35 Dog Fence Ideas for Your Pet to Live Its Best Life

Dogs are the most popular pet in America, living in over 60 million of our homes. Yet, when deciding on which dog to get, people consider things like size, temperament, and grooming, overlooking the need in dog fencing that will have the pet stay safe and within the area you designate to it.

Dogs, especially puppies, do best when they have their own space, whether a kennel or their own bedroom. And what about the outdoors? Will the dog be tethered to a stake with little room to run or given a safe, enclosed yard to play in? Will there be an option to limit dog’s movement when guests come then? Here are 35 dog fence ideas for any of these scenarios.

Best Temporary and Permanent Dog Fencing Ideas

Dog fencing comes in a wide variety of sizes and materials. Wire or plastic temporary fencing can be set up in a few minutes and taken down just as fast. Permanent outdoor fences can give your dog space to play and give you a sense of privacy and security in your yard. Regardless of your kennel needs, you can find a solution on this list.

1. Convenient and Collapsible. Bringing your dog with you becomes so much more convenient with a portable dog fence. The easy fold panels make assembly a breeze, and your pet will be so happy to be along on your adventures, whether it’s a weekend camping trip or a family bbq.

2. Canine Condo. Dog houses have come a long way, and who wants to have a boring old kennel when you can have a pooch penthouse? These customizable, solid wood kennels are an excellent option for dog parents who insist on giving their furry kids the very best.

3. Comfy Corner. Dog training becomes much easier when your pet enjoys their kennel space. These wood crates with metal fencing are not only bright and spacious for your dog, but they are also beautiful and will look great in your home.

4. Tasteful Topper. Simple metal wire crates are one of the most popular dog fencing options. However, adding a solid wood top takes the functionality up a notch and helps you make the most of the space. This makes a great area to keep some of his treats and grooming tools or some cute decor.

5. Modern Housing. If you are looking for something a bit more modern and fashionable in your dog fence, consider a kennel with a glass or transparent plastic gate plate. This creates a sleeker look and gives your dog a better view of their surroundings.

6. Tried and True. A traditional wire crate is a tried and true option for keeping your dog confined. Available in a wide range of sizes, these versatile kennels offer enough space to house all of your pet’s toys and bedding.

7. Pretty Pickets. Removing a door and adding a gate to an unused closet or storage area is a great way to create a private space for your dog. With just some minimal materials and construction, you now have a lovely picket gate and a fenced in area inside your home.

8. Functional Furniture. Having your dogs’ crate built into furniture is becoming more and more popular. This is a great fencing option as it gives you the security of a solid wood frame while not taking up additional space. It also allows you to customize things like door type, hardware, and stain.

9. Moveable Metal Dog Fence. Moveable metal dog fences are a great way to set boundaries for your dog in the home. They are easy to set up and disassemble, making them a great option if you only want your dog contained sometimes or just need a temporary barrier.

10. Plastic Panels. Click-together plastic panels make an efficient and versatile fencing option for small dogs and puppies. This option allows you to adjust the size and shape of your fenced area in correlation with your needs and works well both outside and as an indoor dog fence.

11. Posted Up. If you are looking for a robust fencing option that will stand the test of time, consider a wooden post and panel style. These fences are attractive and can be built to meet your needs. If you don’t want to pay someone to install it for you, there are plenty of fence kits at your local hardware store.

12. Gated Community. A pooch playpen is a phenomenal option for dog owners who want the ability to keep their pets corralled but want space larger than a traditional kennel. The high walls will keep in even the most adventurous puppy, and the small hinged door allows you easier access than having to remove a panel or lift your dog out.

13. If You Can Dream It. For folks handy with a hammer and saw, the options for dog fences are almost limitless. One great DIY dog fence design is to build a gate from wood and poultry netting with an open slide panel. This allows you to block off an area for your dog when you need them kenneled and leave it open, allowing them access to their bed and space.

14. Easy-Peasy Pickets. Depending on your dog’s age and energy level, a large, robust fence may not be necessary. If you have a dog who is content to stay where he is put but just needs a physical boundary, a small, wire, picket fence should suffice. This option lets him know where he needs to be but is lightweight and unobtrusive for the rest of the household.

15. The Whole Kingdom. Sometimes, the best way to keep your dog safe is to fence the entire yard. While this is a more intense undertaking than other options, it gives your dog more freedom and space to run, which is especially important for high-energy dogs.

16. Dutch Doggy Door. If you love the idea of turning wasted closet space into a doggy retreat but don’t want to build or buy a new gate, use the door you already have. By cutting the door in half and removing the upper portion, you open the space more while still keeping your dog contained. If you feel extra crafty, you can also remove the panels and replace them with metal mesh or wiring.

17. Panoramic View. Indoor dog fences can sometimes feel a little like a prison with all their metal wire and bars. Not this one. This pen, constructed from polypropylene plastic fencing, will give your dog a 360-degree view of his surroundings. Just be prepared to wipe off plenty of wet nose prints from the plastic.

