Dog Fence Cost Guide & Installation Tips
Read our dog fence cost guide to find out all about the cost of any dog fence type as well as useful installation tips. Free contractor quotes included.
If you are a dog owner, you understand the need to keep your dog safe and contained. Of course, every dog owner desires to see their dogs happy and free in their surroundings and roam safely in your yard. However, there is a thin line between letting your dog roam around freely and its movement becoming a nuisance to your neighbors.
Worse still, if you do not contain your dogs in a fenced-in environment, you risk their exposure to contagious diseases or exposing them to all manner of accidents such as being hit by a car or coming into aggressive interactions with other dogs from outside. More so, if left in an uncontrolled environment, your dogs are at risk of falling into the hands of pet thieves.
Dog fences are mainly a safety feature meant to put your dog in a controlled environment that allows them to roam around your yard safely. We all want our dogs to be happy, safe and healthy. Fencing keeps your dog inside your yard and gives it an opportunity to be free instead of having it chained. No matter how many dogs you have, your priority is to keep them safe and also give them some sense of freedom. You should strive to make sure that your dog is not the source of troubles in your neighborhood.
A dog fence gives you peace of mind since you know that your dog is safe and can play and have fun in your yard without coming to any harm. Also, by having a dog fence, your dog will be able to run around freely and get a lot of exercise and activity. If you have a tight schedule that leaves you with little time to walk your dog, a dog fence will give the dog the much ample environment to do all sorts of activities.
A dog fence should give your dog enough room as much as possible regardless of the size of your yard. Even if you plan on walking your dog regularly, your dog will still need enough space to run around and have fun on their own. When you install a dog fence, you will have to do a bit of training which will help discourage the dog from attempting to climb up the fence or tamper with it, but instead, respect it.
Otherwise, if you have a dog, it’s essential to consider having a dog fence. This guide will outline for you the different types of dog fences, pros, and cons of each fence and, the cost of installing the different types dog fences.
Types of Dog Fences
There are different types of dog fences available for you. The choice will primarily depend on your budget, how you want your yard or garden to look and the size of your dog. But most importantly, the choice of your dog fence will depend on the qualities of fencing options you are looking for.
Here are different types of dog fences that you can install in your yard.
Wooden Dog Fences
Wooden dog fences are some of the most expensive dog fence options to install. They provide a barrier that prevents intruders from getting inside the yard and also deters them from jumping over. The fence can be a split-rail which consists of wooden posts that are positioned across the rails with some materials such as wire mesh or fabric added on the inside whose purpose is to contain the dog and prevent them from coming out through the open spaces.
Wooden dog fences are considered as the traditional dog fence options. When installing this type of a fence, you should consider the height of around six to eight foot to contain a big dog and prevent it from jumping over the fence.
However, wooden fences come with some drawbacks. Since they are made of wood, they will require constant maintenance to ensure that the wood doesn’t rot. Wooden dog fence takes a lot of space in your yard and also blocks the view of your yard making it lose its aesthetic appeal.
Another disadvantage of wooden dog fences is that dogs can sometimes dig beneath the fence and get away. In addition, external factors such as strong winds or a hailstorm can easily destroy your wooden dog fence meaning you may have to replace the fence.
Chain Links
It’s a popular choice of dog fence among homeowners with dogs. A chain-link fence has several supporting posts that are attached to heavy chain links that are made using heavy metal wire. You can make the fence to your desired height depending on the size of your dog.
Chain link dog fences are incredibly durable, and they can take in any form of abuse from any size of a dog. They are strong enough to keep intruders out without necessarily blocking the view of your yard. However, chain link fences are quite expensive to install.
Snow Fences
Snow fences are made of several pieces of wire mesh fabric fitted to a row of sturdy support posts. When installing the wire mesh, you have to make sure that you stretch it tightly to make it strong. The wire mesh has extremely small openings that make it hard for dogs to pop their heads out or come in contact with people or intruders on the other side of the fence.
However, snow fences are not long-lasting as compared to other fencing options such as the chain links but they serve their purpose.
