When choosing a fence for your backyard, chain link fences are a popular option for many dog owners. Chain link fences are affordable, durable, and see-through, allowing your dog to see what’s happening outside the yard. However, there are some downsides to chain link fences that you should consider before installing one. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of chain link fences for dogs and help you decide if it’s the right choice for your canine companion.
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The pros of chain link fences for dogs
Here are some of the benefits of using a chain link fence with dogs:
- Visibility – Dogs like to see what’s going on around them, and chain link allows them an unobstructed view of the neighborhood. This can provide mental stimulation.
- Affordability – Chain link fencing is one of the most economical fencing options. It’s a budget-friendly choice compared to wood or vinyl fencing.
- Durability – Chain link fences can stand up well to digging, scratching, and wear and tear from dogs. The galvanized steel lasts for years.
- Security – Chain link provides a secure barrier that most dogs cannot climb over or push through. It helps keep your dog safely confined.
- Low maintenance – Chain link doesn’t require much upkeep other than occasionally checking for and repairing loose wires. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it fencing choice.
- Climb resistance – There are few footholds for dogs to grab onto with chain link fencing, making it dig and climb resistant.
For these reasons, chain link is a popular and practical fencing choice for many pet owners. It meets the key needs for safety, security, and longevity at an affordable price point. Now let’s look at some of the downsides.
The cons of chain link fences for dogs
While chain link fences have their benefits, there are some drawbacks to consider as well:
- Aesthetics – Chain link has an industrial, utilitarian look that some homeowners find unappealing. It doesn’t provide the decorative value of other fencing materials.
- Sharp edges – The twisted wires in chain link fencing can have sharp barbs and points that could scratch or cut your dog.
- Visibility – While seeing through the fence has benefits, it can also lead to fence aggression as dogs bark at passersby.
- Temperature – Metal can get hot in the sun and cold in winter. This may limit where your dog likes to rest or play in the yard.
- Noise – Dogs can rattle and shake chain link fences when excited, creating noise disturbances.
- Cheap look – Some people associate chain link with lower-end homes, since it is an inexpensive material.
These factors may or may not be dealbreakers for you. But they are important to weigh when making your fencing decisions. There are a few other considerations as well.
Other factors to consider
Here are some additional things to think about when deciding if chain link fencing is the right choice:
- Coating – Choose vinyl coated chain link to eliminate sharp edges that could hurt your dog.
- Privacy – Plant tall shrubs or trees in front of chain link fences to create more privacy from neighbors.
- Gauge – Opt for heavier gauges of chain link wire if you have a large or powerful dog that could bend thinner gauges.
- Gates – Use self-closing gates with secure latches to prevent escape-prone dogs from getting loose.
- Size – Make sure the fence is tall enough that your dog can’t jump over it. At least 5 feet is recommended for large breeds.
Taking these extra factors into account will provide you with a safer, more secure, and attractive chain link fence installation.
What about kennels or runs?
If you need to contain your dog in a smaller area than a full backyard, chain link kennel runs are a very popular option. Kennel runs provide the following benefits:
- Confined space – Allows you to control your dog’s environment for housetraining, containment, or safety purposes.
- Portability – Chain link kennel panels can be moved and reconfigured to change the layout.
- Visibility – Kennels maintain visibility while confining your pup.
- Outdoor access – Gets your dog outside while restricting him to a particular area.
Kennel runs should have a cover to provide shade and shelter from weather. And always provide a comfy dog bed and water bowl inside the kennel.
What about privacy fencing?
If the visibility of chain link is an issue for you, then privacy fencing may be a good alternative. Options like wood, composite, and vinyl privacy fences provide the following benefits:
- Boundaries – Privacy fencing establishes clear property boundaries with neighbors.
- Security – More difficult for other people or animals to see into your yard, providing protection and seclusion.
- Aesthetics – Materials like wood and composite have natural beauty or realistic wood grain textures.
- Property value – Can increase home resale value compared to bare chain link fencing.
- Customizable – Come in wide variety of styles, colors, designs, and lighting options.
The downside is mainly cost – privacy fences range from $15-$35 per linear foot installed, making them more expensive than chain link. And they require more maintenance to keep them looking pristine.
Is electric fencing an option?
For containing pets in very large rural properties, electric fencing may be an option instead of traditional chain link. Benefits of electric dog fences include:
- Invisibility – Doesn’t block views or aesthetics of the landscape.
- Flexibility – Easily configure the wire around trees, gardens, or obstructions in your yard.
- Portability – Fence units can be taken down and moved fairly easily.
- Affordability – Lower cost compared to installing permanent chain link over large distances.
- Safety – Modern electric fences use harmless but startling pulses to teach dogs the boundaries.
Downsides are that electric fences don’t provide a physical barrier, some dogs will run through the shock over time, and they require training dogs to understand the boundary line. Not all dogs are good candidates for this type of containment system.
What’s the best fence height?
When installing chain link fencing, you need to choose the appropriate height based on your dog’s size and tendency to jump or climb. Here are some general recommendations:
| Dog Size | Minimum Fence Height |
|---|---|
| Small dogs under 15 lbs | 3-4 feet |
| Medium dogs 15 – 40 lbs | 4-5 feet |
| Large dogs 40 – 90 lbs | 5-6 feet |
| Giant dogs over 90 lbs | 6 feet or more |
For smart jumpers and climbers, go even taller. And placing a angled fence top that extends inwards can foil dogs who might try to climb over.
How to measure fence height
Measuring from the ground to the top of the fence will give you the total height. For chain link fences, the height includes the twisted line wires across the top and bottom edges. Make sure your fence meets the recommended minimums above to keep your dog safely contained.
How long does chain link fencing last?
With proper installation and maintenance, you can expect a chain link fence lifespan of 15-25 years. Galvanized coating protects the steel wires from corrosion and rusting.
Factors the affect lifespan include:
- Climate – Wet, humid, coastal, or very cold climates shorten lifespan.
- Quality – Better quality, thicker gauge wire lasts longer.
- Vinyl Coating – Adding a protective vinyl layer boosts longevity.
- Maintenance – Regularly checking for damage and repairing issues prevents deterioration.
Replacing the occasional broken wire or post can keep a fence functioning for decades. But at some point, full replacement will be needed as the wire becomes brittle andbreaks down. With proper care, expect at least 15 years from your chain link fence.
Protecting your chain link fence
You can maximize the life of your chain link fence by doing the following maintenance annually:
- Inspect wires and posts for damage, rust, cracks, or looseness. Repair issues immediately.
- Check for protruding wires and hammer them flat so they don’t become a safety hazard.
- Clear away any vegetation growing on or near the fence.
- Remove dirt/debris that could retain moisture against the wires.
- Adjust sagging wires to keep the fence tightly secured.
- Lubricate rollers and latches on gates to maintain smooth operation.
With regular upkeep, your fence will keep your backyard secured for many years before needing full replacement.
Conclusion
Chain link fences provide an affordable way to safely enclose your backyard for dogs. The visibility, security, and durability of chain link are advantages. But sharp edges and lack of privacy should be considered. Adding protective coating, privacy plantings, proper height, and regular maintenance can overcome some of the downsides and extend the life of your chain link fence. When shopping for fencing, weigh all the options to find the right enclosure for your unique needs and four-legged friend.