What Kind of Privacy Fence Works Best for Aggressive Dogs?

If you own a very territorial and aggressive dog, you may have a big liability on your hands. It's your primary responsibility to keep people and other animals around your property safe. The best way to protect outsiders is to put in place a strong privacy fence that will secure your dog inside the property without any chances of escaping.

  1. Height

    • Height is a critical factor.

      Some dogs are territorial and aggressive enough to jump over fences. If you want to invest in a privacy fence, height is an important factor and ultimately depends on the size of your dog. Generally, a dog under 10 inches at the shoulder requires a 3-foot fence, while a dog up to 18 inches should have a 4-foot fence. Dogs over 18 inches need a 6-foot fence, and larger dogs would do best with an 8-foot fence for safety's sake. Horizontal beams on wood fences can be used by dogs as a ladder. Better to place them on the opposite side of the fence.

    Material

    • To effectively keep your dog contained, make the privacy fence out of sturdy material. Wood privacy fences offer solid barriers while keeping other dogs and pranksters from tormenting your canine companion, explains Miriam Fields-Babineau in her book "Mixed Breeds for Dummies." While cedar is more expensive than conventional wooden stockade fencing, it is more durable. Vinyl or brick fences are more costly, but last longer and provide greater security than wood privacy fences.

    Base

    • Aggressive dogs may want to get to a person or another animal outside.

      Aggressive and territorial dogs may feel compelled to escape the fence to get to some person or other animal outside. Some dogs may resort to digging under the fence when they're unable to climb over it. To prevent this, your privacy fence must have a solid base. If you are erecting the fence, sink the bottom into the ground. If you are dealing with a wood fence, this may cause rotting of the base. Burying some chicken wire at the base of the privacy fence may also help discourage digging.

    Considerations

    • A secure lock on your privacy fence entrance is a must.

      Aggressive dogs require secure, escape-proof fences. While putting up a secure privacy fence is a good start for preventing your dog from escaping, it is also your responsibility to post signs to warn others you own a dog that can potentially injure a person coming into your property. Keep in mind that children can't read signs, so a lock on the gate is a must.