Keeping a small dog contained in your backyard can be a challenge, especially when they have a tendency to dig under fences, including privacy fences. The question of "how to keep my small dog from getting under my privacy fence" is a common concern among pet owners.

Having a small dog escape through a hole they've dug under a dog fence can be not only dangerous for the dog, but also stressful for the owner. Outdoor dog fences, such as privacy fences, are meant to keep small dogs contained, but they are not always 100% effective against digging.

In this article, we will explore the problem of small dogs digging under privacy fences, understand the behavior and causes behind it, and provide solutions and prevention techniques to keep your small dog safe and secure in your backyard using dog fence solutions.

Why small dogs dig under privacy fences

Most small dogs have a natural inclination to dig and explore, which can lead them to dig under dog fences, including privacy fences. There are a variety of factors that can contribute to this behavior, including boredom, lack of exercise, and natural instincts. Understanding the reasons why a small dog may be digging under an outdoor dog fence is important in order to effectively prevent it.

Boredom is one of the most common reasons small dogs dig under dog fences. When a small dog is not provided with enough mental and physical stimulation, they may resort to digging as a way to entertain themselves. Lack of exercise can also contribute to this behavior as many small dogs have a lot of energy that needs to be burned off.

Another factor that can contribute to small dogs digging under privacy fences is their natural instincts. Many small dog breeds were originally bred for hunting small game or flushing small animals out of their burrows, so digging comes naturally to them. For dog breeds that are naturally prone to this behavior, it is important that you do not punish them for digging - They can’t help it! Instead, work on redirecting that behavior or channeling it in an appropriate way, such as providing a specific location for the dog to dig.

It's important to keep in mind that dogs are naturally curious and adventurous, and they may dig under a privacy fence simply out of curiosity or the desire to explore beyond the boundary. By understanding the behavior and causes behind a small dog's digging under a privacy fence, you can effectively prevent it and keep your small dog safe and secure in your backyard.

How to prevent small dogs from digging under privacy fences

Preventing small dogs from digging under a fence, including privacy fences, is key to keeping them safe and secure in the backyard. There are a variety of techniques that can be used to prevent small dogs from digging under outdoor dog fences.

One of the most effective prevention techniques is training and behavior modification. Teaching your small dog to stay away from the fence and providing positive reinforcement when they obey can go a long way in preventing digging. Ensuring that your small dog’s mental and physical needs are being met can also go a long way at preventing destructive digging. This will help eliminate the dog’s boredom and ensure any excess energy is burned off! If you notice your dog digging, try to refocus them on another task or game - preferably one that they particularly enjoy!

Another prevention technique is the use of repellents. These can be used to discourage small dogs from digging near the dog fence by making the area unappealing to them. These can be in the form of sprays or granules that can be spread around the fence line. If you choose to use repellents make sure to read the product label to ensure they are not poisonous or harmful to your dog.

Physical barriers can also be used to prevent small dogs from digging under a privacy fence. This solution tends to be the most effective. Low-cost chicken wire or landscape fabric can be used to reinforce the base of the fence and make it more difficult for small dogs to dig through.

If you need a more durable, long-lasting solution, we recommend the Dog Proofer Dig-Proof Barrier Kit. This solution includes heavy-duty welded wire mesh that is designed specifically for use with dogs. The mesh is formed into an “L” shape with the bottom portion pinned to the surface of the ground and the upper portion running slightly up the fence. You may even bury the bottom portion to make the barrier more inconspicuous.

With a physical barrier in place, a dog will quickly learn that their efforts are thwarted should they try to dig. Over time, this will reinforce the fact that they are not able to escape the yard by this method and should prevent them from digging along the fence.

By using a combination of these prevention techniques, you can effectively keep your small dog from digging under a dog fence, including privacy fences, and keep them safe and secure in your backyard.

Solutions for small dogs that have already started digging under the privacy fence

If your small dog has already started digging under your fence, there are solutions that can be implemented to address the problem.

Filling in the holes that your small dog has already dug is an important step in preventing them from continuing to dig in the same spot. You can use dirt, rocks, or other materials to fill in the holes and make it difficult for your small dog to continue digging in that area.

Reinforcing the base of the fence with additional materials such as chicken wire or landscape fabric can also be effective in preventing small dogs from digging under it. You can use the wire to create a DIY footer along the entire fence perimeter or only in problem areas. For this method it is recommended that part of the wire or fabric is buried to help stop digging behavior.

Alternatively, another solution is to install a Dog Proofer Dig-Proofer Barrier Kit. This kit includes the materials necessary for creating an “L” shaped footer. For this method, it is not required that the wire mesh be buried, which makes for an easy installation. Heavy-duty welded wire mesh material is formed into an “L” with the bottom portion pinned tightly to the ground with the included 12” stakes. Then, the upper portion is fastened to your existing fence to create the dig-proof barrier and stop your small dog from digging under the fence.

By implementing solutions such as filling in holes, reinforcing the fence, or installing a Dog Proofer Dig-Proofer Barrier Kit, you can effectively keep your small dog from getting under your privacy fence and other outdoor dog fences.

Summary of the different techniques and solutions available to prevent small dogs from digging under privacy fences

Many small dogs are naturally inclined to dig and explore, which can lead to them digging under dog fences, including privacy fences. Understanding the behavior and causes behind this problem is essential in order to effectively prevent it and keep your small dog safe and secure in the backyard.

Prevention techniques such as training and behavior modification, providing plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, using repellents, using physical barriers such as chicken wire or landscape fabric, or installing a Dog Proofer Dig-Proofer Barrier Kit can be effective in preventing small dogs from digging under outdoor dog fences.

If your small dog has already started digging under your dog fence, these same techniques can be applied to stop the behavior.

Find more information about the Dog Proofer Dig-Proofer Barrier Kit HERE.