A big yard with plenty of space to run is essential to your dog’s health and wellbeing. If you are thinking about maximizing your space and creating the perfect play yard for your pooch, look no further. A DIY dog fence project offers dogs a safe and secure way to explore, play, and roam, all while staying in close proximity for your peace of mind. Best of all, the DIY option yields all the benefits of deluxe fences at a fraction of the cost. With options of PVC, metal, or chain-link fences, and more, there are styles and price points to fit every budget.
Physical dog fences are a traditional alternative to an in-ground dog fence and a GPS dog fence when freedom and long-range roaming are not an option. A temporary dog fence like those made of PVC is a perfect option when you are renting a home or bringing your furry friend on a trip because you can build it and tear it back down while on the go. When your dog is still in training or shows aggressive tendencies, a traditional fence is viable to keep them safe and sound. Metal wire fences make great play yards for puppy play dates because they can be designed in virtually any size and shape within an hour, which means you and your dog can spend more time doing what you love without having to worry about stopping to recharge.
We have listed a variety of fence styles for you to consider which type of project you want to commit to in terms of the difficulty of installation and maintenance of materials. Some options like Deer Netting PVC fencing are great options for a temporary fix; for a long-term option, a chain-link fence will still offer Fido an open view, and installing fence posts is relatively easy.
DIY Dog Fence Ideas And Styles
Metal Wire
Metal wire fences add a clean, sleek look to your yard, with precise lines and geometrical symmetry. As an added bonus, all you need to complete a metal wire fence is a hammer, metal wire, and stakes, which means no visits to specialty stores all around town; it’s a one-stop-shop kind of project. Metal stakes and wiring can be completed in just a few hours, depending on the size of your yard. Stake out your yard to the desired size and shape, and then unroll your metal wiring panel by panel.
Alternatively, Metal wire fences can be built with wooden fence posts for a more professional and durable look. Replace the stakes with wooden fence posts, and add some 2×4’s to frame the top and bottom, and you will have a polished look to your shiny new fence. This look creates a frame around your metal wiring. Best of all, your dog will love being able to enjoy the scenery going on around the neighborhood; this see-through fencing will help contain even the most curious dogs since it is virtually open. How to stop a dog from digging and jumping in response to noises and commotion? Use this open design and they will be less likely to engage in such unseemly behaviors, translating to longer life and durability for containing your pet.
PVC
Cheap dog fence ideas are mostly PVC fences which are a great option for flexibility and durability. The Deer Block Netting is as simple as it gets. Simply install four fence posts; we recommend the standard green metal stakes that you can find at any home improvement store. Next, undo the roll of this netting to the desired size. The netting will stand at the height of 7 feet, which contain even the strongest jumpers. When you are finished, simply roll the netting back up and safely store it away until your next adventure. This fencing material bends easily to take on any shape, and its lightweight design means it can be stored virtually anywhere and easily transported for your convenience.
Remember, this is a more temporary structure, so we recommend supervision of your dog while using this structure. Bigger dogs may figure out that they can break through the fencing if it bumped into or ran over, so it will not be a long-lasting option. It is great for day trips or mini-vacations when your pet needs some supervised outside time.
Chain Link
Chain link fences offer a middle ground for price and longevity. They are much more affordable than wooden fences but offer more security than a temporary dog fence. Additionally, you can install a gate at the perfect size for your pooch to walk in and out. The versatility of chain link fences is endless. For a classic suburban look, you can opt for the silver metal chain link. This DIY is extremely popular because of its straightforward installation and the fact that it doesn’t have to be fixed along the entire perimeter. For this project, you’ll have to grab some metal posts and attach the fabric to the fence posts about every 12 inches and along the top every 24 inches with fence ties. Follow this step-by-step guide to get started.
Pallet Fences
Pallet fences are the perfect DIY dog fence project for a beginner. Cut down on construction time and costs by creating your custom fence design using pre-made pallets. Using pre-measured pallets means you can jump straight into the assembly of the pallet fences. You’ll begin by pouring concrete as you would do with a traditional wood fence; however, instead of having to hassle with individual 2x4s, you will attach the pallets to create a fence panel and repeat until you reach the desired length.
