Canine Advice

dog fencing idea gone wrong - Collie leaping over net fence in countryside

Dog Fencing Ideas – how to keep Fido home!

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Dog Fence Solutions: Rural vs Urban Challenges

Dogs will be dogs so exploring different dog fence solutions is a must for any canine owner. Having spent 17 years fencing dogs we have come across many different ideas. As with people no two dogs are the same and of course they all live in different locations.

Why Dogs Escape (and Why Fencing Matters)

Many rural locations are difficult to fence. Understandably this could be because of the terrain being very hilly, wooded or prohibitively large. Furthermore most rural properties are surrounded by hedgerows. Hedgerows may be a deterrent for a dog with a low prey drive but for many it’s an open avenue of escape.

Rural Dog Fence Options

What are the dog fence options for rural homes? Rural homes have always been difficult and expensive to fence and terrain and size will naturally affect what type of fencing can be installed.

Stock Fencing

Stock Fencing is not a good dog proof fencing idea as badgers can make holes and crawl through

Badgers are not deterred by Stock Fences

Stock fencing is a traditional dog fence solution for rural properties. Used to contain livestock it is adaptable for use in rural gardens. For many dogs this will give enough of barrier to prevent the dog jumping  out of the property. The downside is that this type of fencing is it is costly, unsightly and can be damaged by wildlife. Badgers and foxes will often make holes in this type of fencing and thus some rural owners find this dog fencing idea a temporary fix. Also the cost of such fencing can work out extremely expensive; starting around £8.00 p/m + gates etc it can a costly exercise.

Deer Fencing

Deer Fencing; again another great rural solution but sadly it is extremely obtrusive more expensive than stock fencing. Again, the downside with this fencing is that badgers and small mammals will make holes that then become an escape avenue for your dog!

Electronic dog fencing

Electronic dog fencing; you may not be familiar with this product even though this type of dog fencing idea has been around for over 40 years. Using a boundary wire, transmitter and a computer collar worn by the pet this type of fencing can be used on any terrain. Electronic dog fences do need to be professionally installed. This is because the pets need training but they a more cost effective solution than traditional methods. As a guide price an rural installation of approx 2 acres for 2 dogs would be circa £1300.00.

The advantage of this type of dog fencing solution is that it can be used cost effectively on very large properties (up to 350 acres) and can be removed if the owner moves house. It is also invisible so will not affect any planning restrictions or spoil the view!

Kennels and dog runs

Kennels and dog runs are full proof method for dog containment and are often an option for rural homes The downside of installing a run is that many dogs become bored and exercise is limited. The cost of installing Kennels can be high but equally these can be relocated to a new property.

Urban Dog Fence Options

When it comes to urban dog fencing there are certainly more options but prices are often prohibitively high. Of course, most urban gardens are fenced in some way but these may not all be dog proof! Some new sites have planning restrictions on fence heights and even open plan. Many properties use Picket or Rail type fencing which dogs can easily jump over or squeeze through.

Planning permission is not usually required in urban areas.  Fences must be no more than 2m high or 1m high  near roads. The most popular type of fencing is for urban houses is Close Board fencing.

Close Board Fencing

dog fencing ideas can go wrong when the dog digs under the close board fence and makes a hole!

Dogs can dig under traditional fences

Close board fencing is a great dog fencing solution for many urban owners. It is generally tall enough to stop jumping dogs and quick to install. This type of fencing comes in varying heights and can be installed by most handymen. The downside is that some dogs will dig under and there may be restrictions to installing this type of fencing on some new estates. As a rough cost to install on a small rear garden it would be approx £1200.00.

Electronic dog fencing – no need to install gates!

As with the rural properties this type of fencing is a very cost effective solution. These types of dog fencing solutions also gives the owner the possibility of protecting the drive within the price. It is true that the larger the property for more cost effective the electronic dog fence becomes but small properties can also be fenced with this product.

Many owners may already have a Close Board or Picket fence installed and need additional backup. The electronic dog fence can be run around the existing fence if the traditional method is not working. Our Installers can place the cable to prevent the dog jumping over or digging under the existing fence. The cable can even be run under the drive to protect this area. Most owners are concerned that this means digging up the drive but the installation is both neat and discreet.  A typical urban property would cost less £1000 to fence and this would include a driveway loop.

