What Is A Puppy Picket Fence (And Is It Right For Your Yard)?

Dog owners often choose to fence in their yard to provide a space for their pup to play and exercise without the risk of running off or encountering traffic. A fenced yard also helps prevent unwanted interactions with other animals or people, which can give pet parents a peace of mind. Additionally, a fenced yard supports training efforts by reinforcing the concept of boundaries and giving dogs a consistent area to explore. This is why it's essential to consider your various fencing options, particularly puppy picket fences. A puppy picket fence is a slatted or barred fence that is specially designed to prevent small dogs from going through the bars, as well as underneath.

Young dogs are curious and may try to dig under, squeeze through, or climb over a fence. Their small size can make the smallest gap an escape route, and their high energy levels mean that if they breach the fence, they might be challenging to catch. Even the most well-constructed fences might not be able to keep them in your yard. What sets puppy fencing apart from traditional picket-style fencing is that the bottom portion of the fence is reinforced with extra bars. Not only are there extra bars above the bottom rail, but some fencing brands also have bars that extend below the bottom rail to the ground. These extra safety features help create dog-proof fencing to protect your pup by keeping them safely in your yard.

The pros of adding puppy picket fencing to your dog-friendly yard are clear. This type of fence is aesthetically pleasing and, most importantly, it helps keep your puppy safe. The extra bars that are located both above and below the bottom rail ensure that your puppy won't be able to slip between the bars and discourage them from escaping below the rail. Although chain-link and other fences can offer similar benefits, they are decidedly less aesthetically pleasing. While chain link and solid panel fences have a cold, walled-off, and even industrial feel, puppy picket fences have a high-end, welcoming appearance.

Of course, nothing is without downsides, including this puppy-friendly fencing option. One major con of puppy picket fencing is that it is only available in metal. Metal fencing tends to be quite a bit more expensive than other fencing types. Another downside is that after spending all that money on a fence, your pup may still be able to dig below the supplemental bars, especially if your yard has uneven terrain. Additionally, puppy picket fences don't provide the same level of privacy as some other types, especially solid panel fences. The good news, though, is that you can prevent your pup from digging an escape route by burying a length of wire fencing a few inches underground and securing it to the posts. To address the privacy issue, adding bushes, vines, and installing privacy hedges can be a solution.