Wire Fences
Most common with farmers, wire fences are relatively cheap and can be ideal if you have a tight budget. This type of fencing is made of loose woven narrow gauge wire that has some small rectangles near the bottom. It can be made up to any height depending on the size of the dog you have. The gauge wire has to be pulled and stretched between the posts to make it strong enough. However, wire fences tend to corrode easily which may eventually make it easy for the dogs to push their heads through the wire fence. For this reason, wire fences are not always an ideal choice for a dog fence.
Electric Invincible Fences
These are grouped into two categories:
Invincible Fences
Invincible fences just as the name suggests are hidden underground fences also referred to as electric fences. Their working mechanism is pretty simple: an electric wire is usually installed underground which follows the outline of a perimeter which defines the boundary of the area where you want to confine the dog. The dog will then wear a receiver collar on its neck which sends which will send out some signal and beep the moment the dog gets closer to the electric barrier. If the dog goes to the barrier, it will slight get some mild electric shock which is meant to deter the dog from crossing over the electric boundary.
Unlike the traditional wooden fences or even the sturdy chain link that tend to take up lots of your yard space, invisible fences which are buried underground occupy zero space. The fence will not block the view of your garden, and it would not be seen from outside especially for homeowners who live in areas with strict zoning laws.
Homeowners who have installed this type of fencing report that they are quite effective in confining the dog in its designated area in the yard without using any restraints. This fencing method also enables you to keep the dog away from some areas in your yard that are off limits such as near your flower beds or vegetables where the dog can cause harm.
The electric shock emitted by the electric wire is so mild it cannot harm the dog or cause pain. However, in some rare cases, the dog may actually ignore the mild shocking effect especially if there is something across that extremely interests them or if they feel threatened. Another drawback of hidden dog fencing is that the receiver is quite costly and a determined intruder who is not affected by the boundary can easily steal the receiver.
Wireless Fences
Wireless fences function the same way as the invincible fence. However, unlike the invincible electric wire fences, wireless fences do not need you to install a wire underground. All you need to do is plug the transmitter and turn it on. It will emit electrical signals within a specific area, and if the dog comes close to the defined boundary, its collar receiver will beep, and if it goes to the boundary, the dog will experience a mild shock which will deter it from crossing over.
The wireless fence takes up a short time to install. You do not need to move materials or excavate the ground to install this fencing system. In fact, within a few hours of acquiring the wireless fencing system, it will be up and working and confining your dogs in your preferred area within your yard. You should, however, train your dog to be aware and get accustomed to the invisible boundary, which may only take you a day or two.
Another advantage of using wireless fencing is that it’s that the device is portable. You can change the boundaries as you wish. In addition, wireless fences can work for any yard; whether flat or slopping. They can cover a hilly part of your yard, unlike the traditional fences that only work well with a flat space. If you have a big space, the electronic fences can shield acres of ground, and they can do so in any pattern. This way you will be able to give your dog plenty of space to exercise and play.
Advantages of Invincible Dog Fences
Don’t Block Your Yard’s Aesthetics
Electric invincible fences whether underground wire or wireless will not block the scenic view of your yard or garden. You do not need to create physical barriers in your yard that will force people to open gates to access some parts of your garden. You can move around your yard freely and maintain the aesthetics of your landscaping.
Convenient Installation
Another advantage of using electric hidden/invincible fences is the convenience of installation. Compared to the process of installing the conventional dog enclosures, invisible electric wire and wireless fencing are faster and more convenient to install. Trenching and installing a wire will take less time compared to looking for posts, nailing the wooden boards or rolling wire to supporting posts and welding iron. If you weigh the two, i.e., conventional enclosures such as wooden fencing and invincible fences, you will see that the labor required to set up the latter is minimal.
Reliability
Invincible fences are also more reliable when it comes to confining a dog. Bigger dogs can easily climb over a wooden fence or a chain link, while in some cases, dogs have dug or chewed their way out through a wooden fence. In addition, you can easily forget to close the gate which gives the dog a chance to roam around. An invincible fence eliminates unreliability of the fence and the possible human error.
Cons of Invincible/Hidden Fences
Need for training
Since the fence is not visible to the dog, you have to train your dog to know about the location of the fence boundary. This means you have to line up the perimeter of the dog fence with flags and walk your dog around for a period of time. Some fencing contractors will offer the training, so, it’s best to find out from your contractor before the installation begins.
