Claire Thompson
Chicken wire is a handy tool to stop dogs from digging and breaking free. It can be placed on top of the ground or buried to prevent dogs from digging and escaping. While chicken wire is an effective solution, some dog owners have expressed concerns about its potential to rust and cut dogs' pads. To address this, it's recommended to use welded wire fencing or hog/cattle panels, which are safer alternatives that can be secured with landscape staples or rocks. Additionally, understanding why dogs dig can help in limiting this behaviour. Dogs may dig due to high temperatures, a desire to escape, or the presence of treats buried underground.
How to keep a dog from pulling chicken wire up
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of fencing | Install reinforced fencing or chicken wire in the area where the dog digs |
| Covering | Cover the area with landscape cloth and stake it tightly to the ground with landscape pins |
| Chicken wire | Use white chicken wire or another color found at your hardware store |
| Securing | Place a tie at the bottom of the fence and another at the top of the chicken wire to keep the dog from pulling the wire away from the fence |
| Rocks | Place a few heavy rocks on the wire at the bottom of the trench |
| Soil | Toss the soil back into the trench and tamp it down with your feet to compact the soil and deter the dog from digging |
| Alternatives | Hog/cattle panels, welded wire fencing, ca-6 white rock or road pack |
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What You'll Learn
Use reinforced fencing instead
Chicken wire is not a good option to keep dogs from pulling it up or digging as it rusts quickly and can cut their pads. Instead, reinforced fencing can be a better option to prevent dogs from escaping.
One option is to use corrugated metal fencing, which offers longevity, low maintenance, and resistance to rust and weathering. It is a good option for all dogs as long as the fence is built high enough. However, it can be costly, with prices ranging from $17 to $90 per linear foot.
Another option is coated wire-mesh fencing, which is stronger than chain-link fencing. To make it even more secure, you can top it with a foot of fencing that extends perpendicular to the enclosure.
If you're looking for a more aesthetically pleasing option, a stone fence made by stacking stones can be a good choice. The rocks make it challenging for dogs to burrow under, but they are usually not very tall and can be expensive to install.
For a low-maintenance option, vinyl fencing is a good choice. It is dense and durable, providing solid protection around your yard. It is also easy to maintain, requiring just a power wash once a year. However, some homeowners may not like the plastic look of the material.
Finally, if you're looking for a more affordable option, chain-link fencing costs $10 to $20 per linear foot and is easy to maintain. However, it may not provide much privacy, and broken pieces can be a safety hazard for your dog. Regular inspections of the perimeter of your yard are necessary to ensure your dog's safety.
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Bury a hog/cattle panel
Burying a hog/cattle panel is an effective way to prevent dogs from pulling up chicken wire. This method involves purchasing a hog/cattle panel, which is a type of fencing made of welded wire, and installing it underground to create a barrier that dogs cannot dig through.
Hog/cattle panels are available at various retailers, including TSC, where they cost around $18 each, and Lowes, where you can buy 80-pound concrete to set the panels in place. The panels are typically made of pencil-sized wire gauge, with holes that vary in size from 1 1/2"x8" to 4"x8". The smaller squares at the bottom of the panel gradually get bigger towards the top.
To install the hog/cattle panel, you can either dig a trench and bury it underground, or simply lay it on the ground and let it work itself into the dirt over time. If you choose to bury it, you can set it in concrete or use landscape staples to secure it in place. Some people also recommend covering the panel with a layer of gravel or rocks, which provides better drainage than dirt and creates a harder barrier that deters dogs from digging.
Hog/cattle panels are a good alternative to chicken wire because they are more durable and less likely to rust. They also don't have the same issues with dogs' toenails getting caught in them, which can be a problem with chicken wire. Additionally, hog/cattle panels are easier to remove and reuse if needed, making them a more flexible option.
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Cover with landscape cloth
If your dog is digging in an area where they shouldn't, you can use landscape cloth to prevent them from pulling up chicken wire.
