Why Homeowners Need the Right Fence for Their Dog
For many Ontario dog owners, a fenced yard isn’t just a convenience — it’s peace of mind. A safe, well-built fence gives dogs the freedom to run, play, and explore while staying protected from traffic, wildlife, and the natural curiosity that can lead them beyond the property line.
But not all fences are created equal. The right choice blends security, durability, and style, creating a space that keeps pets safe without sacrificing the look and feel of your backyard.
Whether you’re raising a brand-new puppy, managing an energetic jumper, or simply giving an older dog a secure outdoor routine, the design of your fence plays a major role.
And this need extends far beyond family homes. Across Ontario, kennels, groomers, and dog-daycare facilities rely on strong, thoughtfully designed enclosures to keep the dogs in their care protected every day.
Choosing the right fence is ultimately about confidence — knowing your dog is safe, your yard is secure, and your outdoor space works for everyone who uses it.
In this blog:
Fences for Dogs in Ontario: A Homeowner’s Guide to Safe Outdoor Spaces
Why Homeowners Need the Right Fence for Their Dog
What to Look for in Fencing for Dogs
The Best Fences for Dogs in Ontario
Outdoor Fence Design Tips for Dog Owners
Why Homeowners Choose Peel Fence For Their Dog Fencing
FAQs About Fences for Dogs in Ontario
Build the Right Fence for Your Dog and Your Home
What to Look for in Fencing for Dogs
Choosing the right fence for your dog isn’t just about appearance — it’s about creating a safe, functional outdoor space that works for your pet’s needs and your property’s layout. Whether you have a tiny escape artist or a large, energetic breed, here are the key factors every Ontario homeowner should consider:
1. Height and Strength
Dogs jump, climb, and test boundaries — often more than owners expect. A dog-appropriate fence should be tall enough to prevent jumping and built strong enough to withstand leaning, pawing, or daily wear.
2. Spacing and Design
Small dogs can squeeze through surprisingly narrow gaps. Look for tight or narrow spacing to keep your little furry friend safely inside and prevent heads, paws, or collars from getting stuck.
3. Durability
Ontario weather can be tough. Choose materials that can stand up to chewing, rust, moisture, and freeze-thaw cycles without bending or breaking.
4. Secure Gates & Latches
An unsecured gate is the #1 escape point for dogs. Sturdy, self-closing, professionally installed latches prevent nudging, pushing, and accidental openings.
5. Professional Installation
Even the strongest materials won’t perform well if posts aren’t set deep enough or installed on the proper slope.
Professional installation ensures:
- Deep, stable posts
- Long-term alignment
- Safety for dogs, kids, and visitors
- Reliable performance through Ontario winters
The Best Fences for Dogs in Ontario
When choosing the right fence for your dog, two materials consistently stand out for Ontario homeowners: chain link and wrought iron. Both offer excellent safety, durability, and weather resistance — but each serves different needs and preferences.
Here’s a closer look at why these two materials are the top choices for secure, long-lasting dog fencing:
Chain Link Fences for Dogs
Chain link is the most popular option for effective, affordable dog fencing — and for good reason.
- Safe, strong, and secure: The tight mesh prevents dogs from squeezing through while keeping sightlines open.
- Black vinyl or powder-coated finishes: These coatings add durability, prevent rust, and create a clean, modern look that blends into the landscape.
- Ideal for large yards and dog runs: Provides reliable containment without blocking visibility.
- Flexible for specialized setups: Great for kennels, designated play areas, and multi-dog households.
- Fast and efficient installation: Professional crews can install chain link quickly without sacrificing strength or alignment.
- Meets all child and pet safety standards: A reliable choice for families who want both safety and peace of mind.
Chain link is the go-to for homeowners who want practicality, durability, and a fence that disappears into the yard rather than dominating it.
Wrought Iron Fences for Dogs
Wrought iron is the premium choice for homeowners seeking added elegance and superior strength.
- High security with style: Tough to climb, chew, or damage — perfect for active or larger breeds.
- Wide range of designs: Available in styles that complement modern, traditional, and custom landscapes.
- Preserves sightlines: Open pickets provide safety without blocking your view of gardens or green space.
- Maintenance-free longevity: Modern coatings prevent rust and eliminate the need for repainting.
- Built for kids and pets: Meets all safety requirements while enhancing curb appeal.
Wrought iron is ideal for those who want a stronger visual statement or who have dogs that require more robust containment.
If you love the classic look, you’ll also appreciate how wrought iron enhances heritage or character homes — see this recent project we completed in a historical neighbourhood.
Outdoor Fence Design Tips for Dog Owners
A well-designed dog fence isn’t just about the material — it’s about making thoughtful choices that keep your dog safe, your yard functional, and your fence performing well for years.
