Can You Use Deer Fence for Dogs?

You’ve tried everything to stop your dog from jumping over, chewing on and destroying all the fences you’ve put up so far. The one thing you’ve avoided until now is deer fencing and it’s your last ditch effort. So, if you’re here, you’re probably wondering, “Can you use deer fence for dogs?”

Yes, you can. Deer fencing is safe, strong, flexible and readily available while also having the capacity to blend in with the environment. However, it’s very expensive and only ideal for large rural properties. Also, you have to install it into the ground and there’s the potential for a paw to get caught in the openings.

The following article will detail five reasons why and four reasons why not to use a deer fence for dogs. Consider all the points given below to determine if it’s something that’s going to be right for you, your dog and the property you have.

Deer Fence for Dogs Overview

  • Five Reasons Why You Should Use Deer Fence for Dogs
    1. Safe
    2. Strong
    3. Flexible
    4. Blends with the Environment
    5. Readily Available
  • Four Reasons Why You Should Not Use Deer Fence for Dogs
    1. Expensive
    2. Best for Large Rural Properties
    3. Ground Installation
    4. Paws Can Get Trapped

Five Reasons Why You Should Use Deer Fence for Dogs

1. Safe

Deer fencing goes through rigorous testing to ensure it won’t hurt animals. This is particularly true with deer fences made of polyurethane materials. While the metal types are also safe, the design safeguards your dog, and other animals, from potential injury due to the fence itself.

For instance, if you have a jumper or a pooch that becomes easily distracted by vermin running around, it will stop your dog but you don’t have to worry about cuts, scrapes and gouges as you would with a chain-link or warped wooden fence.

2. Strong

In regards to the testing deer fences undergo, these are strong and durable with the capacity to last for decades. Deer are the intention for fence and males are not only strong but their antlers can break through almost anything. So, even if you have a dog like a Tibetan Mastiff or a Boerboel, deer fencing will be quite effective.

Metal deer fencing is stronger than polyurethane, being able to withstand up to 2000 pounds of pressure. However, poly can hold up to 570 pounds or more. Ergo, larger canines should have metal while smaller dogs can do with polyurethane.

3. Flexible

Another great thing about deer fencing is its flexibility. Not only does it translate to keeping your pet within its boundaries, but it also means it won’t break at the slightest provocation.

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This is particularly true of the poly styles more than metal. However, the metal deer fences will bend and hold that shape, which may be undesirable. Also, if the same area receives enough pressure, it could buckle and allow the dog to escape.

4. Blends with the Environment

Many users attest to how deer fencing blends in beautifully with the environment and property background. It doesn’t have an invasive appearance. You can affix it to trees, posts, bushes and other solid structures. The thin design of the openings are barely visible 25 feet away. Plus, it makes for an excellent garden trellis.

5. Readily Available

You can find deer fencing almost anywhere. There are tons of places online, some specializing in dog fencing using deer fence materials. But, certainly you’ll be able to find some at gardening centers, home improvement superstores and construction material suppliers.

Four Reasons Why You Should Not Use Deer Fence for Dogs

1. Expensive

One downside to deer fencing is it can be expensive. You buy it by the roll and metal costs more than poly. For instance, you’re looking at around $250 for a poly roll that’s eight feet tall and 165 feet long. In regards to metal, you can pay upwards of $300 for 100 feet long.

Plus, you may have other installation costs depending on how large your property is. This will include things like stakes, ground installation and posts.

2. Only for Large Rural Properties

Urban dwellers may not find deer-fencing ideal since it doesn’t have to potential to keep out people. If you’re looking for additional property security, a deer fence will hardly do it. This is best for large rural properties like farms and homesteads.

3. Ground Installation

Aside from ground installation being costly, it may interfere with plants, trees and other growing things. You will have to check with local laws and regulations about installing a fence into the ground. Plus, it’s a good idea to ensure you won’t disturb any utility lines.

Installing the fence into the ground is the only way to ensure its security. There are no hackcs or other tricks to avoid this, especially if you wish to prevent your dog from digging under it.

4. Paws Can Get Trapped

Depending on the design of the opening of the fence, your dog may get its paw caught in them. While it shouldn’t cut into the dog, this can hurt the dog in other ways. For instance, it can get a sprain, muscle damage or other similar injury if the dog becomes excited when trapped.

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Comparing the Pros ; Cons

ProsCons
Safe: won’t harm animalsExpensive: tends to be pricey
Strong: withstands up to 2000 pounds of pressureBest for Large Rural Properties: sold in rolls
Flexible: retains shape for many yearsGround Installation: can be frustrating
Blends with the Environment: unimpeded beautyPaws Can Get Trapped: can injure the dog’s paws
Readily Available: can find it almost anywhere 

Final Thoughts

There are many reasons to use a deer fence for your dog. It’s strong, durable and flexible while not inhibiting nature’s beauty. But, it can be expensive, especially because it should go into the ground. While it is generally safe, sometimes a dog can get its paws trapped. So, you have to weigh these against your particular circumstances.