Small dogs are awesome. Most of the time they are easier to care for and groomers charge less to cut their nails too. However, even small dogs need exercise. Your high-energy small dog will inevitably get into trouble if their physical exercise needs are not met. They will become bored and will use their pent-up energy to chew holes in your favorite shoes or dig escape routes under your fence in the backyard. Yes, even small dogs need to be prevented from accidentally leaving your yard and getting hurt.

Pet Playgrounds offers 5-foot tall dog fence kits with anti-climb and anti-dig features that are perfect for your small dog. These dogs need enough to run around and play off-leash. Some dogs are so small that they don’t just need a fence to prevent them from leaving your yard, but they need a fence to prevent them from accidentally hurting themselves. Our fence is so flexible that innovative solutions can be used to help virtually any situation just like this one.

small dog fix

In this case, the customer was worried that her older Chihuahua would fall through the iron rails and hurt herself on the concrete below. So, we provided the customer with an easy solution with materials she had left over.

She used the same polypropylene mesh that is used on the top of the fencing system to create a barrier. She hog-ringed the material to itself and attached it to the existing iron rail fence using off-the-shelf twist ties.

This is just one example of how pet parents can use our materials to solve unique situations.

When it comes to fencing options for dog owners, many DIY choices are available. However, starting with expert advice can be a significant first step. Experts can guide you on suitable fence materials and sizes tailored to your dog’s needs. Once you have this information, you can decide whether to purchase the materials and install the fence yourself or hire professionals for the installation.

Why Consider DIY Fencing?

  • Cost-Effective: DIY options can be more affordable.
  • Customization: Tailor the fence to fit your yard and pet’s specific needs.
  • Satisfaction: Completing a project yourself can be rewarding.

Steps to Take

  1. Research Materials: Look for durable and pet-safe materials.
  2. Consult Experts: Gain insights on the most effective fencing solutions.
  3. Plan Your Installation: Decide if you will install it yourself or hire professionals.

Combining DIY approaches with expert advice ensures that you get the best of both worlds – a customized, safe, and effective fencing solution for your furry friends.

A 200-foot kit gives your dog 4x more room than a 100-foot kit.

We recommend 200 linear feet of space for high-energy small dog breeds because these dogs need lots of space to run and play. When you upgrade from a 100-foot kit to a 200 foot you actually quadruple the amount of space you are giving your dog to run free. While you may think you are just doubling the amount, you are giving your dog 4x the amount of space to run.

To visualize how doubling the amount of linear feet gives you quadruple the amount of play area, please look at this diagram >

Here are the small dog breeds that require 200 linear feet or more. Based on their individual behavior and your surroundings you may want to choose a 5-foot or a 6-foot tall fence to keep predators out.

  • Affenpinscher
  • Australian Terrier
  • Border Terrier
  • Boston Terrier
  • Cairn Terrier
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
  • Fox Terrier
  • Jack Russel Terrier
  • Lakeland Terrier
  • Manchester Terrier
  • Miniature American Eskimo
  • Miniature Pinscher
  • Miniature Poodle
  • Miniature Schnauzer
  • Norfolk Terrier
  • Norwegian Lundehund
  • Norwich Terrier
  • Pocket Beagle
  • Rat Terrier
  • Schipperke
  • Scottish Terrier
  • Tibetan Spaniel
  • Tibetan Terrier
  • Toy Fox Terrier
  • Welsh Terrier
  • West Highland White Terrier

How to Prevent a Digging Dog from Escaping Your Yard

Dealing with a dog that continually digs to escape your yard can be incredibly frustrating. However, there are several strategies you can employ to keep your furry friend safely contained.

Install a Dig-Proof Fence

  1. Choose the Right Material: Opt for materials like aluminum, which can be installed closer to the ground. This discourages dogs from thinking about digging their way out.
  2. Secure the Bottom: Ensure the bottom rail of the fence is at ground level. This minimizes gaps where dogs could potentially dig through and escape.
  3. Reinforce with Mesh: Adding a layer of wire mesh at the base of the fence can serve as an additional barrier to prevent digging.

Use Landscaping Techniques

  • Gravel or Concrete Edging: Place a strip of gravel or concrete along the base of the fence. Dogs are less likely to dig through these tough materials.
  • Plant Shrubs: Installing dense shrubs along the fence line can act as a natural deterrent. Dogs often avoid digging where plants obstruct their path.

Behavioral Solutions

  • Exercise: Ensure your dog gets plenty of physical and mental stimulation. A tired dog is less likely to dig out of boredom.
  • Training: Train your dog to understand that digging is unacceptable. Reward them for good behavior and provide alternatives like a designated digging area.

