Dog-proof fencing
Most garden fences are not dog-proof. Dogs go under before they go over, and they leave through gates far more often than through fences.
Closing the three escape routes
Underneath: a gravel board or dug-in mesh removes the gap dogs exploit first. Through: overlap panels and post and rail both have openings unless you back them with mesh. Over: height should match the dog, and there should be nothing next to the fence to climb on.
Gates need a self-closing hinge or a spring, plus a latch that a nose cannot lift.
- Concrete gravel boards to close the base gap
- Weldmesh or stock netting behind open fence types
- Height matched to breed and jumping ability
- Self-closing, dog-proof gate latches
- No footholds or garden furniture against the boundary
Choosing a style
Close board with gravel boards is the strongest all-round answer. Where you want to keep an open outlook, post and rail with mesh behind it works well.