Inadequate Protection
The invincible fence is meant to prevent dogs from wandering off from the yard, but technically, it doesn’t protect them from external hazards. Intruders can easily go past the fence and interact aggressively with your dogs.
It Can Be Frustrating
Dogs like moving around especially when they see other dogs from the neighborhood. Your dogs may get frustrated and agitated if they realize that they cant go past the barrier to join other dogs or even to approach visitors when they come to your home.
The Shock Can Cause Slight Discomfort
Invincible fences have a device that beeps when the dog approaches the barrier and acts as a warning signal for the dog to avoid going near the barrier. In case the dog ignores the warning beep and approaches the barrier, it will get some mild shock which, although not painful at all, will still cause some level of discomfort and may startle the dog.
Cost of Installing Dog Fences
The cost of installing a dog fence will depend on the type of the fence you plan to install, the size of your yard, materials used among other factors. Let ‘s look at the cost of installing different types of dog fences.
Cost of Installing Invincible Dog Fence
One of the popular dog fence options is the invincible underground dog fencing and wireless dog fences. The cost of installing an invincible dog fence ranges from $970 to $1450. Typically, an invincible dog fence should include a transmitter, a receiver and electrical wires that will transmit energy. The average cost of installing an electric dog fence comes to about $1170.
Once you have the invincible dog fence installed, you need to factor an additional charge of having your dogs trained to identify the correction points and respect them. Most dog fence installers will charge an average cost of about $500. When you add the additional dog training cost, a dog owner will spend about $2000 on professional installation of invincible dog fence.
Once the fence is installed, you will need to do a battery replacement for every three to four months. The cost of the batteries will depend on the type you choose to buy, but generally, the cost will come to about $60 to $100 per year. The invisible dog fence system may use a charger whose cost ranges from $50 to $350. It’s also recommended that you get a voltage meter which you will use to test the level of the charge. The voltage meter costs anywhere between $5 to$35.
You can opt to install the invincible dog fences through DIY and cut down on the cost of labor. Invisible dog fence kits are easily available at pet stores and come at the cost of about $100 to $400. Note that this cost does not include the installation cost or the extra accessories you will require for the invisible fence.
The kit usually has electric wire enough to cover about a quarter acre and flags for indicating the correction points. It also has a transmitter and one collar. If you have a bigger yard of about one acre, you can purchase expansion kits which come at the cost of about $ 35 to $50. You will need to get extra collars if you have more than one dog. A collar comes at an average cost of about $50 to $100 each.
| Invincible dog fence requirements | Average costs |
|---|---|
| Installation cost | $970-$1450 |
| Invisible fence kits | $100-$400 |
| Extra wiring | [$$-55]55 |
| Collar | $50-$100 |
| Batteries | $60-$100 per year |
| Charger | $50- $350 |
| Voltage meter | $5 o $35 |
| Expansion kits | $35-$50 |
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Invisible Dog Fence
Invisible dog fences are available in various brands, and each has different attributes. Here are some of the factors that may influence the cost of your invisible dog fence:
The Quality of the Wire
Some companies have a better quality of wire than others. If you are going to install an underground wire, you need to use a better quality that will send a better signal. A quality wire may come at a higher cost than a poor quality one, but it will last longer. Before you purchase an invisible dog fence kit, you should inquire about the quality of the wire included. Your invisible wire fence will work effectively if you use a high-quality wire.
The Size of Your Yard
The size of your yard is a significant determinant of the kind of transmitter you will require. If you have a larger yard with a bigger coverage, you will need a powerful transmitter to cover and handle the distance. Otherwise, if you install just any transmitter, the signal will be too weak in some areas, and the dogs will end up straying from their restricted areas.
If you have a small yard, any transmitter will work just fine. But if you have several dogs and several acres of land, consider buying a stout transmitter. Before installing an invisible dog fence, calculate the distance of your yard. This way, you will know the distance the transmitter will need to cover and purchase accordingly.
The Type and Number of Collar
The type of collar you will require will depend on the size of your dog. Some collars are designed for larger dogs while others are made to fit smaller dogs. Other types of collars are designed for dogs that are considered to be more aggressive while others are made to be used on passive dogs. As you purchase the collar, you have to factor in the size of your dog and its personality.
