Having a fenced-in yard certainly makes life as a dog owner more convenient. You can let the dog out into the yard without worrying that they'll run off or antagonize the neighbors, and you don't have to shiver outside while holding the end of a leash late at night.
Some dog owners use chain link or wood to build their dog fences, and while these materials are not bad choices, they are not the premier choice, either. When it comes to dog fencing, you just can't beat vinyl or PVC fencing. Here's why.
Privacy Fence Designs Limit Visibility
There are many different styles of vinyl fences. While post-and-rail and picket-style vinyl fences may work well for some homeowners, solid vinyl privacy fences are particularly beneficial for dog owners.
Unlike chain-link and picket fences that you can see through, vinyl privacy fences limit visibility into and out of your yard. This helps keep your dog from being distracted and bothered by people walking by on the other side of the fence. It also helps keep passersby from seeing your dog and potentially antagonizing him. You don't have to worry about children feeding your dog through the fence or sticking their hands through and getting bitten.
You Can Plant Shrubs Along the Fence Without Damage
Homeowners often worry about dogs digging under the fence. Planting shrubs or bushes along the inside of the fence can deter this behavior. However, planting too close to a wooden or metal fence can trap moisture against the fence, perpetuating rot or rust. This is not an issue with vinyl. You can plant shrubs directly against it and prevent digging without worrying about moisture damage.
Vinyl Fences Don't Require Staining or Painting
Not having to stain or paint a vinyl fence does not just save you time. As a dog owner, it also helps ensure your pet's safety. Dogs are notorious for licking and chewing on things they really shouldn't. If you treat a wooden fence with a stain or waterproofing agent and your dog licks it, they may suffer ill effects from the chemicals in the product. If they happen to lick or chew the vinyl, no harm will come to them.
Dogs Aren't Tempted To Scratch Vinyl
While your dog won't become ill if he decides to lick the fence, most dogs aren't really interested in doing so. They're also not interested in scratching vinyl fences. Vinyl just does not have the same appealing texture as wood! This means you won't have to deal with unsightly, scratched-up fence boards or worry about making repairs as you would with a wood fence.
Vinyl Fences Don't Have Sharp Components
Chain link fences are safe for dogs when they are new, but as they age and the metal becomes rusty, they can sometimes develop sharp edges.
Similarly, there may be some sharp nails or screws exposed when a wooden fence ages or suffers damage. Vinyl fencing, on the other hand, does not contain any sharp components, so you don't have to worry about it cutting or scraping your dog. It's a safe choice even for energetic dogs who may bump into it.
In addition to being the perfect pet-safe fence, vinyl fencing has a long life span and is easy for your fence company to install. You can choose your fence style, color and height based on your unique needs. Most dog owners need a 4-foot fence, and 6-foot fences are tall enough to enclose larger breeds like German Shepherds and Great Danes.
To learn more about vinyl fencing, contact Duke Fencing Co., Inc. We offer free estimates and can help you choose the vinyl fence that's perfect for you and your dog.
