A Note From Your Durham Region Dog Fence Experts
Hey there, dog lovers of Durham Region. There’s a concern in the back of your mind when you let your dog out in the backyard, and instead of relaxing with your morning coffee, you’re doing the frantic scan across each corner of your property. Is the gate latched? Are there any gaps in the fence? Could pup squeeze through that spot near the shed? Is Max going to lose his mind and jump the fence over a squirrel?
Or maybe your new build doesn’t have a fence yet, so letting your dog out means standing there like a security guard, because the second you turn your back, they’re gone faster than Leafs playoff hopes in the third period. This is when a proper dog fence comes in.
We’re the Whitby fence installer constructing dog fences throughout Durham Region for years. Whether we’re travelling Whitby to Oshawa, Ajax to Courtice, Pickering to Bowmanville, and everywhere in between. We’ve installed dog fences for properties backing onto conservation areas where wildlife is a concern, urban backyards where properties are tight, rural properties that need wide ranging perimeter coverage, and everything in between.
Because importantly, most standard fences aren’t really designed with dogs in mind. But a detail specific dog fence? That’s built specifically to handle everything your four-legged escape artist can throw at it.
So if you’re done with the stress of an unsecured yard, keep reading. I’ll break down everything you need to know about dog fence installation in Durham Region.
Why Your Dog Needs a Proper Fence
Safety is such a concern for dogs who roam unsupervised. There’s a risk to get hit by cars, getting into fights with other animals, eat things they shouldn’t, or just getting distracted and lost. Durham Region has its share of travelling nightmares with Highway 401, Highway 2, Taunton Road, and Brock Road and none of them are places you want your dog wandering. A secure fence creates a safe boundary that keeps your dog on your property and out of danger.
For health and injury, wildlife is a real concern in Durham Region. In our backyards there are coyotes, foxes, and other critters that can pose a threat to dogs, especially smaller breeds. A solid fence protects your dog from these wildlife encounters leaving you peaceful for your pet.
Bylaw compliance matters as well because municipalities have bylaws requiring dogs to be on your property or on leash. Running loose isn’t legal, and you can face fines if your dog is constantly escaping and roaming the neighborhood. A proper fence keeps you compliant with local regulations.
Then you’ve got your new neighbour after just moving in. Imagine getting into a spat right away souring the relationship when your dog is visiting their yard uninvited. Not everyone loves dogs, or is frightened for their children, so a secure fence keeps the peace and maintains good relationships.
Types of Dog Fences To Install
You’ve got several excellent options when it comes to dog fencing including features with dig prevention, chain link for visibility, horizontal board privacy fencing, and durable aluminum.
A backyard privacy fence with dig prevention features are among the most popular fences for dogs. To prevent diggers from excavating their way to that pesky squirrel, the key modification for dogs is extending the fence boards below ground level several inches to a foot deep. Some options include installing a horizontal board or wire mesh at the base that extends outward into the yard. We’ve installed these for countless Durham Region dogs, from Huskies who dig like they’re mining for gold to Beagles who could teach excavation classes.
Chain Link Fencing is the budget-friendly, functional option that works great for dogs for durability and not obstructing your view. The right height when installing chain link dog fences is most important along with tension wire at the bottom to prevent any lift or squeeze plays by your pet.
Unlike wrought iron which can rust, aluminum fencing is free of maintenance effort and will last forever. The spacing between pickets can be customized based on your dog’s size as per the constructed beautiful aluminum fences throughout Oshawa and Ajax for dog owners who want that upscale look without compromising on security.
Horizontal cedar boards or composite boards installed create a contemporary aesthetic that looks killer on newer homes. For dogs, the key is ensuring the boards are close enough they can’t get their head through, and the bottom board is close to ground level to prevent squeezing underneath. Another option to layer horizontally is composite fencing that pets cannot chew through while not degrading from weather, and outlast everything else you consider.
