What is the best privacy fence for dogs?

When choosing a privacy fence for your backyard, especially one that contains dogs, there are a few key factors to consider. The height, durability, and opacity of the fencing material will all impact how effective it is at keeping your pets safely contained and preventing them from interacting with passersby or neighboring pets. This article will examine the pros and cons of various popular fencing materials to help determine what the best privacy fence is for dog owners.

What Height Should a Dog Privacy Fence Be?

The recommended height for a privacy fence with dogs is 6 feet tall. This height will deter most dogs from attempting to jump or climb over the fence. Smaller dogs may only require a 4-5 foot tall fence, while larger dog breeds prone to jumping may need a fence 7 feet or taller.

A 6 foot tall privacy fence provides these benefits:

• Prevents most dogs from escaping over the fence
• Obstructs your dog’s vision to reduce stimulus from passersby, other dogs
• Provides privacy from neighbors and blocks noise
• Complies with many homeowners association fence height requirements

While an 8 foot privacy fence would provide even greater security for pets, the added height and material costs may not be necessary for containing most dogs. And very tall fences may violate local ordinances or require a permit.

Most Durable Materials for Dog Fences

When dogs are contained in a yard, they will inevitably interact with the fence by scratching, chewing, digging under, or running along the perimeter. This can damage weaker fencing over time. The most durable materials for dog fences are:

• Pressure-Treated Wood – The preservative chemicals make this lumber resistant to rot, insects, and decay. It withstands weather, chewing, and scratching better than untreated wood.
• Cedar Wood – Naturally weather-resistant without chemicals. More expensive than pressure-treated but also very durable against dog damage.
• Vinyl – PVC vinyl fences are completely impervious to moisture and will not warp, rot, or splinter. They resist chewing and scratching.
• Aluminum – Lightweight aluminum alloy fencing stands up extremely well to biting, digging, scratching by dogs. Long-lasting in all weather.
• Wrought Iron – Made to last for decades outdoors. Wrought iron is sturdy and durable but very expensive for home privacy fences.

Avoid cheaply made wood composite fences that use glues or low-density fillers. These will deteriorate quickly when exposed to active dogs. Spending a little more on quality materials will pay off in the long run.

Opaque Fencing Options for Privacy

The opacity of a fence material determines how much visibility your dog will have to the outside world. This can reduce barking, fence running/jumping, and other reactions to stimuli. Opaque materials prevent your dog from seeing passing people, animals, cars, bikes, and other yard activity. The most opaque/private fencing choices include:

• Solid Wood Boards – Fences made with alternating overlapping wood boards provide a complete visual barrier for dogs. Cedar and redwood are naturally beautiful woods for privacy fences.
• Vinyl – Solid PVC vinyl panels are available in full privacy styles. Higher quality vinyl is more opaque than cheap brands.
• Brick/Block – Masonry walls made from brick, concrete block, or stone are impermeable to vision. They provide the highest level of privacy and security.
• Stained Cedar – For a semi-opaque fence, use rough-sawn cedar boards with a stained finish. The gaps still obstruct some vision.

Avoid wire mesh fences or chain link with privacy slats. Dogs can still see through the gaps, and it won’t contain a determined escape artist. Wrought iron or aluminum with narrow bar spacing can also limit privacy.

Comparison of Popular Privacy Fence Materials

Material	Cost	Durability	Opacity	Maintenance
Pressure Treated Wood	$$	High	Medium	Medium
Cedar Wood	$$$	High	Medium-High	Low
Vinyl	$$$	High	High	Low
Wrought Iron	$$$$	High	Low	Low
Aluminum	$$$	High	Medium	Low
Brick/Block	$$$$	Highest	Highest	Low

This comparison table summarizes how the most common privacy fence materials stack up in terms of installation cost, durability, opacity, and required maintenance. Brick and block walls are the gold standard but have a very high upfront cost. For an affordable option with good durability and privacy, cedar and vinyl are ideal fencing choices for dog owners.

Installation Tips for Dog Fences

Proper installation of your privacy fence will determine how secure it is for containing pets. Here are some key tips for installing a dog fence:

• Set fence posts in concrete for maximum stability. This prevents dogs from loosening posts.
• Ensure fence height complies with local codes and meets your desired privacy height.
• Use the most durable fence materials to withstand dog exposure.
• Utilize heavy duty post caps, rings, and braces to reinforce posts and prevent a weak point.
• Space posts close together, such as every 6-8 feet for shorter spans.
• Bury bottom of fence 1-2 feet underground or install a buried concrete footer to prevent digging under.
• Install a secure gate with strong hinges, self-closing mechanisms, and latches to prevent escape.
• Inspect fence periodically for damage and make repairs to maintain security and appearance.

