If you have a best friend or family member of the four paws and a wagging tail variety, you know that as lovable as they are, they can get into plenty of trouble. Dogs often are the primary reason that we install fences on residential properties. Your dog fence is designed to keep them safely contained in a yard. In most cases, people opt for tall fences (to stop jumping or climbing) to maintain their furry friends from going over the top, but dogs can be very determined. They may also try going under the fence if they intend to get out and explore beyond the yard. You may have to get creative with your solutions for the particularly stubborn pup. Let’s look at several tips to help keep your dog from digging under the fence.
Station Plants
One way to discourage your dog from digging under your fence is to block the area where they explore. One common tactic is to plant shrubs that are hard to get into or under or to place potted plants that are equally hard to navigate around for the dog along the perimeter of the fence. Plants should be explicitly placed where the digging occurs most often, but you can do the entire fence edge if necessary.
Line With Rocks
Similar to placing plants or shrubs around the perimeter of your fence, you can also place large rocks. Rocks are likely to be more expensive than planting shrubs, but stones don’t require ongoing work. If you’re not the type to take care of plants or have a “black thumb,” having rocks around the perimeter does this job just as well as the shrubs and plants. You can choose large or small stones if they’re big enough to deter the digging.
Install Chicken Wire
Burying chicken wire accomplishes the same goal as well. When you plant the chicken wire, which is essentially mesh fencing, it goes under the ground and is covered by dirt, so it isn’t visible. When the dog digs, it hits the chicken wire and stops. Eventually, the dog understands that there’s chicken wire around the perimeter of the fence and stops digging up entirely. But in the meantime, you’ll probably fill holes as the dog tests the fence.
Install An L-shaped Footer
An L-shaped footer (standard for garden fences) takes the idea of burying chicken wire one step further and can be made out of wire fencing, like chicken wire or plastic. Essentially the footer continues the fence structure down into the ground and then turns a perpendicular corner, creating an L. It forms an L blockade around the entire perimeter of the fence, keeping animals, including your dog, from digging.
Invest In Training
Ultimately, it’s a better solution is simply to train your dog. But this is certainly an investment of time and energy, but not everyone can commit to it. And some dogs, even with training, will still be patient.
Find Your Perfect Fence With Help from Hercules Fence Newport News
Hercules Fence has experience with nearly every type of residential and commercial fencing material imaginable, from wood and aluminum to chain link, vinyl, steel, and even temporary fencing. We have developed a reputation for quality work and fair, competitive prices. Hercules Fence is ready to serve you from six convenient locations. We have offices in Manassas, Richmond, Newport News, Norfolk, Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina.
If you have any questions about finding your dream fence or maintenance, contact Hercules Fence today by calling (757) 316-3600 or visiting FencesNewportNews.com for a free quote!
