How to Close in an Area for Small Dogs in the Backyard

It's natural for dogs to want to explore, but this becomes a problem when they're in your backyard. The purpose of an enclosed backyard is to keep your dogs secluded in an area without you having to worry about them running off. Unfortunately, both big dogs and little dogs will try to see what lies beyond the barriers of your backyard. The main problem with little dogs is digging, so most of your efforts in closing off an area in your backyard for small dogs will revolve around the lower areas of the border.

Things You'll Need

Fencing
Shovel
Chicken wire fence or lattice
Cobble rock mulch

Instructions

- 1
  Create a fence that has no gaps in between its panels. If you're using wood, then the panels should butt up against each other.
- 2
  Dig a trench around the perimeter of the fence. Install chicken wire or lattice into the trench to close any gaps in between the bottom of the fence and the ground. Add the dirt back into the trench to secure the chicken wire or lattice. You can also secure the top of the chicken wire or lattice by stapling it or nailing it to the main fence.
- 3
  Cover the lattice or chicken wire with roses or another thorny plant. Dogs stay away from thorny plants, so this will act as both decoration and as a deterrent.
- 4
  Create a barrier around the perimeter of your fence with cobble rock mulch. Dogs don't like the way it feels on their paws, so they tend to stay away from it. By adding rock mulch around the barrier of the fence, you'll prevent the dog from digging anywhere near the edge of the fence, thus preventing it from escaping.
- 5
  Keep all picnic tables, chairs or climbable objects away from the fence to prevent your dog from using them as a step to jump over the fence. In the winter, clear snow piles that accumulate near the fence for the same reason.
- 6
  Affix your fence latch high on your fence door so that your dog can't jump up and accidentally unlock the fence.