First, cover the area where your dog digs with landscape cloth. You can purchase this at a home and garden center. Make sure to get enough cloth to cover the entire area where your dog digs.
Next, stake the landscape cloth tightly to the ground with landscape pins. These pins can be found at a hardware store.
Finally, top the landscape cloth with chicken wire. You can purchase this at a hardware store as well. White chicken wire is a common option, but it also comes in other colors. Bend the chicken wire into an "L" shape facing inward to make it more difficult for your dog to dig under.
This method can be used to prevent your dog from digging under a fence and escaping. It is also helpful to understand why your dog is digging. Dogs dig because it is fun, to find relief from high heat, or because they are looking to leave.
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Use welded wire fencing
Chicken wire is not a good option for containing dogs as they can rip through it and it can also be dangerous, causing cuts to their pads. Instead, welded wire fencing is a much better option. This type of fencing is made of galvanized steel wire strands that create a mesh fence, traditionally used to surround chicken coops and runs.
Welded wire fencing is a safe and effective way to contain dogs. It is durable and strong enough to keep dogs from escaping, while also being versatile and easy to install. It can be used in various settings, from rural farms to suburban backyards, and can be cut to size and shape with pliers.
To install welded wire fencing, start by unrolling the mesh along the desired fence line. Clamp or staple the mesh at the top corner of a post, using a staple gun or poultry staples. As you move to the next post, pull the mesh taut to prevent sagging between supports. Secure the mesh at regular intervals, working from top to bottom. For added strength, install a horizontal wire or rail at midway height.
For extra durability, especially in high-traffic areas, you can pair welded wire fencing with other materials such as chicken wire or hog wire. This will help to reinforce the fence and prevent any potential breaches. Additionally, you can use landscape staples to hold down the fencing and prevent dogs from pulling it up.
Welded wire fencing is a safe and effective solution for containing dogs and preventing them from pulling up the fence. It offers durability, versatility, and ease of installation, making it a preferred choice over chicken wire for dog enclosures.
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Place heavy rocks on top
If you're looking to stop your dog from digging and pulling up chicken wire, placing heavy rocks on top is a great solution. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
First, you'll need to gather the necessary materials. In addition to the chicken wire, you'll want to purchase or collect some heavy rocks. The rocks should be large and heavy enough that your dog cannot move them easily. You can find these at your local garden centre or hardware store.
Next, prepare the area by covering the problem spot with landscape cloth. This will provide a stable base for the chicken wire and help to keep the area neat and contained. Stake the landscape cloth tightly to the ground with landscape pins, ensuring it is secure and taut.
Now, you're ready to unroll the chicken wire. Place it on top of the landscape cloth, covering the entire area where your dog tends to dig. Make sure the chicken wire is pulled tight and secure, and use wire ties or landscape staples to fix it to the ground and the bottom of the fence. You can also attach it to the top of the fence to prevent your dog from pulling it away.
Finally, place your heavy rocks on top of the chicken wire. Space the rocks evenly across the surface, particularly along the edges, to weigh it down and prevent your dog from pulling it up. The rocks will also help to deter your dog from attempting to dig in that area.
By following these steps, you can effectively use chicken wire and heavy rocks to stop your dog from digging and escaping. This method will help keep your dog safe and your garden intact!
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Frequently asked questions
To stop your dog from pulling up chicken wire, place a tie at the bottom of the fence and another at the top of the chicken wire. Continue securing the sections to the fence line until you’ve enclosed the whole fence. Place a few heavy rocks on the wire at the bottom of the trench and toss the soil back into the hole.
Alternatives to chicken wire include hog/cattle panels, welded wire fencing, and landscape staples.
To prevent dogs from digging, cover the area where your dog digs with landscape cloth, stake it tightly to the ground with landscape pins, and sink your fence by digging it deeper into the ground.
Dogs dig because it's fun, they're looking for something, they're trying to leave, or they're looking to cool off in hot weather.
Chicken wire can be purchased at your local lawn and garden store, or at a farm and ranch store.
