The 8 best cheap fences for dogs
Letting your dog roam and explore is really important. It’s good for their physical and mental well-being and keeps them entertained for hours at a time. But you want to make sure they can do it safely and where you can keep an eye on them. You don't want them bolting the front gate or entering the living room and sleeping on your brand new sofa. Whilst dog fences can be large, expensive structures, there are actually many out there that can stop your pup from getting into trouble and that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
So, what is the best cheap dog fence? How much do they cost? And why do you really need one?
What is a dog fence?
Dog fences are structures that keep your pup in (or out of) a specific area. They can be large, permanent extensions of your home or lighter-weight, easy-to-install, portable pens. Whichever you decide to go for, their aim is the same – to keep your dog from wandering off and to keep them safe.
Why get a dog fence?
Not all homes and gardens are dog-proof. And let’s be honest, dogs can be experts in trying to escape. They can dig, jump, and in some cases even learn to open front gates. A dog fence lets them play, explore and be outside in a safe environment. It can also stop them from digging up your favorite plants and doing their business all over your lawn or driveway.
But they're not just designed to be used outside. Indoor dog fences can be a great way of keeping your pup in a specific area of the house, whether that’s downstairs or in a certain room. Some are like child gates but a little taller so they can’t jump over them and some are more like playpens. They work really well if your pup becomes excitable or overly curious when you have non-doggie guests around.
Some dog fence ideas, such as building a beautiful oak structure right the way around your garden, can be pretty pricey. But there is also lots of affordable dog fencing out there.
What to think about before buying a cheap dog fence
- Why you’re buying it.If you’re buying a dog fence for a jumper, you’ll need to make sure you buy a tall and sturdy structure. If you’re buying it to keep your pup in one room, a door gate may be better than a whole playpen. If you intend your dog to be in the garden for longer periods of time, a fence around it may be better than a pen-style enclosure. This ensures they have separate areas to play and poop!
- The materials. Even if you get a portable fence for your dog, you want to make sure it’s sturdy when it’s set up. Avoid weak materials which may be easier for larger dogs to knock down. Think about if it's easy to install and how you can store it.
- Training. If you’ve recently moved house and your pup was used to a dog-safe garden, it may take them a while to get used to being in a pup pen. Make sure they have lots of toys, spend time in there with them, and ensure they get enough exercise by going for walks and runs.
The 8 best cheap dog fences: our picks
We've put together a list of the best dog fences for both indoor and outdoor use. Here they are!
Yaheetech Dog Exercise Pen
It can be used as a portable dog fence for camping holidays or trips to non-dog-safe spaces and can even be made much larger by combining multiple Yaheetech exercise pens (although this would, of course, make it more expensive).
HACHI SHOP Dog Playpen
It can be assembled really quickly and is very easy to take down. Although sturdy, this portable dog fence is aimed at small dogs who aren’t massive jumpers.
Petmate Exercise Pen
Carlson Dog Fence
Frisco Pet Gate
It comes in three different colors, so not only will you be keeping your dog safe, but you’ll also find something to match your interior style!
MYPET Portable Pet Gate
There’s an easy-to-use handle rather than one of those trickier to use child gate fastings and it comes with rubber stoppers to protect your walls. It stands at 23 inches tall, so if you have a particularly jumpy pup you may need a bigger one.
Internet’s Best Arched Dog Fence
Tenax Wired Fence
Dog fences are a great idea and ensure your pup stays safe. Have you got one? How do you use it?
I’m Charlotte, a content and copywriter from the North of England and currently living in Berlin. Animals have always been a huge part of my life, so writing about dogs is a total pleasure! I love all kinds of dogs and their cheeky personalities, but I’d have to say Weimaraners are my favourite!