If you’re looking for affordable ways to secure your garden, check out our guide to cheap dog fence ideas.

Cat Runs

Interestingly cat runs can be used to keep both dogs and cats safe. These type of structures can prove expensive if they are professionally installed and may not be aesthetically pleasing. A cat run suitable for a dog would usually cost from £750.00 upwards depending on the size.

If you’re a cat owner too, our invisible cat fence systems provide the same safe, effective containment as our dog fences — keeping adventurous cats close to home without restricting their freedom.

Unusual DIY Attempts (What We’ve Seen Over the Years!)

A DogFence Ltd we have been Professionally installing electronic dog fences for over 17 years. The dog fencing solutions that some owners come up with to keep their pets at home can often be amusing. Over the years we have seen:

  • Old Fireplaces in the hedge!
  • Old garage doors down one boundary!
  • Orange builders netting – not attractive or effective!
  • Hundreds of dogs on tie out stakes – who have wound themselves up to the pole 🙁
  • Electric horse fencing – Harsh and not fall proof!

If you would like to learn more about how we can keep your dog safe at home please call us or visit our web site. We offer bespoke Quotes using our online measuring tool – simple, accurate and effective. 01628 476475 or info@dogfence.co.uk

 

dog fence boundary flags with dog in training

Electronic dog fence – How to train your dog.

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Simple Steps for training your dog to an electronic dog fence

Before commencing electronic dog fence training:

  1. Ensure that you have the correct amount of training flags to cover the boundary. The training flags are the most important part of the training protocol for electronic dog fences. The training flags should be placed approx 8 – 10ft apart around the boundary. Use the collar to find the edge of the avoidance zone and place the flag in the ground in the area where the collar starts to beep.white electronic dog fence flags are placed around the boundary to give the dog a visual
  2. Using the dog fence tester – set the collar to beep only mode. This means that the collar will not give out an impulse just an audible tone.
  3. Place the electronic dog fence collar on the dog and check that it correctly adjusted. As a guide you should be able to get 2 fingers in the neck strap when the dog’s neck is down. See our Trouble Shooting page for handy tips.
  4. Leave the collar on the dog for at least 30 mins before commencing the initial training session.
  5. Find a long lead – 6ft and ideally not the dog’s usual walking lead.

Commencing the training

  1. Take the dog outside on the lead.
  2. Walk the dog around the boundary and tap the flag so that there is good movement.
  3. As you tap each flag use a command word – a good example is “Watch out”.
  4. Allow the dog to go past the training flags into the correction zone (this is the area of the electronic dog fence where the collar will give both a beep and impulse). Allow the dog to linger here and hear the warning beep then direct him back into the garden. Use the command word and tap the flag again.
  5. Repeat this around the boundary for several small sessions over 1 – 2 days.

Introduction to Correction

  1. Place the electronic dog fence collar on the dog approx 20 – 30 mins before starting the training.
  2. Using the tester – lift the level on the receiver from level 0 (beep only) to level 1.
  3. Repeat the process of walking around the boundary and tapping the flags. Always use the command word when tapping the flag.
  4. Allow the dog to go past the flags into the avoidance zone. Look for any signs that the dog is feeling the impulse (a small twitch of the ear, little shake of the head).
  5. Carry on around the boundary allowing the dog to walk into the avoidance zone of his own free will. Never call or drag the dog into the electronic dog fence zone.
  6. If the dog is not responding to the level – lift the level to level 2 and repeat the process. Always direct the dog back into the safe area and praise the dog when he is back in the safe zone.
  7. Once the dog is reacting to the stimulation make a note of the level.
  8. After training play with your dog, praise him and reward him. Do not allow the dog to be off the lead in the garden during the training phase.

Introduction to Distractions

It is important the dog fully understands the warning beep and how to retreat when he is in a high drive moment. By carrying out the distraction training your dog will learn the electronic dog fence so that it becomes second nature. This will ensure that even when he is in a high drive state he stops at the warning beep. The distraction training will require 2 people.