By combining these methods, you can significantly reduce the chances of your dog escaping your yard through digging. This not only protects your garden but also ensures the safety of your pet.

Why Do Dogs Try to Escape from Yards?

Dogs are often regarded as man’s best friend, but sometimes their curiosity gets the better of them, leading them to become unintentional escape artists. Understanding why your furry companion might want to venture beyond the confines of your yard is crucial for ensuring their safety.

Common Reasons Dogs Try to Escape

  1. Curiosity and Exploration
    • Dogs are naturally inquisitive creatures. If they catch sight or scent of something intriguing outside the yard—like another animal, a passerby, or even a peculiar smell—they may feel compelled to investigate.
  2. Seeking Companionship
    • Social animals by nature, dogs might try to escape to be with other dogs or interact with people. Loneliness or a lack of mental stimulation can exacerbate this behavior.
  3. Hunting Instincts
    • Many breeds have strong prey drives. The sight of squirrels, birds, or other small animals can trigger a chase instinct, leading them to bolt from the yard.
  4. Fear and Anxiety
    • Loud noises such as fireworks, thunderstorms, or construction sounds can frighten a dog, causing them to flee in search of a perceived safer place.
  5. Mating Urges
    • Unneutered or unspayed dogs may roam to find a mate. The instinct to mate can override any sense of boundary they might have.

Ensuring Your Dog’s Safety

Understanding their motivations is an important first step in safeguarding your pet. Here are some practical measures you can take:

  • Physical Fencing: A reliable, tall fence can prevent most escape attempts. Choose a fence without gaps or easy climbing points.
  • Mental Stimulation: Keep your dog engaged with toys, training exercises, and regular companionship to reduce boredom and anxiety.
  • Proper Training: Teach your dog basic commands and ensure they understand boundaries. Consistent training can curb many escape behaviors.
  • Spaying or Neutering: This can often reduce wandering behaviors associated with mating urges.

By addressing the root causes of your dog’s desire to escape, you can create a safer and more secure environment for them—giving you peace of mind and your furry friend the freedom to play safely.

How to Observe and Understand Your Dog’s Escape Behaviors

Understanding why your dog tries to escape is crucial for ensuring their safety and happiness. By closely watching their actions, you can gain valuable insights into the root causes of their behavior.

Watch Their Body Language

Pay attention to how your dog behaves, especially when they attempt to flee. Do they seem anxious, bored, or overly energetic? Your dog’s body language can offer clues about what they’re feeling and why they’re trying to get away.

Address Loneliness

Many dogs escape out of loneliness. They may prefer being indoors with you instead of being left alone in the yard. While outdoor time is important for exercise and stimulation, it’s equally essential to provide ample indoor time to curb their desire to escape.

Identify External Stimuli

Often, dogs are enticed by something outside the yard—whether it’s a scent, sound, or sight. This could be another dog, a person, or even a small animal like a rabbit. If your dog spots a new friend or prey, their natural instincts might drive them to chase after it.

Consider Energy Levels

Dogs with high energy levels are more prone to attempting escapes. Ensure your dog gets enough physical and mental stimulation. Regular walks, playtime, and engaging activities can help dissipate excess energy, making them less likely to try to run away.

Evaluate Containment Methods

Invisible fences and other containment solutions might work for some dogs but can be ineffective for those who are highly motivated to escape. A physically secure fence is often a better option to prevent your dog from getting out and to keep external dangers from getting in.

By observing your dog’s behavior and understanding the triggers behind their escape attempts, you can implement strategies to keep them safe and content within the confines of your yard. Keep an eye on their body language, provide adequate companionship, address their energy needs, and ensure they’re securely contained. Together, these measures can significantly reduce their urge to run away.

How Effective Are Picket Fences for Containing Dogs?

When considering the containment of dogs, the effectiveness of picket fences can vary based on several factors. Here’s an in-depth look into how well they perform:

Height and Strength

Picket fences typically stand shorter than standard wooden fences and feature wider gaps between the slats. This design may be less intimidating for dogs who can jump over relatively low heights or squeeze through gaps.

Durability

While picket fences are relatively durable, they may not be robust enough to withstand the force of a determined, strong dog. Over time, especially without proper maintenance, the wooden slats can become weak and susceptible to breaking.

Maintenance Needs

To maintain their effectiveness, picket fences require regular upkeep, such as painting or sealing, to prevent rotting. This maintenance ensures the fence remains sturdy and capable of containing your dog.

Cost Considerations

Picket fences are generally more affordable compared to other fencing options. However, the lower cost often comes with the trade-off of lesser durability and the need for more frequent repairs.

