What kind of fence keeps dogs out of plants?

When it comes to keeping dogs out of your garden and away from your plants, having the right kind of fencing can make all the difference. As a dog owner, you want your furry friend to have space to play and run around, but you also need to protect your flowers, vegetables, and landscaping from being trampled or dug up. The good news is that with the right fencing choice and proper installation, you can achieve both goals.

How Tall Should the Fence Be?

The height of your dog fence will depend on the size of your dog and how determined they are to get into your garden. As a general rule:

• For small dogs under 15 lbs, a 2-3 foot fence is usually sufficient.
• For medium sized dogs 15-50 lbs, go with a 4-5 foot tall fence.
• For large breed dogs over 50 lbs or very athletic dogs, choose a 5-6 foot tall dog fence.

It’s always better to err on the side of caution and go a little taller if you’re unsure. Keep in mind some dogs can be real jumpers or climbers too!

Wood, Chain Link, or Wire Fencing?

There are pros and cons to common fencing materials when trying to keep dogs contained:

• Wood fences – These are attractive but can be expensive. Dogs may be able to dig under or scratch holes in the wood.
• Chain link – Affordable and effective, but not so visually appealing. Need proper installation so dogs can’t squeeze through holes.
• Wire/wire mesh – This is lightweight but sturdy. Can secure it along existing fences or posts. Harder for dogs to climb and dig under.

For keeping dogs out of flower beds or gardens, wire fencing often works best. It can be shaped to any area and is harder to knock down. Be sure to use a heavy gauge wire that dogs won’t be able to chew through.

Add Lattice or Chicken Wire at Ground Level

Even with a tall solid fence, some dogs will still try digging and burrowing under to access your yard and garden. To protect against this, add a footing of lattice or chicken wire fencing that extends underground:

• Use pressure treated wood lattice panels and secure them around the base of your fence using landscape staples.
• Chicken wire can also be installed around the perimeter and sharp edges folded inward underground to prevent digging.
• Aim to lay the lattice or chicken wire 2-3 feet wide and 6-12 inches below ground if possible.

This lattice or wire footing along the bottom of your fences will discourage your dog from trying to dig or squeeze under to get to your plants.

Use Fencing to Create Physical Barriers

Besides fencing in your entire yard, also use fencing to create physical dividers between areas you want to protect and areas that can be your dog’s domain.

• Use wire or wire mesh fencing to surround and protect individual garden beds.
• Temporary fencing can keep dogs off newly seeded lawn areas or sod until grass is established.
• Create pathways with fencing buffers on each side to allow people access but block dogs.

Get creative with forming fenced off areas within your yard. Use sturdy posts and proper gate latches to keep your boundaries intact.

Install Fencing Below Ground Level

For the most deterrent against digging dogs, consider installing wire fencing 6-12 inches underground around gardens or flower beds. This creates an “in-ground fence” dogs can’t dig under:

1. Dig a trench around the perimeter of the area you want to protect.
2. Line the bottom of the trench with chicken wire or hardware cloth, then place wire fencing in the trench.
3. Bend the top edges of wire inward to create a foot barrier.
4. Backfill the trench with dirt to cover.

The wire fence below ground level will discourage digging, keeping your plants protected. This is especially useful for safeguarding newly planted areas.

Use Gravel or Stone Footing

An easier alternative to burying fence is to create a gravel or stone footing around your garden’s edge. This can be effective at stopping digging dogs in their tracks:

• Lay landscaping fabric around the outside perimeter of your planting beds.
• Cover the fabric with 1-2 inches of pea gravel or crushed stones.

You can also place flat paver stones or large river rocks around the edges. The texture of gravel or stone under their paws when digging will deter most dogs.

Try Natural Repellents

If you don’t want to fully fence in your yard, natural scent repellents placed around your landscaping can help keep dogs away. Safe options include:

• Citrus peels – Dogs dislike the strong citrus smell.
• Cayenne pepper or hot sauce – Sprinkle this powder deterrent around plants.
• Vinegar or ammonia – Dogs are sensitive to these scents. Dilute and spray around areas.
• Essential oils like citronella, eucalyptus, or lemongrass – Has a strong odor dogs will avoid.

Reapply these repellents after rain or watering. They provide moderate protection but aren’t as reliable as physical fences.