  1. Walk around the boundary, tapping the flags and then have the new person walk into the flags and well into the avoidance area. See if the dog continues or decides to stop.
  2. If the dog continues allow him well into the zone to receive the stimulation and guide him back to you in the safe area. Give him the command word whilst guiding him back to the safe area. Praise him in the safe area.
  3. If the dog stops before or at the flags guide him back and praise him.
  4. Continue walking around the boundary and repeating the process.
  5. Once the dog is making the right decision (not walking into the flagged area) move on and try this on the driveways or open areas.
  6. If the dog is making good progress you may wish to drop the lead and walk into the flagged area with the companion. If the dog endeavors to follow give the command in aloud and firm voice.
  7. A good indication that the dog is fully at home with the electronic dog fence is when he looks away from the flags.

Repeat this process over a couple of days.

Letting your dog off the lead

  1. Walk the dog around a couple of areas and tap the flag if possible. Usually by this stage the dog will not venture near the flags so just give the command word even if you are several feet away from the flag.
  2. Go to the centre of the property and face the dog away from boundary.
  3. Remove the lead and start to walk back towards the house or a safe area.
  4. Play with your dog outside – you can roll a ball but always roll away from the avoidance zone.
  5. Do not leave the dog unsupervised in the garden for the first few days.
  6. After 14 days you can start to remove the flags. Remove the flags every other flag, every other day until they are gone.

Keep the flags in a safe place as if you wish to add on another pet you will need to re-flag the boundary and if you change the layout this will need to be re-flagged to give the dog a visual.

Points To Remember

Training your dog to the electronic dog fence should be fun!

Never throw a stick or ball into the avoidance zone.

Small bit size sessions are often better.

Always remove the dog fence collar at night or for a period of 8 hours in every 24 hour period.

Check the fit for your electronic dog fence collar regularly.

Check the battery status on your collar monthly (using the tester supplied).

DogFence Ltd are the largest installers of electronic dog fences in the UK. Our professional installer/trainers can set up your dog fence for you and will train your pet to the system. We also offer a post installation service to train new pets to the system. If you would like more information please call us on 01628 476475 or email info@dogfence.co.uk.

 

 

 

 

dog fence ideas - dog with question mark

Dog Fence Options Compared: Wooden, Mesh & Invisible Systems

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Dog Fence Options Compared: Wooden, Mesh, and Invisible Systems

When you’re researching dog fence options, you’ll quickly see there are many different choices — from traditional wooden panels and wire mesh to modern invisible dog fences. But not all solutions are equal when it comes to keeping your dog safe and secure.

In this guide, we’ll compare the most common types of dog fence options, their pros and cons, and explain why an invisible FM frequency fence is often the safest and most cost-effective choice.

Why Do You Need A Fence?

Most pet owners will experience a dog that loves to escape — whether it’s jumping a 6ft fence, digging under the hedge, or simply heading off on an unplanned walk. While this may seem harmless, an escaping dog can:

  • Put themselves in danger from cars, livestock, or poisoning.

  • Cause accidents on the road.

  • Knock over or frighten strangers.

  • Risk unexpected vet bills or even fines from the dog warden.

A secure fence isn’t just about protecting your dog — it protects others too and gives you peace of mind.

Dog escaping over wooden fence showing need for secure dog fence options

Some dogs see traditional fences as just another challenge.

Wooden Panel Fencing

Wooden fencing may look sturdy, but it isn’t fool-proof.

  • Panels often sit slightly above the ground, making it easy for dogs to dig underneath.

  • Athletic dogs may simply jump over, even if the fence is 6ft tall.

  • Regular maintenance is required to stop rotting or repair storm damage.

  • Costs can quickly mount if you need to replace panels or add extra barriers.

For determined dogs, wooden fencing can be little more than a temporary fix.

Wire Mesh Fencing

Wire mesh is another common option, but it often causes more problems than it solves:

  • Dogs can see through the mesh, leading to barking, fence-running, and frustration.

  • Neighbours or passers-by can tease or even harm your dog.

  • Digging under is still possible.

While affordable, wire mesh is rarely a long-term solution for escape-prone dogs.

Why Chaining Is Never the Answer

Some owners resort to chaining a dog when fences fail. But chaining:

  • Severely restricts exercise.

  • Causes stress, boredom, and frustration.

