep it in place.
Finally, add a gate that is both wide enough and sturdy enough for your dog to get through easily – but narrow enough so he won’t be able to push it open.
You may also want to attach a flap of material (like chicken wire) across the inside so that he can see out, but other animals can’t get in.
Movable Travel Fence
This fencing option might not look as good as others, but it is beneficial if you need to move your fence frequently.
To build this type of fence, you will need a few things:
Things you need
- 4 long posts (at least 3 feet tall) that are round and sturdy enough not to lean or break easily. They should also be wide enough for the base of your poles (see below).
- T posts (at least 3 feet tall) in each corner of your yard. These should be attached to the top of your 4-foot posts.
- 2 short, sturdy poles (1-2 feet long) that are round and between 1-3 inches thick – this will vary depending on how much weight you want it to hold.
- 2 long poles (at least 5 feet long) that are round and sturdy enough to hold the wire. They should also be between 1-3 inches thick, depending on how much weight you want them to hold.
- A roll of electric wire or fishing line – this will act as your dog fence, so make sure it is strong enough to hold your dog’s weight.
How to Build It
The first thing you will need to do is attach the 4 posts in each of your corner T-posts – this should be done using screws or nails to be sturdy, strong, and won’t fall apart easily.
Then, attach 2 of the short poles on opposite sides of each post. Finally, attach the 2 long poles on top of those – they should be attached in an “X” shape.
Now you will need to stretch your electric wire between these poles and attach it to each one securely so that it can hold your dog’s weight.
This may require extra materials like hooks or nails if the wire isn’t strong enough to support a dog – it’s best to experiment with different types of materials and see what works well.
Once the wire is attached, you can attach your flap of material across the inside of your fence so that your dog can see out (but other animals can’t get in). This should be done using screws or nails as well.
Underground Fences and GPS Fences Using E-Collars
If you don’t like the look of a traditional fence, but you still want to contain your dog, an underground fence or GPS fence might be a good option.
These are both great because they allow your dog to roam free in most parts of your yard – which means they will still get plenty of exercise.
How to Build It
You can use a traditional fence option if you want – but for it to work very well, you will have to dig underground along the perimeter of your yard (or at least 0.3 to 1 foot down) and install electric wire.
This wire needs to be strong enough to not break easily under pressure, so make sure it is nice and thick. You will also have to attach an electric collar to your dog’s neck.
This collar will let him know when he has crossed the line to learn where it is and avoid it in the future.
Adding a Jumping Deterrent to
Traditional Fences
If you want your fence to contain your dog and allow them to jump over it, you may want to attach something that will dissuade them from doing so.
You can use a few different things for this – although the most common are listed below:
Anchor Stakes – these stakes will be attached to the top of your fence and bent out towards the other side so that they stick in the ground. Your dog may be afraid of them or confused if he jumps over, which will hopefully keep him from doing it again.
Warning Signs – you can buy these at most pet stores or online; just attach them to your fence very securely.
If your dog is afraid of signs, you can always try adding different pictures with words that warn him not to jump the fence – like a picture of a cat or another animal he may encounter in your yard.
How to Build It
You can attach any one or two of these deterrents on top of your fence if you want to.
Make sure they are very securely attached and won’t fall off under pressure – this means you may need to use extra materials such as screws or nails.
You can also attach them between the top two poles of your fence to be more secure. You can add these deterrents in any design you want – just make sure they won’t fall off easily.
If you want to keep your fence looking nice, you may also want to stain or paint it so that it matches the surrounding materials in your yard.
It’s best to brush on 2-3 coats of suitable material; this will help protect the wood and make the fence look nicer for longer.
Best Fence For Dogs – The Final Word
After you’re done building your fence, your dog should hopefully respect the new boundaries.
If he still tries to jump over or dig under the fence, don’t worry – it can take some time for him to learn and adjust.
However, if he starts behaving badly outside the fence (such as barking, chewing on plants, or digging up your garden), you can use the deterrents listed above to dissuade him.
You can also consider training him a few tricks to keep him entertained when he’s outside – this will help keep his mind off things like jumping over the fence or tearing up your yard.