7 Best Fences for Dogs in 2024: Reviews & Top Picks

For dog owners, ensuring that their pets have a safe and secure environment to roam freely is essential. Installing a reliable and suitable fence is one effective way to provide this, but choosing the best fence for your dog can be challenging with so many types and brands available in the market. If this is a problem that you are having, keep reading as we list seven of the most popular reviews, along with their pros and cons. The buyer’s guide has tips on what to look for to make an informed purchase.

A Quick Comparison of Our Winners (2024)

The 7 Best Fences for Dogs

1. PetSafe Basic In-Ground Fence System — Best Overall

The PetSafe Basic In-Ground Fence System is the best overall fence for dogs. It has four levels of shock and a tone-only setting to help keep your dog in the yard without using an unsightly wood or metal fence. It can cover 1/3 of an acre, and you can expand it up to 5 acres by buying more wire. It also comes with a waterproof dog collar for your pet, and you can add more pets by purchasing additional receivers.

The downside to the PetSafe Basic Inground Fence is that it uses proprietary batteries, so you need to order more from the company when you need them.

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2. IRIS USA 4-Panel Dog Exercise Playpen With Door — Best Value

The IRIS USA 4-Panel Dog Exercise Playpen With Door is our pick as the best fence for dogs for the money. It uses BPA-free plastic to create a durable fence that you can use indoors or outside. It’s lightweight and portable, so you can use it while traveling, and the inside is about 8 square feet. You can adjust it into different shapes so it will fit into any room, and you can even attach multiple fences to create a larger interior area. The non-skid feet keep it from sliding around, and it has a steel latch on the door that will help prevent your pet from escaping.

The downside to the IRIS USA 4 is that it’s difficult to assemble, and many customers complained that the screw holes were too small or didn’t line up properly.

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3. PetSafe Stay & Play Wireless Fence for Stubborn Dogs — Premium Choice

The PetSafe Stay & Play Wireless Fence for Stubborn Dogs is a premium-choice fence for dogs. It’s similar to the top choice on this list but has five levels of shock along with a tone-only setting, and it covers 3/4 of an acre, which should be more than suitable for most homes in a town or city. It’s especially suited for stubborn dogs, and it doesn’t require you to run any wire or dig trenches, meaning you can take it anywhere and use it when needed.

The downside to this invisible fence is that it’s expensive, and many customers complained that the charger for the collar battery is flimsy and falls apart easily.

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4. New World Pet Products Dog Exercise Pen — Best for Puppies

 

The New World Pet Products Dog Exercise Pen uses metal fencing to create the walls of the pen, and it is available in many different sizes so you can get something that your puppy can’t jump over. The panels flex, so you can create odd shapes that fit the environment or even use them to block off a room. It folds flat, is easy to store, and has a durable black finish that looks great and will help guard against rust.

The downside to the New World fence is that despite the finish, it tends to rust if you use it outdoors, and there is also no door.

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5. Animal Barrier Fence

The Animal Barrier Fence is a great choice for people who have dogs that like to climb under their existing fence, and it can help keep them from getting in the garden and other areas of the yard. This fence comes with 25 panels that will block off an area 27 feet long without you needing tools or digging any holes, and the panels have a durable finish that will help slow the progression of rust.

The downsides to the Animal Barrier Fence are that it’s too short to use alone for most dogs, it bends easily, and it will eventually rust.

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6. BestPet Dog Playpen Pet Dog Fence

The BestPet Dog Playpen Pet Dog Fence is great for multiple puppies and small dogs. You can use it indoors or outside, and it is easy to set up. You can create different shapes with it so it will fit in any environment, and it is portable, so you can take it with you camping or in an RV. A durable finish helps protect it from rain and harsh weather.

While the BestPet fence has a solid and durable construction, it can be a bit unsteady, and many customers complained that they needed to add extra support. It is also quite heavy, which can limit its usefulness as a portable fence.

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7. Zippity Outdoor Products Vinyl Picket Fence

The Zippity Outdoor Products Vinyl Picket Fence is an attractive option that uses Recycled PVC in its construction, making it an environmentally friendly option. It is easy to install by pressing the sharp posts into the ground, and you won’t need to worry about rusting, so it can last for many seasons.

The downside of the Zippity fence is that many customers complained that it is extremely flimsy and won’t put up much of a struggle against your dog. The thin posts easily work free, and fence pieces might even fall over.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Pick the Best Fences for Dogs

Determine Your Dog’s Requirements

Before diving into fence options, assess your dog’s specific requirements. Consider factors like their size, breed, age, and behavior. Large dogs may require tall fences to prevent jumping, while small breeds might need tight fences to prevent them from squeezing through gaps. If your dog is prone to digging, you must consider fencing solutions that address this behavior.

Evaluate Your Property

Examine your property to determine the ideal location and layout for the fence. Measure the perimeter and consider any unique features, such as slopes, trees, or existing structures. Understanding your property’s characteristics will help you choose a fence type that accommodates these factors. Additionally, check local regulations and homeowners’ association guidelines regarding fence height, materials, and design to ensure compliance.

Choose the Right Fence Type

Explore the different fence types suitable for dogs, such as wooden, chain-link, vinyl, invisible, and DIY systems. Each type has its advantages and drawbacks. Consider factors like durability, visibility, maintenance requirements, and cost. Determine which type will work best for you and your pet.

Consider Height and Escape Prevention

Dogs have different jumping abilities, so be sure to choose a fence height that prevents them from jumping over. A fence at least 6 feet tall is typically recommended for large breeds, while 4 to 5 feet may suffice for small dogs. Additionally, ensure that the fence is secure and close to the ground to deter any attempts at digging underneath.

Assess Your Dog’s Suitability

Dogs that are easily startled, aggressive, or prone to anxiety may not be suitable candidates for an invisible fence. Consult a professional dog trainer or veterinarian to determine if an invisible fence is appropriate for your dog.

Conclusion

When choosing a fence for your dog among these reviews, we recommend our pick for the best overall. The PetSafe Basic In-Ground Fence System covers 1/3 of an acre and includes a waterproof collar. It provides four levels of shock and has a tone-only setting to help you keep your pet in the yard. Another great option is our pick as the best value. IRIS USA 4-Panel Dog Exercise Playpen With Door is perfect for blocking off sections of your home or setting up a pen for puppies or small dogs. The plastic is BPA-free, and you won’t need to worry about rust.

Related Reads:

• Saint Bermastiff
• Wired vs Wireless Electric Dog Fence

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Featured Image Credit: Diego Thomazini, Shutterstock