Here are a few expert design considerations to keep in mind when planning an outdoor fence for your dog:
1. Set Posts Deep for Long-Term Stability
Dogs lean, jump, and push — and Ontario winters don’t help. Professional installers like Peel Fence ensure posts are hydraulically driven to prevent leaning, shifting, or lifting — especially during Ontario’s freeze-thaw cycles, when shallow posts can become unstable.
2. Choose the Right Height for Your Dog’s Breed & Behaviour
Different breeds have different needs. Energetic, athletic, or large dogs may require a taller fence to prevent jumping, while smaller breeds may need narrower spacing to prevent squeezing through. Matching fence height and design to your dog’s personality is key.
3. Prioritize Gate Safety
Gates are the easiest escape point — and the first place you should reinforce. Secure, self-closing latches installed by professionals help prevent dogs from nudging gates open. If your gate latch becomes worn or broken, Peel Fence can provide a replacement latch directly without requiring full hardware replacement.
4. Use Natural Privacy for Reactive Dogs
Instead of high-cost privacy add-ons, consider landscape-based solutions like shrubs, hedges, or climbing vines. These help reactive or easily stimulated dogs stay calm by blocking busy street views while still allowing airflow and maintaining an open backyard feel.
5. Be Strategic With Entry Points
Strategic gate placement and well-planned entry points make your backyard easier to navigate — especially for multi-dog households or homes where different zones (play areas, gardens, and side yards) need quick, convenient access.
Why Homeowners Choose Peel Fence For Their Dog Fencing
Keeping dogs safe takes more than just choosing the right fence — it takes a team that understands how pets behave, how Ontario weather affects materials, and how to build a fence that lasts. That’s why so many families — and even dog-care businesses — turn to Peel Fence for secure, long-lasting enclosures.
Here’s what sets us apart:
1. 53+ Years of Proven Experience
For decades, Peel Fence has been building dog-safe fencing across Ontario. Our depth of experience means every fence is installed with the care, precision, and reliability pets and their families deserve.
2. Trusted by Dog-Care Professionals
Homeowners aren’t the only ones who rely on us. Kennels, grooming facilities, training centres, and dog daycares choose Peel Fence because our enclosures are strong, secure, and built to withstand demanding, high-activity environments. Learn more about our commercial fencing solutions.
3. Expertise in Chain Link and Wrought Iron
We focus on the two materials dog owners trust most:
- Chain link for affordability, visibility, and dependable security
- Wrought iron for elegance, strength, and escape-proof durability
Both options are maintenance-free and ideal for pets who jump, climb, or test boundaries.
4. Built for Ontario’s Weather
Our fences use Canadian-made materials designed to handle rust, salt, snow, and freeze-thaw cycles — paired with our hydraulic post installation and 8-foot post spacing for unmatched strength. Every driven post also comes with a 3-year warranty, offering long-term peace of mind.
5. Professional Installation for Long-Lasting Safety
Proper depth, alignment, spacing, and gate installation all play a major role in keeping dogs safely contained. Our trained, insured crews build every fence to last decades — not just seasons.
FAQs About Fences for Dogs in Ontario
1. What’s the best type of fence for dog safety?
For most dogs, vinyl-coated chain link offers the best balance of safety, security, and visibility. It’s durable, chew-resistant, and difficult for dogs to climb. For homeowners who want a more premium look, wrought iron provides exceptional strength and curb appeal while still being completely pet-safe.
With Peel Fence, many homeowners opt for a combination of both styles to enjoy the affordability of chain link with the elegance of wrought iron.
2. How tall should a fence be for large breeds or jumpers?
Active or athletic breeds often need higher fencing to prevent climbing or jumping. Most homes choose 4–6 feet, depending on the dog’s size and behaviour. A professional installer can recommend the safest height based on your yard and your dog’s habits.
3. Is chain link safe for small dogs?
Yes — when installed properly. Tight mesh spacing keeps small dogs safely inside while maintaining visibility. Chain link is also ideal for dogs who enjoy watching their surroundings without feeling confined.
4. Can Peel Fence repair or upgrade an existing dog fence?
Absolutely. Whether your fence is leaning, damaged, or no longer secure enough for your dog, Peel Fence can repair sections, realign posts, replace gates, or upgrade you to a maintenance-free chain link or wrought iron system built for Ontario’s climate.
Build the Right Fence for Your Dog and Your Home
The right fence doesn’t just keep your dog safe — it gives you peace of mind, protects your property, and enhances the way your backyard looks and functions every day. Whether you want the reliability and visibility of chain link or the beauty and strength of wrought iron, choosing a professionally installed, maintenance-free system ensures your dog stays secure in every season.
With over 53 years of experience and Canadian-made materials built for Ontario weather, Peel Fence delivers dog-friendly (and kid friendly!) fencing solutions that are safe, durable, and designed to complement your home beautifully.
Ready to create a safe outdoor space for your dog? Contact Peel Fence today for a free on-site quote and expert guidance.