A properly installed high quality fence makes all the difference in safely containing pets long-term. It’s worth investing in professional installation if you don’t have fencing experience.

Alternatives to Traditional Fencing

In some cases, a traditional wood, vinyl, or metal fence may not be practical or permitted. Here are some alternative options for containing dogs:

• Underground electric fence – This involves burying a wire around your yard’s perimeter that delivers a mild shock if crossed. Keeps most dogs contained without being visible.
• Chain link fence with privacy slats – The slats obstruct visibility while the sturdy chain link fence prevents escape.
• Partial fences/screens – Strategically placed fence panels or lattice screens block visibility/access without fully enclosing the yard.
• Cattle fencing – Heavy duty galvanized steel livestock fences can deter diggers and jumpers.
• Landscaping for privacy – Trees, shrubs, berms, and garden walls can create secluded zones without a fence.

Every home and dog is different, so consider what type of containment solutions make the most sense for your needs and property.

Tips for Choosing a Dog Fence Company

Unless you’re highly skilled at fence installation, hiring a professional company will provide the best results. Look for these qualities when choosing a fencing contractor:

• Strong reputation with many years in business and good customer reviews
• Specializes in pet fencing with experience containing dogs
• Offers wide selection of privacy fence materials and styles
• Provides fence inspection and repair services
• Professional work crews with access to proper equipment
• Willing to customize fence design for your unique needs
• Offers reasonable prices without overcharging
• Provides complete cleanup and disposal after installing fence
• Stands behind their work with a strong warranty

Beware of contractors who quote you a price that seems too good to be true. Make sure to get every quote in writing along with a detailed description of the work included.

Protecting Your Fence From Dog Damage

No matter how strong the fence, some dogs will still try to chew, dig, or otherwise destroy parts of it. Here are smart ways to protect your fence investment:

• Apply a non-toxic bitteranti-chew spray deterrent on fence boards within reach.
• Place large rocks, pavers, or concrete at the fence perimeter to prevent digging.
• Bury chicken wire against the bottom of the fence to deter digging under.
• Install metal post sleeves over any accessible wooden posts to prevent chewing damage.
• Put up coyote rollers or anti-climb fixtures on top of high jump risk areas.
• Redirect the dog’s fence behavior by providing plenty of toys and activities in the yard.
• Train the dog on allowable fence behavior through positive reinforcement.
• Block visibility through lower fence boards with landscaping or decorative lattice.

With some clever deterrents and training, you can break your dog of the urge to mess with the fence. Immediately repairing any damage that does occur will also maintain the fence integrity.

Budgeting for a Dog Privacy Fence

The cost of a privacy fence can range tremendously based on the materials used, height, terrain, and length to enclose. Here are ballpark figures per linear foot to budget for:

• Pressure Treated Wood – $15-25 per linear foot
• Cedar Wood – $25-40 per linear foot
• Vinyl – $40-55 per linear foot
• Aluminum – $50-80 per linear foot
• Wrought Iron – $70-100 per linear foot
• Brick/Block wall – $100+ per linear foot

These per foot prices assume a standard 6 foot tall fence. The total cost for your project can be estimated by multiplying the rate by the number of linear feet required for your property perimeter. Other costs may include:

• Permit fees
• Terrain clearing
• Tree removal
• Gate installation
• Demolition of old fence
• Concrete for post footings

Expect to pay at least $3,000 for a full perimeter wood privacy fence for an average suburban backyard. Brick or iron could cost $10,000 or more. Get quotes from at least 3 reputable local fencing companies before proceeding.

Conclusion

The ideal privacy fence for dogs should be tall enough, durable against abuse, and opaque to prevent external stimuli thatlead to fence aggression and escape attempts. While masonry and iron are premium choices, wood and vinyl offer affordable options for most homes. Installation is also key – be sure the fencing materials are properly anchored and reinforced to withstand years of exposure to canine residents. With smart planning, design, material selection and professional installation, a quality high privacy fence will keep your dogs safely contained so everyone can enjoy the backyard.