Frequently Asked Questions

Creating a secure outdoor space can help your dog expel all that excess energy, leading to a calmer demeanor indoors and bringing you peace of mind.

Pet Playgrounds is a real physical dog fence kit. It is NOT an electric fence. It comes with all of the components you will need to create a safe and secure play space for your dog. Unlike invisible electric fences that only attempt to keep your dog in your yard, our physical dog fence stops predators — like coyotes — from entering your enclosure. Our product has two main features that separate it from all other fencing systems.

Anti-Climb Feature: Unlike traditional rigid fences, our fence is a mesh-based fencing system that moves. Dogs can't use our fence like a ladder to climb over. When a dog tries to climb over, it simply flexes so no dog can get a grip.

Anti-Dig Feature: Even if you have a physical fence, dogs can dig under your fence to escape. We have eliminated this possibility by creating a dig guard — a strong steel mesh layer that is secured into the ground using our ultra-hold ground stakes.

Providing your dog with a secure outdoor space not only enhances their physical health but also improves their mental well-being. A properly contained yard allows your dog to explore and play safely, reducing anxiety and destructive behaviors.

Learn more about how our fencing system works.

Our poly mesh is infused with a bitter anti-chew formula on all sides.

• Long lasting effectiveness due to controlled release of active ingredients (approximately 10–15 years)
• Effective at low addition levels (3–4% of master batch or 0.3–0.4% of active additive)
• Easy dispersion without affecting poly properties
• Human safe, ecologically safe, and RoHS compliant

Even if a dog bites the poly once, they get dissuaded from biting again due to the highly bitter taste. Dogs know that spicy and bitter are not tasty flavors — they are associated with unsafe foods in the wild, and as a result, dogs instinctively avoid bitter things.

Understanding how dogs typically escape can help you choose a more effective containment strategy. Here are the most common methods:

• Climbing: Dogs are surprisingly good climbers, especially on chain link fences where evenly spaced slots act like ladder rungs.
• Digging: Many dogs dig their way out, especially under chain link fences. A dog can easily create a hole beneath a traditional fence and squeeze through.
• Squeezing through gaps: Small or agile dogs can wiggle through wide picket spacing or gaps in fencing.
• Jumping: Some dogs have an impressive vertical leap that clears fences that seem tall enough.
• Chewing: Dogs with strong jaws can chew through fences made from weaker materials like wood or certain plastics.
• Opening gates: Intelligent dogs can learn to manipulate simple gate latches, providing an easy route for escape.

By identifying how your dog is escaping, you can better tailor your fencing solution to address that specific behavior.

Traditional fences (like chain link) act like ladders and actually help dogs climb over. Our fence eliminates that possibility. The strength prevents chewing through, and the flexibility stops climbing — when a dog pushes against it, the fence simply moves, so they can't get a grip.

Addressing fence-patrolling behavior: Dogs that pace up and down fences are often looking for other dogs or people nearby. To reduce this, opt for a tall fence your dog can't see over while on their hind legs, and ensure it's a solid mesh rather than widely-spaced posts. This significantly reduces distractions and helps manage the behavior.

Unlike traditional fences, our fence does not end when it meets the ground — it keeps going for about a foot. Our fence comes with a dig guard made from a strong 19-gauge steel mesh layer that is secured to the ground with ultra-hold ground stakes. Take a look at the video below — words can't accurately describe how it works.

Understanding why your dog is trying to escape is crucial before investing in a fence. By observing their behavior closely during escape attempts, you can pinpoint the underlying cause.

• Loneliness: Dogs left alone outdoors for extended periods may escape to find companionship. Ensure they get enough indoor time and interaction.
• Boredom: High-energy dogs need more exercise and stimulation. A lack of physical activity leads them to seek ways out of the yard.
• Environmental attraction: If your dog smells or sees another animal or something intriguing outside, their natural curiosity may compel them to explore.
• Inadequate enclosure: A determined dog may not be stopped by an invisible fence. Physical barriers need to be tall and secure enough to prevent escapes.

By taking the time to understand your dog's specific needs and behaviors, you can choose the most effective way to keep them safe and contained.

