Pros of Having a Dog Fence
So many of homes have drive gates which enclose the motor court with the backyard. These are wonderful architectural elements and provide some enhanced security for garages. The joy of having a drive gate can quickly evaporate the first morning you pull out of the garage and as you drive away from you home you notice your dogs chasing your car down the street.
It is amazing how many builders will not make dog fence an option for their Owners. A dog fence is a side yard fence behind the driveway that separates the back yard from the motor court. These iron fences can be shorter than typical fencing and also can help with pool code compliance.This allows you to have your dogs in the backyard while not being able to make a break for it every time you try to pull out of your driveway. The nominal investment during the build process will be well worth the money.
Designing a Dog Fence
We have worked with Owners who assumed a standard fence would be sufficient, only to realize later that spacing, height, or layout did not work for their specific dog. Smaller breeds can slip through gaps. Larger dogs can test fence height and structural integrity.
Every dog and property is different, which means your Builder should consider:
- Spacing between pickets: Smaller dogs require tighter spacing to prevent escape.
- Fence height: Larger or more active dogs may require additional height.
- Material selection: Wood, metal, and composite options all perform differently over time.
- Ground clearance: Gaps at the bottom of the fence can allow digging or slipping underneath.
- Gate security: Gates should latch securely and align properly to avoid gaps.
These details may seem small, but they directly impact whether the fence actually works.
Bonus Pro Tip – Have your fence installer put a double 4’ gate (8’ total). This will allow access to your back yard for trucks, tractors, etc.. if you need to work on your pool or do large landscaping projects. Otherwise they will have to remove the fence and reinstall it to allow access.
