How do you keep a small dog in a fence?

Keeping a small dog safely confined within a fenced yard can be challenging due to their ability to squeeze through small gaps or dig under fences. However, with some planning and preparation, there are several effective methods to keep little escape artists securely contained.

Use the Right Fencing

Picking the proper fencing is the first critical step in creating a secure outdoor space for a small dog. There are several factors to consider when selecting fencing:

• Height – For a small dog, a 4-6 foot tall fence is usually sufficient to prevent jumping over. Miniature and toy breeds may only need a 3-4 foot fence.
• Gap Size – Any gaps or holes should be less than 3-4 inches wide, too small for even a Chihuahua to squeeze through.
• Material – Chain link is inexpensive but requires additional modifications to make it small-dog proof. Wood provides privacy but requires regular maintenance. Welded wire is very secure with small, tight gaps.
• Digging – Dogs that dig will require a fence that extends underground 6-12 inches to prevent escape by tunneling.
• Gate – Gates should fit closely with no gaps and have secure latches. Consider a double gate system for additional security.

Add A “Dog Run”

A dog run is a smaller enclosed area attached to the house, allowing your dog access to a safe outdoor space without giving free range of the whole yard. A dog run should have a concrete floor or dig barrier underground to prevent tunneling out. The fence height should match the height of the perimeter fence and have no gaps.

Use Gravel or Paving Stones

Laying crushed gravel or paving stones along the base of fences eliminates areas for your dog to dig and provides an unappealing surface to deter digging. Use 2-3 inch diameter gravel and lay it 2-3 inches deep. Be sure there are no gaps between the stones and fence.

Try Barriers On the Fence

If your current fence has gaps a small dog can slip through, there are inexpensive barrier options to apply:

• Poultry Netting – Plastic or metal mesh netting with 1/2 inch openings can be affixed to the bottom of chain link fences using zip ties.
• Wire Hardware Cloth – A stronger barrier option, wire hardware cloth has 1/4 inch openings and can be attached to the fence gaps.
• Lattice – Fiberglass lattice panels are weather resistant and can be used to cover gaps up to several feet on the lower portion of a fence.

Bury Chicken Wire

To deter digging escapes, bury chicken wire under the ground along the fence line. Use 2-3 foot wide galvanized wire mesh with a 2 inch grid pattern. This should extend 6-12 inches deep and can be stapled to wooden fence posts or attached to chain link fencing posts with zip ties.

Use Landscaping and Plants

Thorny bushes like rose, blackberry or pyracantha can be planted along the base of fences to discourage digging. Be sure to leave at least 3-4 inches between the bushes and fence so plants do not create new gaps or block your view. Evergreen shrubs and dense flowers can also help conceal potential gaps and provide an unpleasant surface for digging.

Check for Weak Points

Regularly inspect your fencing to check for vulnerabilities or damage your clever canine could exploit. Watch your dog when they are in the yard to observe behavior and identify any weak spots in need of repair.

Supervise Time Outside

While fencing improvements can fortify your yard, nothing is as secure as actively supervising your dog any time they are loose outdoors. Keep a close eye for attempts to dig or squeeze through small spaces and redirect the behavior. Never leave dogs unsupervised in the yard for extended periods.

Use an Underground Radio Fence

For added security, an underground radio fence with an electronic collar can train dogs to stay within set boundaries. This works using a wire buried around the perimeter that transmits a radio signal triggering a warning beep or safe static correction if crossed. This should only be used under supervision for training, not as an invisible fence.

Try A Trolley System

A trolley system consists of a trolley attached to a slide line or overhead cable allowing your dog to move freely along the length of the line but not wander beyond. Trolleys can be installed easily alongside existing fences and provide dogs expanded space while preventing escapes.

Conclusion

While no method may be completely escape proof for a clever and determined dog, following the right combination of these techniques can help contain a Houdini hound. Proper fencing, barriers, and supervision are key to securing your yard and keeping your small pup safely in their outdoor space. With persistence and vigilance, you can outsmart even the trickiest canine escape artist.

Additional Tips

• Use secure gates with self-closing latches.
• Avoid leaving objects near the fence that could assist escape efforts.
• Trim back tree branches or growth touching the fence.
• Check for any spaces around pipes, vents or under porches.
• Set up indoor/outdoor cameras to monitor activity.
• Use positive reinforcement to discourage fence jumping.
• Consider adding a fence topper or roller to inhibit climbing.
• Keep dogs engaged with activities and toys in the yard.
• Secure doors and windows inside the home as well.

Common Dog Fence Heights

Breed	Fence Height
Chihuahua	3-4 feet
Dachshund	4 feet
Yorkshire Terrier	4-5 feet
Pomeranian	4-6 feet
Miniature Poodle	4-6 feet
Maltese	4-6 feet

Materials to Fill Fence Gaps

Material	Pros	Cons
Chicken Wire	– Inexpensive – Easy to install	– More visible – Less durable
Hardware Cloth	– Very secure – Long lasting	– More expensive – Need tools to install
Lattice	– Visually appealing – Weather resistant	– Can still be pushed through – Need to replace sections

Considerations by Fence Type

Fence	Pros	Cons
Chain Link	– Inexpensive – Easy to install – See through	– Needs modification for small dogs – Low privacy
Wood	– Natural appearance – Good privacy	– Requires regular staining – Can rot over time
Vinyl	– Low maintenance – Long lasting – Range of privacy	– Higher upfront cost – Less durable than wood
Welded Wire	– Very secure – Low maintenance	– Industrial appearance – Can be climbed

Digging Deterrents

Method	Description
Gravel	– 2-3 inch diameter gravel 2-3 inches deep – Leave no gaps along fence
Paving Stones	– Fit tightly together – Extend out from fence base
Thorny Plants	– Rose, blackberry, pyracantha – Do not allow to grow on fence
Chicken Wire	– 2-3 foot strips, 6-12 inches underground – Staple or zip tie to fence