Fort Smith Fence Pros handles requests for dog fence installation in Fort Smith, AR by passing them to an independent local fence contractor who can build a fence around the way your dog actually behaves. Tell us the breed, the yard size and any escape habits, and the contractor follows up with a free estimate.
A fence that works for one dog can fail for another. A small terrier squeezes through gaps, a husky digs under the bottom rail and a large shepherd clears four feet with room to spare.
Matching the dog fence to your dog
Jumpers and climbers
Athletic dogs need height. Five or six feet is a common choice for large breeds, and solid privacy fence or chain link without horizontal footholds is harder to climb than a rail fence.
Diggers
Dogs that dig need protection at the bottom of the fence. Options include burying welded wire or chain link a few inches below grade, adding a concrete or gravel strip along the base, or setting a bottom rail close to the ground.
Small dogs
Small breeds slip through picket gaps and under gates. Close board spacing, a tight gap under the gate and wire mesh on an open fence can stop that.
Barkers and reactive dogs
A solid privacy fence blocks the view of people and other dogs on the sidewalk, which often cuts down on barking at the fence line.
Dog fence materials for Fort Smith yards
- Chain link is strong, economical and hard for dogs to chew. Black vinyl-coated chain link looks less industrial than galvanized.
- Wood privacy blocks sightlines and suits reactive dogs, though some dogs chew it and the bottom boards wear where dogs dig.
- Vinyl is smooth, hard to climb and needs no staining.
- Aluminum works for calm dogs, but pickets should be spaced closely enough for your dog's size.
Fort Smith summers are long and hot, so plan shade and water inside the fenced area too. Some owners leave a section of open fence for airflow along a shady side of the yard.
Gates: where most dog escapes start
Most dogs get out through the gate, not the fence. A self-closing hinge and a latch that catches on its own keep a gate from being left open by a guest or a delivery driver. A lockable latch helps keep the gate closed from the outside.
Check the gap under the gate as well. Gates sag over time, but they can also be hung too high, leaving room for a small dog to crawl out.
Dog fence installation cost
Angi lists typical installed ranges of about $8 to $40 per linear foot for chain link, $10 to $45 for wood and $15 to $40 for vinyl. These are national estimates. Height, the number of gates, dig guards along the bottom and the shape of your yard all change the total.
Fencing part of the yard as a dog run, rather than the full lot, can bring the cost down noticeably.
Before your dog fence goes in
- Check HOA rules on height and material if your neighborhood has an association.
- Confirm property lines so the fence does not end up on a neighbor's land.
- Have buried utilities marked through Arkansas 811 at least two working days before digging.
- Plan to keep your dog inside or leashed while the old fence is out and the new one is going up.
Common questions
How tall should a dog fence be?
It depends on the dog. Many small and medium breeds stay in behind a four-foot fence, while large or athletic dogs often need five or six feet. Dogs that climb do better with fences that have no horizontal footholds. Check HOA rules on height before you choose, and tell the contractor about any past escapes.
How do I stop my dog from digging under the fence?
Common fixes include burying welded wire or chain link along the base, adding an L-shaped wire apron on the inside, setting a concrete or gravel strip along the fence line, or lowering the bottom rail. The contractor can build one of these into a new fence or add it to an existing one.
What is the cheapest fence to keep a dog in?
Chain link is usually among the most affordable choices per foot, and it holds up well to dogs. National cost guides such as Angi list chain link at roughly $8 to $40 per linear foot installed. Fencing only part of the yard as a dog run is another way to reduce the total cost.
Can a dog fence be added to an existing fence?
Often, yes. Dig guards, extensions that add height, mesh over gaps and self-closing gate hardware can be added to many existing fences. If the posts are loose or rotting, though, upgrades will not hold for long, and replacing the weak sections first is the better approach.