Summary

Picket fences offer a visually appealing and cost-effective option, but their effectiveness in containing dogs largely depends on the dog’s size, strength, and behavior, as well as the owner’s commitment to regular maintenance.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Wooden Fences for Dogs

Wooden fences are a popular choice for homeowners, especially those with dogs. However, it’s essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages before making a decision.

Benefits

  1. Privacy: Wooden fences typically stand about 6 feet tall, constructed from whole, tall slat boards. This height provides substantial privacy, preventing dogs from seeing distractions outside the yard.
  2. Aesthetic Appeal: These fences offer a traditional, natural look that complements most homes and gardens, adding to the overall curb appeal.
  3. Customization: Wooden fences can be painted or stained in various colors, allowing for personal customization to match your home’s aesthetic.

Drawbacks

  1. Maintenance: Wood is prone to rot and weather damage, requiring regular upkeep like sealing, painting, or staining to prolong its life.
  2. Cost: Quality wooden fences can be pricey, both in terms of initial installation and ongoing maintenance.
  3. Durability Issues: Some dogs might chew through wooden planks, potentially causing damage to the fence and risking injury to themselves.

In summary, while wooden fences offer excellent privacy and aesthetic benefits, they come with higher costs and maintenance needs that dog owners should consider.

How to Address Dogs That Patrol and Look for Distractions Outside the Yard

Dogs that frequently patrol your yard’s perimeter are often on the lookout for other dogs or people nearby. This behavior can be troublesome, especially if it leads to attempts at escaping.

Here’s how you can address this issue effectively:

  1. Install a Solid, Tall Fence:
    • Opt for a privacy fence that your dog cannot see through or over.
    • Ensure the fence is tall enough that your dog, even when on its hind legs, cannot peek over the top.
    • Solid panels are essential to block your dog’s view of passers-by and other distractions.
  2. Choose the Right Materials:
    • Vinyl and composite materials are excellent choices for creating visual barriers.
    • These materials are durable and often more difficult for dogs to climb or damage.
  3. Minimize Gaps and Spaces:
    • Ensure that the fence has no gaps or spaces large enough for your dog to see through.
    • This helps reduce the stimuli that can provoke your dog to patrol or attempt escape.

Additional Tips

  • Address Sensory Stimuli: While a solid fence blocks visual distractions, dogs can still hear and smell what’s beyond the yard. Consider additional training to manage your dog’s responses to these stimuli.
  • Environmental Enrichment: Make your yard more engaging for your dog. Provide toys, agility equipment, or a sandbox to keep them occupied and reduce their focus on external distractions.
  • Regular Exercise: Ensure your dog receives plenty of physical and mental exercise outside of the yard to decrease their energy and restlessness inside it.

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce your dog’s patrolling behavior and create a more peaceful environment for both your pet and your neighbors.

How Can Landscape Loops Protect Specific Areas Within a Yard?

Landscape loops are an effective way to safeguard particular parts of your yard, such as gardens, pools, or delicate landscaping. Here’s how they work and why they might be a great solution for your outdoor space:

Isolate Delicate Areas

Landscape loops create a secondary barrier around vulnerable areas. These can include flower beds, vegetable gardens, or newly planted shrubs that need time to establish without the interference of pets or foot traffic.

Enhanced Pool Safety

If you have a pool, landscape loops can act as an additional layer of protection. This keeps pets and young children at a safe distance, reducing the risk of accidents. It also helps maintain pool cleanliness by preventing leaves, dirt, and other debris from entering the pool area.

Customizable and Aesthetic

Landscape loops come in various materials and styles, allowing you to choose one that complements your yard’s aesthetics. Whether you prefer a decorative metal fence, a practical vinyl barrier, or a rustic wooden loop, there’s an option to match your taste.

Easy Installation

Most landscape loops are designed with ease of installation in mind. They often come in modular panels that snap together, making it a manageable DIY project. This means you can quickly and efficiently set up a protective barrier without professional help.

Flexible Protection

One of the biggest advantages of landscape loops is their flexibility. You can easily adjust or expand them as your landscaping evolves. Whether you add new plants or decide to modify your yard layout, landscape loops can be reconfigured to meet your changing needs.

Key Benefits:

  • Prevents Damage: Shields sensitive plants from trampling by pets or children.
  • Enhances Safety: Provides an additional layer of security around pools and ponds.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: Complements the overall look of your yard.
  • Customizable: Available in various materials and designs.
  • DIY-Friendly: Simple to install and remove as needed.

By strategically using landscape loops, you can maintain the integrity and beauty of specific areas within your yard, ensuring they remain safe and pristine.