Wire Mesh Fencing is the agricultural-style option that works great for rural properties or large areas. This isn’t chicken wire that is susceptible to tearing, but it’s welded wire mesh mounted on sturdy posts. Nicely, it’s cheaper for covering large perimeters, dogs can’t climb or jump it if it’s tall enough, and it’s incredibly durable. We’ve installed this for several Uxbridge and Scugog properties with acres to fence for dogs and small livestock as well.
What Different Dog Breeds Need for Fencing
Not all dogs are created equal when it comes to fencing needs. Here’s what we consider for different breeds and behaviors.
Jumpers like Huskies, Border Collies, German Shepherds, and other athletic breeds need HEIGHT. We’re typically recommending 6 feet minimum, and for some serious jumpers, even taller. We’ve also installed fences with rollers that spin if your dog tries to post up on top of the fence, preventing them from pulling themselves over.
Then there are diggers like Terriers, Dachshunds, and Beagles who need dig prevention methods in their fencing needs. This means either burying the bottom of your fence 6 to 12 inches underground, installing an L-footer, or pouring a concrete footer along the fence line. There is serious risk in underestimating a determined digger, and we’ve seen Terriers excavate tunnels that would impress an engineer.
For small breeds like Yorkies, Chihuahuas, and small mixed pups, they need tight spacing and ground clearance. These little guys can squeeze through gaps you wouldn’t think possible. By ensuring there’s minimal clearance under the fence and spacing between pickets or boards, we’ve had customers shocked at how small a gap their Yorkie can fit through.
Large, powerful breeds (Mastiffs, Rottweilers, Great Danes) need STRENGTH. These dogs can push through weak fencing if they’re determined. We use posts with the heaviest duty strength, stronger hardware, and make sure everything is anchored properly. A fence that would work fine for a Labrador might not hold up to a 150-pound Mastiff throwing their weight around.
During your consultation, we’ll talk about your specific dog’s behaviors and design the fence accordingly. Every dog is different, and their fence should reflect that.
Common Questions About Dog Fencing
What's the most secure type of fence for dogs in Durham Region?
The most secure fence combines the right height, dig prevention, appropriate spacing, and quality materials for your specific dog.
That said, if we’re talking maximum security for all-around escape artists, a 6-foot privacy fence with dig prevention and self-closing gates is the top recommendation. This gives you height to prevent jumping, eliminates gaps to prevent squeezing, prevents digging escapes, and the solid panels mean dogs can’t even see the temptations outside the yard.
How much does a dog fence cost in Durham Region?
Dog fence costs vary based on the size of your yard, the material you choose, height requirements, whether you need dig prevention, number of gates, and any site-specific installation challenges.
Here are typical price ranges for common dog fence options in Durham Region:
Chain link fencing (4 to 6 feet tall): $20 to $35 per linear foot installed
Vinyl privacy fencing with dig prevention: $45 to $70 per linear foot installed
Cedar privacy fencing with dig prevention: $40 to $65 per linear foot installed
Aluminum ornamental fencing: $50 to $80 per linear foot installed
Composite fencing: $60 to $90 per linear foot installed
For a typical backyard requiring 150 linear feet of fencing with one gate, you’re looking at costs ranging from roughly $3,000 for basic chain link up to $13,500 for premium materials with all the bells and whistles.
Give Your Dog the Safe Yard They Deserve
Feel peace of mind that your dog is enjoying a safe, secure yard where they can play, explore, and just be a dog without you constantly worrying about their safety.
We’ve installed dog fences throughout Durham Region for every breed and size you can imagine. We know what works, what doesn’t, and how to build a fence that actually contains your specific dog while looking great in your yard.
We’re not going to try to sell you the most expensive option if it’s not what you need. We’ll have an honest conversation about your dog, your property, your budget, and your goals, and we’ll recommend the best solution for your situation.
Give us a call or fill out the contact form to schedule your free dog fence consultation in Durham Region. We’ll come to your property, meet your dog (the best part of our job, honestly), assess your yard, discuss your options, and provide a detailed estimate with no pressure and no obligation.
Your dog’s safety is worth getting this right. Let’s build you a fence that keeps your best friend safe and gives you the peace of mind you deserve.
Talk soon,
Your Durham Region Dog Fence Installation Team
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