Not at all! In just a short time the dig guard will almost disappear into the grass and become one with the soil. This zen-like effect will allow you to mow right over the top of it and right up next to the fence.

A perimeter loop fence layout is a fencing design where the fence encircles the entire property — including the front of the house — granting your dog access to both the front and backyard.

This layout is suitable when:

1. Full property access is desired: Ideal for those who want their pet to freely roam across the entire property rather than a specific area.
2. Property size allows for it: Suitable for larger properties where the perimeter loop provides ample space.
3. Regulations permit it: Not all neighborhoods or HOAs allow extensive fencing — check local zoning laws first.

A perimeter loop layout ensures maximum space for your pet's enjoyment but requires careful consideration of local regulations.

You can order your Pet Playgrounds Dog Fence Kit online. You'll make product selections and receive an immediate on-screen quote for both materials and optional installation.

The first step is to measure your yard. Once you know how big an enclosure you want, simply:

1. Select your fence height and type (5ft, 6ft, 6ft MAX, or 7ft MAX)
2. Select the length you need
3. Choose your gate options
4. Select whether you want optional professional installation
5. Finance through Affirm or pay by credit card or PayPal

Our prices are based on height and length:

• 5-foot tall kits — $9 per foot
• 6-foot tall kits — $10 per foot
• 6-foot tall MAX kits — $12 per foot
• 7-foot tall MAX kits — $14 per foot

What do most people get? The most popular kit is a 5-foot tall / 200 linear foot kit with a standard 5×5 gate — $1,850 for a DIY kit, or approximately $121/month through Affirm for customers with good credit.

What about installation? Installation costs $6 per linear foot and $175 per gate. In the example above, installation would add $1,375, bringing the total to $3,225 — or approximately $163/month through Affirm.

What's the next step? Measure your yard — it only takes a few minutes. Walk around your proposed play space and count your steps, then multiply by 2.5 to get linear feet.

The first step is to measure your own yard — it's incredibly easy and takes just a few minutes. Every penny we save by not sending someone out is passed directly on to you (roughly $450 per fence).

Once you've measured, get an immediate on-screen quote.

But I want a professional to help me plan my layout. Shouldn't an installer look at my yard first?

Our fence is designed to be installed on virtually any type of property — rocky yards, steep hills, challenging obstacles. Installers do not need to visit prior to install day, which saves time and money for everyone.

Yes. We have installers in many states, and virtual installation assistance in all states. Typically installations can be completed within 14–30 days of your order. To find out how long installation will take in your specific area, call us at 800-753-4880.

Invisible wireless dog fences just don't work reliably. Studies show they fail nearly 30% of the time. Nearly a quarter of our customers are dog owners who first tried an invisible electric fence — only to find it didn't work for their dog.

At low shock levels, the jolt is too weak to stop an excited dog from chasing wildlife. At high levels, the dog may become scared or aggressive. A physical fence provides true freedom for your dog to play safely while keeping predators and stray animals out — something an invisible fence simply cannot do.

Learn more about the dangers of invisible wireless fences and shock collars.

We do! If you are ordering 300 feet or more, reach out to us and we will give you a special coupon code to save on your order in addition to free shipping (a $350 value).

Do you offer discounts for seniors or veterans? Yes! Just reach out to us at 1-800-753-4880.

We have worked hard to keep our prices low, and with the option to finance through Affirm, we believe we offer the most affordable real dog fence in the US and Canada.

Yes. Typically, coyotes enter fenced yards by climbing over traditional chain link or wooden fences. Our fence prevents this because it physically moves when anything tries to climb it.

Other fences act like ladders that help coyotes climb over. Our flexible mesh means they can't get a grip. Watch the short video below to learn more.

Our fence works great for community dog parks and pet hotels. It's incredibly popular because thousands of dollars can be saved by having volunteers assemble our easy DIY kit.

We recommend a 5-foot tall kit with a minimum of 300 linear feet for a dog park with 4 gates. This creates 2 separate play spaces (one for large dogs, one for small) with a security gate system so dogs can't run out when a new dog enters.

You'll need to add the free-standing enclosure option during checkout for a standalone dog park. Learn more about commercial applications.