Use Motion Activated Sprinklers

If you want to keep dogs off your lawn as well as garden beds, installing a motion activated sprinkler can be an effective solution. Here’s how they work:

• Sprinkler is connected to a standard hose and mounted in areas you want to protect.
• Sensor detects movement and automatically sprays water when anything comes into range.
• Dogs learn to avoid areas that spray them with harmless water.

Look for sprinklers with adjustable sensors and water spray distances. They will keep your lawn and garden free from dogs without creating any permanent barriers.

Train Your Dog

Beyond fencing, also take time to train your dog to respect boundaries and leave your garden alone:

• Reward them when they obey commands to stay out of planting areas.
• Firmly tell them “no” or use pet-safe repellent sprays when they go near plants.
• Consider crate training dogs when you’re away from home and unable to supervise.
• Exercising your dog regularly also reduces unwanted digging behaviors.

Well-trained dogs are less likely to trample your flowers or sneak into the garden when you’re not looking!

Pick Dog-Friendly Landscaping

The kinds of plants and materials you choose can also influence how much damage dogs may do. Consider landscaping with durability in mind:

• Place thorny plants like roses, cacti, or pyracantha as natural barriers.
• Choose hardy perennials that can withstand some trampling.
• Mulch beds well so soil is not as tempting to dig in.
• Use wood chip or gravel pathways dogs can comfortably walk on.
• Avoid delicate flowers, seedlings, or thin-stemmed plants.

Your local nursery can recommend perennials and shrubs that hold up well to dogs running through yards.

Outdoor Dog Runs

If you have the space, creating a separate fenced in outdoor run gives your dog their own area for play and exercise. Key factors for outdoor dog runs include:

• Minimum size of 10′ x 10′, bigger is better.
• Fence at least 6 feet high on all sides.
• Gate with secure latch to prevent escapes.
• Shade and water available inside the run.
• Kennel flooring like pea gravel rather than grass.

An outdoor run allows your dog to play and enjoy the fresh air without destroying your landscaping. Provide toys and activities to prevent boredom.

Invisible Fences

Invisible dog fences use a wire buried around your yard hooked up to a collar unit worn by your dog. The collar administers a harmless shock if they approach the boundary wire. Pros and cons:

• Pros: Lets your dog roam the yard without unsightly fences. Adjustable to any yard shape.
• Cons: Does not keep other dogs out of your yard. Some dogs may run through the shock. Requires professional installation.

Invisible fences work best for obedient dogs wanting to avoid the shock correction. Make sure you train dogs on the system properly.

Sample Fence Costs

Average installed costs for various fencing options:

Fence Type	Cost per Linear Foot
Chain link	$8-$20
Vinyl	$15-$35
Wood	$15-$30
Aluminum	$20-$50
Wrought iron	$45-$100

Costs vary based on fence height and quality of materials. Get quotes from several fencing companies before deciding.

DIY Fencing Tips

You can save money by installing basic garden fencing yourself. Follow these tips for success:

• Study your property layout and measure carefully before buying materials.
• Call 811 before digging post holes to avoid hitting underground utilities.
• Set wood or metal posts in concrete for maximum stability.
• Space posts 6-8 feet apart following manufacturer guidelines.
• Wear protective gloves when handling wire or mesh fencing.
• Use wire cutters, pliers, and zip ties to secure fencing to posts.

Take time to install your DIY dog fence properly so it holds up for years to come.

When to Hire a Pro

Consider hiring a professional fencing contractor for:

• Large yards requiring extensive materials and labor.
• Complex fence layouts or unique property terrain.
• Local regulations on fence height, materials, or setbacks.
• Hard to work with fencing materials like wrought iron or vinyl.
• Concrete pouring for sturdy permanent posts.

Professionals have the manpower, equipment, and experience to handle challenging fencing projects.

Conclusion

Keeping your flowers and garden safe from dogs doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your yard’s style or your dog’s freedom. With the right fencing choices and training, you can have a beautiful backyard that both you and your furry friend can enjoy. The most critical factors are selecting fencing tall enough to contain your dog, using solid materials they can’t dig under or squeeze through, and reinforcing any weak spots in your barriers. Pair your protective fencing with positive training, established boundaries, and some durable landscaping. Before you know it, you’ll have a dog-friendly yard where your plants can grow and thrive while your pets play safely.