  • Increases aggression and behavioural problems.

It’s unsafe and unfair for the dog — and definitely not a recommended containment method.

Wireless & Invisible Dog Fences

This is where technology offers a smarter solution. Invisible fences use a boundary wire, transmitter, and a computer collar to create a safe containment zone. But not all systems are equal.

AM Frequency Fences (Old Technology)

  • Can be disrupted by Wi-Fi, TVs, or even light dimmers.

  • Slow response times mean pets can “outrun” the signal.

  • Risk of false activations, shocking your dog unnecessarily.

FM Frequency Fences (Modern Technology)

  • Use secure, fast, digital signals that ignore interference.

  • Quick reaction time keeps pets safely contained.

  • Safety cut-off prevents over-correction.

  • Can be installed around any property size — from small gardens to estates of 350+ acres.

  • Invisible and planning-friendly.

Learn more about how an invisible dog fence system works.

Why FM Invisible Fences Are the Best Option

Compared to traditional fencing, an FM invisible fence:

  • Costs a fraction of installing tall panels or mesh.

  • Works on all terrains, including driveways, hedges, and wooded areas.

  • Is safe, proven, and recommended by vets.

  • Gives your dog freedom within safe boundaries.

Learn more about how an invisible dog fence system works.

Dog safely contained with an invisible dog fence system

Invisible dog fences keep pets safe without changing your view.

The Benefits of Secure Fencing

Choosing the right dog fence isn’t just about stopping escapes — it brings peace of mind and real protection for both your pet and the wider community:

  • Your dog stays safe from roads, poisons, livestock, and other dangers.

  • Others are protected — no risk of your dog knocking someone over or frightening passers-by.

  • Lower costs — avoid dog warden fees (often £50+ per incident) and unexpected vet bills.

  • Prevent accidents — escaped dogs can cause road traffic collisions, which are sadly on the rise.

  • No unwanted litters if your dog hasn’t been neutered.

  • Protect other animals — you won’t be liable for injuries to neighbouring pets or livestock.

  • Peace of mind knowing your dog can enjoy freedom without escaping.

If you also own cats, our cat fence system is designed to keep them safely contained too.

Cat sitting on a garden statue – safe alternatives to roaming with a cat fence system

Even adventurous cats need safe boundaries — our cat fence system keeps them secure without restricting freedom.

Final Thoughts

If you want complete peace of mind, an FM invisible fence is the safest and most reliable option to stop escapes and keep your dog secure.

Call us today on 01628 476475

Request a Free Quote

  Message us on WhatsApp

Active dogs safely contained by a robust dog fence on vast, uneven ground in a beautiful, hilly landscape."

Top Tips to Stop your Dog from Escaping Out of The Garden

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Top Tips to Stop your Dog from Escaping Out of The Garden

stop dogs escaping from garden

Yipee – let’s go guys!

Boredom, loneliness, territory protection, prey instincts and separation anxiety are reasons that may lead a dog to stray. So how do you stop your dog from escaping? The answer may be more straight forward than you think.  Firstly it is important to assess the reasons why the dog is escaping.  What is it that draws him off, is it food, livestock another dog or boredom? It goes without saying that every dog owner wishes to prevent their dog from escaping and getting into danger. Outside the safety of the garden your dog risks getting into a fight, being hit by a vehicle, being stolen or even eating something poisonous. There is also responsibility; a free roaming dog is a threat to children, livestock and even other dogs on a lead.

Train your dog?

You may have already asked your trainer how to stop your dog from escaping. Many owners report that the dog develops the habit of escaping through the front door as soon as it is opened. They may also get rewarded for escaping. They get to roam the neighbourhood, scour bins and possibly enjoy a game with another dog! Hence, this then becomes a hard to break habit. Teach your dog to wait at the door until you open it for him and to never go out on its own. Always rewards his good behavior. Your dog will stop getting out of the garden to enjoy treats from you.

Secure your garden

Ensure that your garden area is well secured to stop your dog from escaping. You may be able to use a 6-foot fence to secure the area because most dogs cannot jump over it – you could also consider digging in a chicken wire along the fence line below ground. When a dog is determined to escape, it can do anything to gain access to digging under the 6-foot fence. The chicken wire will be uncomfortable for the dog, and may prevent deter the dog from digging. You can also place concrete or wood blocks at the bottom of your fence to discourage digging. Try to avoid picket fencing as this can cause serious injury to your dog or cat if they impale themselves on the stakes. The issue with a lot of fencing is that wildlife can damage the wire and make holes within the fencing.

