As a pet owner, providing a safe and secure environment for your furry friend is a top priority. For dog owners in Pennsylvania, having a well-designed and sturdy fence is crucial to ensure the safety, freedom, and happiness of your beloved canine companion. In this blog, we will explore some of the best fence options that are particularly suitable for pet owners, focusing on dog owners in the beautiful state of Pennsylvania. We will discuss the pros, cons, and identify the types of pet owners each fence is best suited for.

Aluminum Fences:

Strengths:

• Stylish and Versatile: Aluminum fences are available in various designs and colors, allowing you to choose a fence that complements your home's architecture.
• Low Maintenance: Aluminum fences are resistant to rust and corrosion, making them suitable for Pennsylvania's intemperate climate.
• Security and Aesthetics: These fences provide security while enhancing the visual appeal of your property. This is especially true for dogs that dig as aluminum fences can be buried below the dirt.
• Visibility: The open design of aluminum fences allows dogs to see their surroundings, reducing anxiety and increasing overall happiness.

Drawbacks:

• Not Ideal for Small Dogs: This comes down to your aesthetic as many aluminum fences have wider spacing between bars. If you want to install aluminum, then make sure to talk to one of our owners about how we can protect your small dog when we stop by for an estimate.
• Higher Upfront Cost: Aluminum fences can be more expensive initially compared to some other fence materials.

Best for:

Dog owners seeking a stylish and low-maintenance fence that offers both security and aesthetic appeal. Aluminum fences are often our top recommendation for dog owners because they are stylish, durable, and maximize your pet's visibility.

Vinyl Fences:

Strengths:

• Durability: Vinyl fences are resistant to weather elements such as moisture, extreme temperatures, and UV rays, making them ideal for Pennsylvania's varying climate.
• Low Maintenance: Vinyl fences require minimal upkeep, as they do not require painting or staining.
• Privacy and Security: These fences offer privacy and prevent your dog from escaping while keeping out potential intruders.

Drawbacks:

• Limited Design Options: Vinyl fences may have fewer design options compared to other materials. That said, at Main Street Fence, we work with numerous suppliers to offer the variety you want. Check out some of our vinyl options here.
• Non-Biodegradable: Vinyl is a synthetic material and not biodegradable. Although it is a long-lasting and low-maintenance option, vinyl fencing will last long after it's useful life in your yard.

Best for:

Dog owners looking for a low-maintenance and weather-resistant fence that provides privacy and security. A vinyl privacy fence is also great for keeping in dogs that jump because they are tall enough for even our most talented friends with paws.

Chain Link Fences:

Strengths:

• Affordability: Chain link fences are generally more budget-friendly compared to other fence types.
• Visibility: Chain link fences offer also offer an open design of chain link fences allows dogs to see their surroundings, reducing anxiety and increasing overall happiness.
• Effective Containment: Chain link fences provide an effective containment solution, preventing dogs from escaping while allowing airflow and visibility.

Drawbacks:

• Limited Privacy: Chain link fences offer less privacy compared to other options, although privacy slats can be added.
• Not Ideal for Small Dogs: The gaps in chain link fences may allow smaller dogs to squeeze through or get their heads stuck. At Main Street Fence, we have some designs that do include smaller gaps that we recommend for smaller pets.
• Not Ideal for Dogs that Jump: Chain link fences tend to have pointed tops. If you think that your dog has got the hops and can get to the top of a chain link fence, then we recommend installing rollers or choosing a privacy fence.

Best for:

Dog owners on a budget who prioritize visibility, affordability, and effective containment over privacy.

Wood Fences:

Strengths:

• Natural Beauty: Wood fences provide a charming and natural look that enhances your property's aesthetics. Unlike other fence types, the wood grain carries character that we love.
• Customization: Wood fences can be customized to fit your specific needs and preferences. In fact, at Main Street Fence, we build many of our wood fence sections in-house so that we can ensure we help create a beautiful space for you and your pets alike.
• Privacy and Security: Wood fences offer privacy and security when properly maintained as well as durability that can outmatch vinyl privacy fences.

Drawbacks:

• Higher Maintenance: Wood fences require regular maintenance. On our blog, we actually have an article on how to maintain your fence to preserve its beauty.
• Potential for Digging: Dogs may try to dig under a wood fence, so adding a wire mesh or lattice to the bottom portion is recommended.

Best for:

Dog owners who value a natural and customizable appearance and are willing to commit to regular maintenance. Wood privacy fences are also best for those with aggressive or excitable dogs because they cannot see through the fence and wooden fences are strong – strong enough even for large breeds that want to jump. In our opinion, there is no fence like a wood fence and no wood like red cedar. If you want a fence that is beautiful, versatile, and tailored to your home, talk to us about wood fence.

Whether you're looking to protect your pet right here in Hatboro or on the Main Line, our team has decades of experience protecting our own dogs – and we are happy to help protect yours. Contact us online, call us at (215) 643-7490, or visit our showroom at 812 S York Rd, Hatboro, PA 19040.

More FAQs about Dog Fences

How high should a fence be for dogs?

The answer to this depends on the size of your dog. For smaller dogs, a 4 foot fence should keep your pet safe. For larger breeds, we recommend at a 6 foot tall fence.

How do you stop your dog from digging under the fence?

Placing rocks or large stones at the base of your fence can make it harder for dogs to dig underneath, but not impossible. If you know that your dog likes to dig, we recommend an aluminum fence or adding a wire mesh to the bottom of your fence.

How can I keep my dog from jumping the fence?

For aesthetic reasons, we recommend using a taller fence and planting shrubs near the inside of the fence to make it more difficult for your dog to jump from the base. If you are thinking about planting shrubs, talk to your estimator about how close you should plant them based on the type of fence you have installed.

When should I opt for an open fence style vs a privacy fence?

We typically recommend open fence designs for most dogs because it allows your pet to interact with the outside world. However, if your dog is aggressive or continually barks when excited, then a privacy fence may give you and your neighbors a bit more peace.