Having fences is essential for the safety of both your dogs and those passing through your neighborhood. But fence suitability for your prized pets is a big deal: Chain-link fences, for instance, are they good for dogs? We are curious about the answer, too. We thoroughly researched the internet to know if it is good to use for your dogs.
Chain link fences are good for dogs, especially if they are the type that frequently digs the ground to escape. However, if there are benefits, expect that there are also drawbacks.
Knowing if the benefits of chain link fences can outweigh their drawbacks would be best for you to read on. Doing so will help you find a more detailed answer and know more about this type of fence.
Reasons Why Chain Link Fences Are Good For Dogs
We assume you are already considering installing a chain-link fence in your yard for your dog. Please read the details below to know why chain-link fences are good for them.
1. Chain Links Are Durable Enough For Dogs
A chain-link fence will be the answer if you want to install a durable yet affordable fencing material. This type of fence is excellent in durability. Even if you have big and aggressive dogs, plus an expansive yard that requires a lot of fencing, it will help you save money because of its cost-effectiveness.
2. Comes In Tall Sizes For Bigger Dog Breeds
Chain-link fences come in regular sizes, which measure three feet up to six feet. And you don't have to worry if you want a taller one since fence dealers and manufacturers can provide chain-link fences taller than eight feet. That is possible even though they are less typical in residential areas.
3. Great In Preventing Dogs From Escaping
Chain-link is ideal for dogs who love digging to escape from your yard. If you have already installed another type of fence and your dog tends to dig under it, using chain-link fences to replace it is a good idea.
Suppose you install chain links; you should dig 12-inch deep into the ground to prevent your dog from escaping underneath the fence.
However, you cannot bury all types of fences. For instance, a wood fence, you can’t and shouldn’t bury because it will rot when exposed to dirt.
Read more about: "Should A Fence Be Level Or Follow The Ground?"
Disadvantages Of Chain Link Fences For Dogs
Despite being durable and cost-effective, chain-link fences also have disadvantages. However, it will be up to you how you will take these drawbacks.
1. Not The Most Attractive Option
First, chain link fences are not attractively appealing to the eyes. And this type of fence is mainly used in sports establishments and commercial applications. But them being unappealing shouldn't worry too much because there are ways you can attractively adorn the fencing.
Vinyl Coatings
There are vinyl coatings that can soften the appearance and provide colors to chain link fences. Although there is a limited option with the color selection, it is an excellent method for preventing the industrial effect of bare metal.
Plus, you can always paint the pre-fab vinyl-covered chain link if the color options are not to your liking.
Wooden Slats
Another option that you can do to enhance the appearance of chain-link fences is to incorporate wooden slats through the chain link. Know that it will not only make your chain-link fence appealing to the eyes but will also make your area private.
However, large breeds of dogs might crash themselves into the chain-link, which could break the wooden slats. So it would be best to think carefully about using it.
For the last option you can do to make your chain-link fence attractive, you can consider growing vines and flowers onto it. Although it will take some time for the foliage to develop, it can completely hide the fence.
2. Not Okay For Dogs Who Know To Climb
Another drawback of a chain link that we all should be aware of is that dogs can climb out of it. So, if your dog is one of those potential climbers, you don’t have to worry about anything since you can still do something to prevent that.
All you have to do is to incorporate slats into the fence. Doing so will make it harder for them to climb. In addition, you can also add rollers on top of your chain-link fence.
Additional Good Fence Options For Your Dogs
Chain-link fences are not the only available fencing material that you can use for your dogs. Check the details below for some fences you might want to consider installing.
1. Metal Fences
Whatever type of metal fence you will choose, it will still look sleek and classic. However, one major drawback is that smaller breeds can effortlessly creep through this type of fence because of the thin pickets with only three to four inches of space.
Metal fences can only contain a large breed of dogs. But if they will try to escape through the gaps, they can get their heads stuck on the fence gaps. So, it would be best to choose metal fences with the narrowest gaps.
One significant advantage of metal fences for larger breeds of dogs is that it is very robust. Suppose you have an aggressive dog that often throws himself against your fence, this type of fence is one of the best for that issue.
And similar to chain link, you can also bury metal fences on the ground to deter your digging dogs.
Read more about: "How To Fill Gap Under Fence [5 Effective Fillers]."
2. Wood Privacy Dog Fence
A wood dog fence can offer you a lot if you construct it properly. A wooden fence with a regular size of six feet is already adequately tall to stop your dog from jumping over it.
Another advantage that a wooden privacy dog fence can offer is blocking your dog’s view from the other side. And this factor can already deter your dog from escaping.
In addition, a wood privacy wood fence is excellently advantageous if you don't want your dog to go hyper or wild when it sees someone or something outside your yard. Trust this type of fence if you want your dog to be calm most of the time. Plus, it can keep all the other animals from entering your yard.
However, you can not bury wooden fences as we have mentioned above. So, it would be best to do something such as burying a chicken wire, or you can use stones, gravel, or potted plants to deter your dog from digging into the ground to escape.
Moreover, if you have a large dog that is a bit aggressive, expect that it will be able to break the wooden privacy fence. And this type of fence needs proper maintenance to avoid developing small spaces between the pickets so that small dogs cannot escape.
3. Vinyl Dog Fence
Most homeowners prefer using vinyl dog fences. The reason is that it costs cheap and is exceptionally durable for your dogs. Since it has a smooth surface, your dog will have difficulty climbing it.
The strength of vinyl fences is that they will be as stable as the day you installed them. In addition, the standard size of a six-foot vinyl fence is already tall enough to prevent your dog from jumping through it. But no worries if your dog jumps exceptionally high. Vinyl fences are also available in eight feet.
However, vinyl fences also have poor quality. And that is, it gets brittle over time. So, expect that if your vinyl fence comes to old age, it will have cracks because of your dog that frequently crashes into it. Lastly, just like a wooden fence, you can not bury it. So, it is not advisable to use it for dogs that keep on digging.
Vinyl’s weak spot is that it can become brittle over time. If your vinyl fence has been around for many years, it could crack under the force of a large dog crashing into it. Vinyl also cannot be buried, so it’s not ideal for dog breeds that tend to dig.
Where It All Ends
Fences are indeed crucial for the safety and calmness of your dogs. And a chain-link is one good example of fencing material for them, but everything has its benefits and drawbacks. And a chain-link fence is not an exemption. Knowing both its advantages and disadvantages for your dogs will let you weigh if purchasing one is worth every penny.
