Fencing for dogs: diggers, jumpers, and the fence that stops both

Half the fences we install in Marion County exist because of a dog, so we have opinions about this.

Diggers get a bottom tension wire, a buried fabric edge, or a concrete mow strip under the run. Any of the three works; the wire is the cheapest and handles most dogs.

Jumpers need height, and height depends on breed and motivation. Four feet stops most small and medium dogs. Six feet is the honest answer for a determined shepherd, husky or lab, and coyote rollers can be added at the top for the truly athletic.

Climbers are a separate problem. Chain link is a ladder to a motivated climber; smooth vinyl or aluminum with tight picket spacing is not.

Visual barrier matters for reactive dogs. Solid privacy fencing dramatically reduces barrier frustration compared to see-through fence, because the dog is not watching every passing trigger.

The gate is where most escapes actually happen. Self-closing hinges and a latch a dog cannot nose open are worth more than another foot of height.

Black vinyl-coated chain link is our most popular dog fencing because it is affordable, durable, and visually disappears against landscaping. Vinyl privacy is the upgrade for reactive dogs. We build dog runs, side-yard kennels and full-yard enclosures across Ocala, Silver Springs Shores and Marion Oaks every month.