Also, the number of dogs you have will influence the amount you will spend on the collars. The more dogs you have, the more collars you will require. Remember collars need batteries which will require replacement about three to four times a year. Some collars can be recharged while others use batteries, so, you should make sure you read the collar description before you make a purchase.
Correction Levels
The correction levels of your system will depend on the size of the dogs you have. If you have a big dog, or you have several dogs of different sizes, you will need more correction levels. You should always go for a system that consists of several correction settings. This way, you will be to adjust the correction levels for your dogs. It’s impossible to get correction level that is one fit for all. Some dogs require stronger levels of shock while others are little more sensitive and will react to a lower correction level. In short, you will need a correction level that can work for a bigger dog and one that can work for a small dog.
Therefore, you should consider investing in a system that can work for the different types of dogs and deliver higher levels of shock. However, these systems come at higher cost and will require more electricity to maintain enough and greater charge. But, if you have larger dogs, systems with higher correction levels are the best choice for you.
Training Costs
As mentioned earlier, after the installation of the invisible fence, your dogs will need training so that they can be taught to get accustomed to the new fence, respect and understand the boundaries all the time. The installer may offer the training services at a fee, but if they don’t, you might have to hire a professional dog trainer. Most charge about $500 per dog. But, the cost of the dog trainer will depend on their level of expertise, the character of the dog and the number of dogs you have.
Cost of Installing Wooden Dog Fence
The cost of installing a wooden dog fence will depend on the length of the fence and the type of wood. The cost of installing a wooden dog fence ranges from $6 to $17. This cost caters for the lumber that will be used to install the fence, which will depend on the type of wood. If well maintained, wood can last for a long time. Most homeowners who use wood to build a dog fence often use cedar, redwood, pine, or other types of wood that can withstand wet conditions. Wood is naturally attractive, but if you wish, you can choose to stain or paint it using your preferred color.
Here the costs for different types of wood, per 6-foot-tall picket fence:
| Type wood | Average per 6-foot tall dog picket fence |
|---|---|
| Cedar | $2 to $4 |
| Red cedar | $6-$9 |
| Pressure-treated pine | $1.50-$5 |
| Composite | $6 to $11 |
| Tropical Hardwoods | $8-$17 |
| Cypress | $2-$3 |
| White oak | $5-$12 |
| Redwood | $8-$12 |
| Spruce | [$$-5]5 |
The most common choices of wood for dog fencing include cedar, pine, and redwood. Western red cedar which costs about $6 to $9 per 6 feet is also another good option which is resistant to moisture, rot and weather elements. Redwood is an expensive wood option with an average cost $8 to $12 per 6 feet but its one of the most attractive wood option for dog fencing.
Spruce is considered to be an economical option costing roughly $5 per 6feet. In its natural foam, spruce has a white-gray color that most people find attractive and doesn’t require painting. However, spruce is not durable as compared to other lumber options and its susceptible to warping and insect damage if not treated.
If you are looking for a durable wood option that is environmentally friendly for your dog fence you should go for composite fencing. It is versatile, durable and a green option made of wood fibers and recycled plastic. In fact, some manufacturers have warranties for their wood composite. The cost of wood composite ranges from $6 to $11.
When it comes to the construction cost of a wooden dog fence, labor costs will range anywhere from $30 to $60 per hour regardless of the type of wood you choose to use. The design of the fence and other features to be added to the fence will add to the cost of labor.
To install a privacy fence; one covered with boards without leaving any space between them, it will cost about $10 to $35 per foot, and the cost is inclusive of materials to be used. The cost of installing a wooden fence depending on the wood material you go for will range anywhere between $8 to $110 per foot. The cost of materials usually come to about $8 to $16 per foot. Please, note a full privacy fence will block the view of your yard.