DIY Dog Fence Basics
Pet Security
The number one priority when building dog fences is for the containment and protection of your beloved furry friend. That said, it is important to fully consider your dog’s behaviors and yard needs to fencing to best serve its purpose.
Pet Protection: Consider if you live in an area that shares space with wildlife. A secure dog fence not only keeps your dogs inside of the perimeter, but it keeps dangerous wildlife out. If your property line backs up to woods or a body of water, sturdy metal fencing with a bottom border will prevent critters or your pooch from digging under and will best serve your needs [1].
Unwanted Interactions: Fences provide a great barrier from unwanted interactions with neighbors and neighborhood animals. Instead of walking your dog past the loud neighbor dog every day or dealing with the dog down the street that always gets out, you can be certain that there is a layer of protection between your dog and others.
Additionally, fences are a great preventative for unwanted mating; when dogs roam free, they are more likely to interact with other dogs, which can result in an unexpected litter of puppies to take care of. After installing your new fence, learn how to train your dog to stay in the yard and maximize these benefits.
Theft Protection: When choosing your fencing material, consider the fact that you may not only want to keep your dog in, but it also helps to keep thieves or troublemakers out. They can also see that your furry friend is on guard, and watching will help to act as a preventative measure.
Installing a gate on your fence system will prevent unsolicited access to your yard and prevent mishaps from Fido figuring out how to press his weight again the door and pushing it open.
Containment: Considering the size and behaviors of your pooch can help to eliminate mishaps. If your dog is a climber, it is possible that they’ll fit their paws into the holes of a chain-link fence and climb over.
Likewise, if they are a digger, it would be wise to get a fence guard to line the bottom of your fencing. Otherwise, your pooch will escape by digging under chain link fences that hover slightly above the ground. Investing some time in working with your dog and training them not to dig can have a big payoff.
Bigger dogs may be able to pummel through PVC or deer netting easily while ripping and running around the yard. Metal wiring or chain link will better secure larger dogs and tend to stand at a higher height, which prevents dogs from jumping over.
Aesthetics
The beautiful thing about DIY projects is that you can customize them exactly to your liking. With fencing like pallet fencing, you can choose virtually any stain or paint color to add elegance to your play yard.
To add flair to a typical chain link fence, you may opt for the industrial-style black chain link, which offers UV protection and anti-rust qualities. This will increase the life span of your fencing and add to the unique style of your property.
Rember to include a gate to your fence for your convenience. Gates can be created as a simple latch system to keep your dog from being able to jump up and push the gate open to more intricate systems with a double gate for vehicle entry.
HOA
A fence can add to your property value, but it can also interfere with the property guidelines of your HOA if you don’t do your homework first. The first step when you are ready to build your fence is to find out the approved fence specifications of your community. Some communities have strict guidelines limiting the height that your fence is allowed to reach; this may defeat the purpose of installing a fence if your pooch is a super jumper. In cases like this, the best wireless dog fence out there might be your best option.
You will have to be careful with DIY materials, as some may not make it on the approved lists of fencing material. Be sure to clarify if pallets and deer netting fencing are allowed, as these are seen less typically in HOA Communities.
FAQ
1. How can I make an inexpensive dog fence?
By doing the work yourself, you will reduce the costs of the most expensive portion of any fencing budget—labor. By choosing the right materials for your needs and laying out a solid plan beforehand, you will minimize trial and error and create the exact fence you need.
2. How do I build a simple dog fence?
Dog fences can be built from a variety of materials and follow the same standard setup. Look at a blueprint of a metal wire fence or chain link fence to determine how to evenly distribute fence posts and attach your fabric at the right spacing. Pallet and PVC fencing are the most straightforward fencing to get the job done in no time.
3. What type of fence is cheapest for dogs?
PVC Deer Block netting is by far the cheapest option for fencing. In addition to its value, is its ease of use is unmatched. Deer Block Netting can easily be set up as a portable fence or as stationary fencing for long-term use.
4. What do I need to build a dog fence?
A variety of tools may be needed, depending on the material that you choose for your dog fence. Some DIY fencing options, such as metal wire fencing, require little more than a hammer, metal wire, and stakes, which wooden fencing will require a screwdriver, screws, posts, and panels. Fence kits are available as well, which bundle together many of the materials needed.