Containment fencing

If you have an uneven garden terrain, consider having a smaller dog run that could be confined to one corner. Another alternative for securing the garden is installing underground or invisible fencing. The hidden fence uses a small computer collar that interacts with a signal that surrounds the property. When the dog enters the “no go zone” the dog’s collar reacts to the radio signal and gives the dog a high pitched warning beep to alert the dog that he or she is in the wrong area. If the dog continues the collar gives out a low level static shock (correction). The dog will have been trained to know where the “no go zone” area is located through a training protocol that uses both vocal and visual indicators. The advantage of an invisible dog fence is that they can be installed on nearly any terrain.

Over the years there has been negative press on the use of electronic dog fences, often referred to as electric dog fence but recent studies have dispelled the myths, indeed a study into cat containment reported that there are no negative long term effects with using an electronic fence. (Lincoln 2016) https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/news/2016/09/1265.asp.

The issue of how to stop your dog from escaping is always going to be a difficult subject but below are few tips:-

Driveways and open boundaries

Driveways are always going to be a weak point, as are open areas which cannot be fenced due to planning restrictions. These areas really are ideal for using electric dog fences. Escaping dogs will always use the weakest point on a property and an open gateway or clear area is a golden opportunity for a dog to make a bid for freedom. An underground dog fence will operate invisibly and effectively 24/7 to prevent the dog or cat from escaping through the vulnerable area. Owners often install electric gates to keep dogs and cats off the roads, however, most dogs will quickly learn that when they hear the buzzer they have an open opportunity to not just run out but amble out at a steady pace. An underground dog fence can be fitted in conjunction with electric gates to prevent the pet from escaping when they hear the buzzer.

stop dogs from escaping through driveway

An open driveway is difficult to secure.

Consequences of an escaping dog

If your dog escapes and is caught by a council dog warden you may be issued with a warning, a caution or a fixed penalty fine. If your dog is considered out of control you may even be prosecuted and fined. The penalty is up to 6 months in prison or an unlimited fine!  This is surely a big enough incentive to stop a a dog from escaping! Also further controls can be given to the owner.  In some cases the dog may be transferred to a local kennels whilst the owner is located at a heavy daily cost or even transferred to shelter and possibly re-homed. Recent media reports have also found out that the RSPCA is too quick to euthanise. Sadly owners pets have been permanently separated from their vets within a matter of weeks.

 

Exercise your dog

A dog that only stays and plays in the garden will eventually get bored, stressed, frustrated and unhappy. Dog’s need a change of scenery. Just like people a change is as good as a rest. If your dog is bored it will look for ways to break the tedium.  For you and your dog’s sanity it is advisable to walk your dog every day if possible. This way he can experience a new environment, remain engaged and interact with other dogs. Exercises not only boosts your dog’s socialization skills but also stimulates its mind. Country walks or walks in the park are a great way to stimulate your dog. The sounds, scents and interaction with nature and other dogs will keep him fresh. If you exercise your dog daily or regularly then this should help to stop your dog escaping from the garden.

Conclusion

Just like human beings, dogs like adventure and to discover new things. If you want to stop your dog from escaping you need to break the cycle. It may be that you need to install a containment fence or that you need to train your dog or exercise him more. If the issue is not tackled then the habit will continue. As an owners we must look at the issue from two angles. Primarily we need to be responsible for our dog’s welfare, state of mind and health. However, we also have a responsibility to those people, livestock and property that a wandering dog may come in contact with.  An engaged happy dog will be less likely to wander.

 

 

wireless dog fence creates a circle of signal around the boundary.

Wireless dog fence – the truth – do they work?

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Wireless dog fence – is this an easier solution?

What’s the buzz about a wireless dog fence? When considering installing an electronic dog fence one of the factors will be “do I need to install a boundary wire? A wireless dog fence seems like an easy solution. No boundary wire to dig in, just plug in and go! For over 40 years  the electronic dog fence has been used to keep pets  safe. Traditionally this  involved digging or installing a circuit of boundary wire to keep the cat or dog contained. The idea of simply plugging in and going seems so much easier so why are these fences not more popular?

