A dog fence keeps your dog, property, other people and animals safe. However, they’re pricey to have installed, which makes a DIY dog fence an attractive option. But it can be tough to know where to being. Yards come in all shapes and sizes as do the dogs in them. To help you out, we’ve gathered some of the best DIY fence plans from around the web to get you started. Some are basic, and others are thorough with complete material and tool lists. As you’re choosing, keep your skill level in mind.
You can use any number of materials from chicken wire and mesh wire to wooden pallets to create a sturdy dog fence. The size and shape of your yard (and dog) will give you a better idea of how much material you need and the type of material that will work best. Make sure to measure twice before you commit to the plans and materials. Your dog and budget will thank you.
The Why’s of the Do It Yourself Dog Fence
- Keep your dog on your property. Part of being a responsible dog owner involves keeping your dog on your property. This is especially important if you live in a neighborhood. Not everyone loves your pup as much as you, and dogs can get into mischief, like garbage cans or fights if they wander. A fence gives your dog a safe boundary, and you peace of mind.
- Prevent fights with other animals. Dogs can be unpredictable. If your dog is reactive or anxious, he could attack a passing dog or child. Vice versa, your dog could be victim to a passing reactive dog or child who pets the dog without asking first. A fence protects everyone, including your dog.
- Protect your dog from other animals. Other dogs aren’t the only danger around. Wild animals like coyotes, raccoons, and larger predators like bears or cougars can all harm your dog. A fence can deter the curious and potentially dangerous.
- Prevent unintended puppies. Puppies are adorable, but they’re a lot of responsibility that you may not want. Animals act on instinct, so they aren’t necessarily picky about their mates. A fence can prevent your registered Vizsla from getting pregnant from a local stray.
DIY Dog Fence Ideas
1. Panel by Panel with Chicken Wire
If you want to keep things simple (and you don’t mind eyeballing some of your fence building), these simple DIY panels can be used to build a fence of almost any size and length. You’ll need the lumber, wire, t-posts, hardware, and a few power tools, but you can adjust the number and size of the panels based on the available space.
2. Welded Wire
One reason to take on a DIY dog fence is to save yourself some cash. Welded wire can do just that because it’s relatively inexpensive and a single role (or two) can go a long way. These directions have all the materials and instructions you need to make a fence that perfectly fits your yard.
3. PVC Fence
Cheap, affordable PVC can help you whip up a DIY dog fence in no time. This fence works best if you don’t have a huge area to cover. You’ll also need to anchor it in a few spots to add stability, especially if your dog is an escape artist. PVC also gives you some creative license in that you can paint it to match or house or keep it white.
4. PVC Indoor Dog Fence
Keeping your pup contained indoors can be just as tricky as keeping him in the yard. This PVC DIY can be altered to fit spaces both big and small. Like all DIYs it will take some careful measurements and patience, but this fence can look fairly professional and stand up to rambunctious dogs. (We also like the PVC latch.)
5. Fence Panels for All
DIY lets you create a fence that works for the unique space around your home. That could be a single panel or a whole slew of panels to keep your dog contained. These DIY dog fence plans teach you how to build panels, and you can decide how many and what configuration works for you. Pair this DIY with a DIY gate, and you could have a secure oasis for kids too.
6. DIY Electric Dog Fence
For the dog who doesn’t take no for an answer, a DIY electric fence keeps them contained with gentle electricity. This type of DIY is meant as a second layer of deterrent for an already existing fence. You can pair it with one of the other DIY fence ideas on our list.
7. PVC and Mesh Wire
Low on funds? This simple fence only takes PVC and mesh wire. For dogs that don’t need too much help staying put, this fence will save cash and reassure you that your pup is where he belongs. However, if your dog is persistent about getting out, this might not be the fence for you.
7. Wooden Dog Lot
Don’t need a full fence? These plans help you section off a portion of your yard for your dog(s). When you have guests over or you’re entertaining, a place for your dogs can let you enjoy the rest of your yard and give your dog a place where guests can’t bother him. This kind of space can also give you some dog free time in the outdoors when you need it.
8. DIY Dog Run
Diggers can be tough to contain. This dig-resistant dog run can be easily adapted to your space, whether you need a full fence or only a small area for your dog within the yard. The lights go the extra mile, but you can keep it simple if that’s outside of your comfort zone.
9. T-Post Farm Fence
The trusty T-post has kept animals contained for decades. These do-it-yourself dog fence plans rely on the trusted farm fence. It doesn’t take long to get up, and you don’t have to build the fancy gate if you don’t need one. This is an excellent option if you’ve got extra mesh wire and T-posts floating around from other home projects.
FAQs
Start by taking stock of the materials and tools you already have on hand. If you’ve got pallets around or left over lumber, use them. If you’re starting from scratch, PVC and mesh wire are both relatively inexpensive. Take stock of your dog’s size, weight, and personality. A cheap fence made of pallets may work better for a large dog than one made of PVC, for example.
The cheapest fence to build is typically a small fence that only needs one or two panels made of mesh wire. T-posts or left over lumber work well for stability posts. Check your supplies to see what you already have. Then head to the hardware store to check out what’s on sale to determine the best bargain.
Mesh wire, chicken wire, PVC, wood, and wood pallets are all usable materials for a DIY dog fence. Anything that’s sturdy enough to keep your dog in will do.
DIY invisible fences are a bit different than above ground models. The DIY part isn’t in the materials. It’s in the labor. You’ll have to buy a kit and then install it yourself. The DIY can be labor intensive, from installing the wiring inside the house and burying the wire outside the house to checking on any breaks in the line.
You can use chicken wire for a dog fence.
You’ll need mesh wire and T-posts or another sturdy material/post-like object onto which you can attach the mesh wire. First, determine how many posts you need, and use a shovel or post-hole digger to place your posts, roughly five to ten feet apart, based on the layout of the area. Unroll the mesh wire, attaching it to posts with wire as you unroll it.
You want to create an L-footer using a material that will prevent your dog from digging under the fence. An L-footer has an L-shape that extends out from the fence so the dog can’t dig directly under the fence structure. They can be made of chicken wire, chain link, or even concrete for persistent dogs.
Looking for more information about dog fences? We have a library of in-depth information about various aspects of dog fences. Including tips and ideas for keeping your dog from jumping and building your own dog fence:
- 90+ creative and inexpensive dog fence ideas
- DIY dog fence ideas to build your own dog fence
- How to keep a dog from jumping a fence (or climbing a fence)
- How to keep a dog from digging under a fence
- How tall should a dog fence be?
As well as in-depth reviews of each category of dog fence (with recommendations generated by licensed veterinarians):
- The best dog fences (overall)
- The best in ground dog fences
- The best portable dog fences
- The best GPS dog fences
- The best invisible dog fences
- The best wireless dog fences
- The Best Outdoor Dog Fences
And in-depth product reviews of some of the leading dog fence brands:
- Extreme dog fence review
- Justpet dog fence containment system review
- Halo Collar Wireless Dog Fence Review
Pet News Daily writers are experts in pet care, health and behavior. We are members of Society for Professional Journalists and practice ethical journalism.