18. Yard on the Go. For dogs and owners who like to travel and live a life of adventure, it can be hard to find a good fence option. This handy DIY dog fence is built from pallet wood and some metal fence panels. The easy setup and tear-down make this a great temporary fence for campsites and weekend getaways.

19. Safe and Secure. Even if you don’t own large dogs, you still might need a large fence. A traditional wood fence with a gate will help keep your dog safe and also give you a private area to enjoy your outdoor furniture and your furry friend.

20. Big Ol’ Dog House. Chain link fencing is a sturdy, reliable option; however, it is not always the most aesthetically pleasing. Fancy up your chain link by adding some wood posts and a roof. Not only can this be painted to match your home, but it also gives your dogs some extra protection from the elements.

21. Cozy Cabin. One of the fun things about having a small dog is playing around with all the great crate and dog fence ideas. This adorable cabin is made from just some wood posts and plastic panel roofing. Add a little latch to the front gate, and you have a safe and cozy place for your pup to hang out.

22. Room To Roam. For the most spoiled dogs, nothing less than their own house within the house will do. Giving your dog a space that is theirs alone is a massive help when training them. What that means for you and your furry friend is totally dependent on your square footage.

23. Wide Open Spaces. An easy way to create a dog run on your property is with stakes and wire fencing from the hardware store. Simply mark out the area you want to use and drive your stakes. This option is also easy to change or move if the need arises.

24. Personal Space. Owners of multiple dogs know that sometimes letting everyone out into the same dog run can be chaotic. In some situations, it’s better if every pup has its own space. This thick wire fencing with separate sections for each dog makes it possible to let all of your dogs outside without having to monitor their interactions.

25. Keep Out. Sometimes, the best fences don’t keep your dogs in; they keep them out. Putting up a wooden fence is a perfect way to keep dogs from digging in your garden or getting into your backyard hot tub. This can be done with wooden pickets or fence panels, depending on your style preference.

26. In and Out. While small metal fences are a great temporary fence option, stepping over them can be a hassle if you need to pass through the place regularly. And when you have your arms full, and there is a small dog underfoot, it can become down hazardous. Get yourself a fence with some small, hinged doors that make going in and out much easier and safer.

27. Rustic Restriction. If you want a permanent fence around your backyard, but don’t love cute pickets or modern privacy panels, consider a more rustic solution. Rough wooden fence posts with chicken wire backing are not only a cost-effective way to corral your pups, but it’s also quite lovely, especially when paired with a large swinging gate.

28. Yard to Go. Camping and RV life aren’t much of an adventure for your dog if he has to spend all his outdoor time tethered up. So instead of tying him up, give your dog his own little yard while out on the go. This metal dog fence is made from individual fence panels hinged together for easy folding and storage.

29. Tall and Temporary. On occasion, even small dogs require a tall fence. If you would love to be able to keep your little guy sequestered in a specific part of the house, but he manages to scale the small temporary fences most folks use, don’t despair. These tall, wire fences are just as lightweight and easy to use as their shorter counterparts, but they are much harder to leap over.

30. Big and Rugged. Large dogs often require large solutions, and for most big dogs, a collapsible wire fence isn’t going to cut it. For a more hardy and permanent way to keep your dogs contained, look at this welded metal fence. Being bolted into the walls and floor means even your biggest fur-baby is securely where you want them, and the lovely black finish adds some charm and style.

31. Predator Protection. Many people don’t like to let their little dogs out on their own because they are pretty defenseless. Which makes this kennel topper one of the best small dog fence ideas around. Using two gate panels as a roof for their run allows the dog owner easy access to their pups but keeps out aerial predators. And keeps any escape artists in.

32. Baby-Proof. Puppies are an absolute delight; however, they can also be an absolute menace, especially before they are house-broken. Keeping them confined to a small area in the home can greatly reduce accidents and make clean-up a lot easier. This great temporary gate functions much like a human baby gate, with one added feature, a doggy door. The small door along the bottom makes it easy to let your pup loose without having to take down the entire fence.

33. Don’t Be Digging. Having a fenced-in space outdoors for your dog to play and enjoy the sunshine is so nice. However, some dogs don’t appreciate the boundaries and will dig under any fence you install. If this is your dog, consider moving your fence onto a patio area. This will keep them from digging their way to freedom and also makes poop clean-up easier.

34. Can’t Beat a Classic. The white picket fence has become a fencing institution over the years, and for good reasons. Their solid wood construction makes them sturdy. You can purchase them in a wide variety of heights. And they just add a level of charm and character to any yard. So, if you are having trouble deciding on a fencing option, go with a classic.

35. Quick and Easy. If you are in need of an indoor dog fence but are on a tight budget, here is a cost-effective DIY option. All you need is some 2-inch slats and a piece of wood to cut down and make the bracers at the bottom. This also has the benefit of being entirely customizable to your space and height requirements.

Hopefully, this has given you an excellent idea for the style of dog fence you need in your pup’s life. Having a safe space for your dog to go, inside and out, is not just good for them; it also relieves a lot of worry for pet owners. Knowing your puppy can’t get into something harmful or that your high-energy escape artist is safely enclosed takes a considerable weight off an owner’s shoulders and makes dog ownership even more enjoyable.