The wireless dog fence involves installing the transmitter into centre of the property.  From central transmitter a circular signal creates the no go zone around the garden. Sounds simple enough, however, the downside is that property owner needs to consider several major facts when looking into wireless dog fencing.

Considerations re installing a wireless dog fence

circle zone of wireless fence

The wireless fence works be creating a circular zone around the boundary.

  • A Wireless dog fence may not suitable for narrow properties – the property needs to be 30ft wide min.
  • Terrain challenges: The lay of the land may not be suitable. A wireless dog fence is not ideal for sloping or terraced gardens.
  • Heavily wooded areas can interrupt the signal. Similarly metal objects and fencing can grossly effected the signal leading to dead spots. This happens with all AM electronic dog fences.
  • A wireless dog fence collar cannot be worn indoors as is prone to activation from objects within the house – TV’s and dimmer switches as well as other household appliances.
  • Fence wobble – the boundary with a wireless dog fence fluctuates so the dog boundary will change causing confusion/danger to the dog .With some systems the Wireless Fence wobble can be up to 16ft.
  • A wireless fence cannot be used with houses that have a mobile phone signal booster or smart meter.
  • The Wireless dog fence receiver collar is heavy and bulky and not really suitable for small dogs or cats.
  • Does not give adequate warning if the pet enters the zone.

The wireless fence does work for some owners.  It would be fair to say that this product is probably more suitable to US houses where the house is on an open plan flat plot. For UK households most gardens are already fenced and the wireless dog fence is a backup. With US houses the wireless fence may be the only containment parameter. If the zone does not cover every inch of the property it is not quite so crucial. With a UK garden if the owner has a fence running around the boundary and the installs an interior circular zone this is confusing for the dog.

Also if the owner is prepared to remove the computer collar when the dog enters the house this would make the wireless fence a good option.

Most owners will agree that boundary wobble is unfair for the pet the if the wireless dog fence is being added as a secondary fence it may not be quite such an important issue.

Advantages of a wireless dog fence

  • Quick and easy to install.
  • No boundary wire to lay – so cable cannot be damaged.

What about wired systems?

wired dog fence wire is running around edge of property. Electronic dog fences can be used on any size or shape garden

The wired fence can be used to cover irregular boundaries even on undulating terrain and can create inner loops to cover pools or play areas.

The advantage that a wired dog fence has over the wireless fence is that it can be used for any shape of property, on any terrain. Also the FM systems* guarantee no false activation on the pets collar both internally and externally so the collar can be worn both inside and outside. Different technology within the wired fences enables the   size and weight of the collars  to be far smaller and lighter. Collars used for wireless dog fences are heavier and bulkier due to the antenna and batteries.

*Dog Fence UK are the only electronic dog fences worldwide to us an FM signal.

  • A wired dog fence can be installed on any terrain and can cover irregular shaped or undulating boundaries.
  • If an FM system is used there is guaranteed no false activation on the collar.
  • Boundary is consistent – no mixed message for the dog.
  • Can cover a larger area – up to 6km of boundary wire (350 acres).
  • Collars are smaller and lighter (suitable for all breeds and cats).
  • Always gives an audible warning.

Disadvantages of a wired dog fence

  • Boundary wire can be broken, therefore, burial of wire is advisable
  • Installation will take longer
  • Not as easy to move from house to house.

October 2018 Update

Since this blog was originally written the criteria for the installation of both wired dog fences and wireless dog fences has changed in the UK. New Government legislation to be introduced shortly requires that all electronic dog fences need to be professionally installed with training. We are currently waiting for the Governments position regarding wireless dog fences.

Both wireless dog fences and wired systems will contain most pets but it is worth researching before purchasing to avoid making a costly mistake. The training time for both wired and wireless dog fences should be the same and this will be dependent on the size of the area, age and breed of dog.

Should you wish to talk to one of our experts regarding an electronic dog fence installation please call us on 03450 623 623 or email us @ info@dogfence.co.uk. www.dogfence.co.uk.

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