The average cost of constructing a 6-foot-tall dog of about 200 linear feet of material and one gate will cost you about $1800 to $2000.
| Coverage | Materials and Features | Average cost per foot |
|---|---|---|
| Full privacy fence | Treated pine Concrete posts | $10-$12 |
| Semi-privacy fence | Treated pine | $18-$20 |
| Full privacy fence | Western red cedar Concrete posts | $14-$15 |
| Semi-private | Western red cedar | $25-$26 |
A picket dog fence is one of the most attractive wooden fences. It restrains your dog from getting outside the designated area in the yard. A picket fence is made of wood, and unlike a full privacy fence, it will not block the view of your yard completely, but it will provide the perfect boundary for your dogs. The only problem with a picket fence is that intruders can easily throw things through the openings and you may not be able to keep small animals from accessing the yard area.
If you choose to install a picket fence to serve as a dog fence, you should expect to spend an average cost of $15 to $80 per linear foot for a 4-5-foot-tall fence which is inclusive of professional labor charges. Materials for a picket fence cost about $4 to $35 per foot depending on the type of wood to be used and the height of the dog fence. The installation price will go higher with the addition of a gate and will also depend on the complexity of the fence design.
Split rail gate, also made of wood is another type of dog fence. It is usually made of a row of wood posts with the adjacent wooden posts attached to several wooden bars. However, you need to add a wire mesh or fabric from the inside to cover the space between the bars; otherwise, your dogs may dig their way of the yard. This ranch-style type of a fence will require about two to four rails which will cost you about $10 to $26 per linear foot. This cost includes materials to be used and installation cost. Cost of materials alone come to about $4 to$10 per linear foot.
Other Cost Considerations
Another cost to include is the cost of installing a gate. Normally the cost of a gate will range anywhere from $150 to $500 depending on the complexity of the design of the gate and materials. A wooden fence does not necessarily require a wooden fence. You can choose to install a gate made of other materials such as chain link, wrought iron; you can mix several types of materials.
After the installation of the gate, you need to consider sealants, painting or staining the wooden fence. Staining will cost about $1 to $3 per square feet. If you choose to paint the wooden fence, expect to spend about $2 to $3.50 per square foot. Or you can opt to paint the dog fence through DIY and purchase a gallon of paint which costs about $15 to$30.
After staining or painting the wooden dog fence, you need to apply a waterproof sealant to the fence to protect the wood from environmental elements such as moisture, sun, etc. A gallon of sealant will cost anywhere between $20 to 40 dollars.
Other add-ons include latticework, toppers, post caps which basically add beauty to your fence and give it flair. Latticework is decorative and functional, but its installation will double up the cost of installation. Post caps and toppers will cost anywhere between $5 to $45 each. The overall amount you spend will depend on the number of post caps or toppers you use for your dog fencing project and the type.
Chain Link Dog Fence Costs
Chain link fence prices will depend on the cost of steel. But, normally a dog fence chain will cost you about $3 to $7 per linear foot for a 4-5′ high fence or $8 to$17 for per foot for a 6’ high fence. The cost will depend on whether the chain link fence is galvanized or its vinyl coated. Installation of a gate will add an extra cost of about $100 to $350 or more depending on size and the design of the gate.
A professional will charge you about $5 to $40 per foot which includes labor charges and materials. The average cost of installing a chain link dog fence comes to about $9 per foot for a 6′ high fence while an 8’to 12’chain link dog fence will cost you an average cost of about $15 to $45 per foot.
Summary of different costs for different dog fence:
| Type of dog fence | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Invincible fence | $970-$1450 |
| Wooden dog fence | $2000-$2500 |
| Chain link dog fence | $9,500 |
Conclusion
Dog fencing is a safety step that should not be underestimated. Fencing your yard helps provide security and safety for your dog and prevents it from roaming carelessly within your neighborhood. It restrains your dog and prevents it from running around unattended where it risks being hit by a car or getting infected with diseases or getting stolen by pet thieves.
A dog fence gives your dog a safe space to roam within the yard, exercise and play without being put in leash all the time. It also gives you peace of mind knowing that your dog is comfortable and safe within the confines of your yard. A dog fence keeps intruders such as animals and passerby away from the reach of your dog.
There are several types of dog fence that you can install your yard. They include wooden fences, chain link fences, invisible fences and wireless fence. The choice of a fence will depend on the size of your dog, the qualities you are looking for and your budget. A good dog-proof fence will keep your dog safe and allow them to play around the yard and have fun unleashed.