Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

5 DIY Dog Fences You Can Make Today (With Instructions)

Dog Fence

Letting your canine play outside is a crucial part of being a responsible dog owner. But if they do go out, keeping them contained on your property can be expensive. However, the solution is to build your own dog fence so you can spend less.

That’s why we’re here to show you five DIY dog fence plans you can build for your pooch with some handy info to get you started! Oh, and don’t forget to wear protective gear if you need it.

divider dog paws 2 oct 2024

The 5 DIY Dog Fences

1. Basic Mesh Fence by PetHelpful

DIY Dog Fences
Image By: Pet Helpful

Materials: Tenax 2A140073 pet fence 4’ x 100, studded T-post (5 ft), plastic cable zip ties, landscaping anchor pins
Tools: Speeco Farmex Post Driver
Difficulty level: Easy

The first DIY dog fence you can make on our list is this cheap option. It’s a basic mesh fence that can be shaped into any fashion that your property can accommodate, making it one of the most flexible dog fences available. All it takes is a few days of patience (it’s relatively easy to make), and you’ll have a fence that holds up well against tears. It’s a simple garden fence, though, so be aware that this fence can be trampled by larger wildlife, such as deer, or even larger dogs with enough force.


2. Hog Wire Panel DIY Fence by Gator_Overland

Materials: Flags/twine, shims, clamps, 2”x 4”x 8’ lumber, 2”x 4”x 10’ lumber, 4”x 4”x 10’ lumber, 2”x 6” x 8’ lumber, 50” x 8’ hog wire panels, 3” exterior screws, Quickcrete,
Tools: Miter/table saws, hammer/power drills, shovel/snippers, post hole digger/auger, sharpie and speed square, tape measure, safety equipment, 24” bolt cutters, hammer, level, T25 star bit, 5/32” drill bit
Difficulty level: Easy

The hog wire panel fence is a classic when it comes to DIY dog fences. This one requires a lot of materials and tools, but it’s super rigid and looks great once you complete the project. It’s also easy to build and is reasonably flexible for both irregular and symmetrical yards. The entire fence could take about 15 hours total to finish, which isn’t that bad, either. Due to the materials, though, it may cost a bit upfront, especially if you don’t have all of the tools.


3. Wooden Fence by Lowe’s Home Improvement

Materials: 4”x 4” lumber posts, 2”x 4” lumber, 1”x 4” furring strips, fence pickets, concrete mix, exterior screws, mason line, fasteners, gate hardware kit
Tools: Pneumatic nailer, air compressor, circular saw, a post hole digger, digging bar, shovel, speed square, tape measure, level/post level, wheelbarrow, ladder
Difficulty level: Advanced

We all know Lowe’s as the one-stop shop for DIY project supplies, but did you know they also make helpful tutorials? This one is a basic wooden fence made entirely out of lumber, which looks great and keeps your dog from trying to chase after animals on the other side. You can also build it with or without a gate, but there’s a catch. The build itself requires a lot of expertise and precision to ensure that everything is level and even. However, it has a lot of advantages—you can even paint it a different color!


4. Grand Empire Dog Run Fence by DIY Danielle

DIY Dog Fences
Image By: DIY Danielle

Materials: Grand Empire fence panels, Grand Empire posts/stakes, Grand Empire XL gate
Tools: Shovel, tiller, mallet,
Difficulty level: Easy

Next on our list is this super simple dog run made from Grand Empire fencing materials. The best thing about this one is that it doesn’t require any real digging! The whole thing is made of metal so it stakes into the ground, unlike wood, which takes quite a bit more work. The fence plans also include a large gate for easy in-and-out access, which doesn’t take too much time to add.


5. Chain Link Dog Kennel by Mom in Music City

Materials: Fencemaster chain link dog kennel
Tools: None
Difficulty level: Moderate

Made by Fencemaster, this chain link dog kennel comes with everything you need to build the project. Unlike our other mentions, you won’t need to go out and buy tools or transport lumber, so it’s great for those who have smaller cars. It takes some work to make, but its durability is what you’d expect for a tough metal fence. The size of it is also fixed, and it isn’t the largest out there, so the fence is best used as a typical kennel.

divider dog paws 2 oct 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

How High Should a Fence Be for a Dog?

The height of your fence will vary depending on what breed of dog you own. If your buddy is a Pug, you won’t need a very tall fence; however, if you’ve got a German Shepherd, it’s wise to go with something at least 6 feet tall. The best thing to do is look at the height of your dog on its hind legs. They shouldn’t be able to put their paws over the fence.

How Far Should Fence Posts Be for a Dog Fence?

Generally speaking, the best width in-between dog posts is about 7 or 8 feet. This ensures that the fencing will be taught, especially if it is made of netting or mesh.

divider dog paws 2 oct 2024

Conclusion

So, there we have it! Five DIY dog fence plans you can build for your pooch! All of these plans can be built in less than a week if you put in the labor every day. If you want something robust, go with the Lowe’s fence or one of the metal options. Then again, the others work quite well and are pretty easy to make! Hopefully, you found one that you like for your canine; good luck with the build!

Related Read: How to Dog-Proof a Fence – 10 Great Tips & Tricks


Featured Image Credit: Ali Vidler, Pixabay

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

How Much Exercise Does a Dalmatian Need? Vet-Verified Facts & Care Tips

All canines require daily exercise, but some pups need more than others. It all depends on the breed! How much exercise a dog...

A Dog’s Second Wind: Triumph Over Lung Disease Thanks to Mizzou Veterinarians

Meet Rhoen, the “sweetest, most loving, goofball, teddy bear dog,” as described by his loving owner Liz Randall, a professional dog trainer in...

Why Do Dogs Bite Themselves? 6 Vet-Verified Reasons & Tips

It can look alarming to us, but it’s common for dogs to occasionally bite themselves. Dogs will usually lick, bite, chew, or scratch...

Why Does My Dog Stick the Tip of His Tongue Out? 4 Possible Reasons (Vet-Reviewed)

Dogs are always doing the silliest things! While it’s not uncommon for them to have their tongue hanging out, such as when panting,...

More related

How to Travel Without Your Dogs Guilt Free: 10 Tips & Tricks

Try as we might, figuring out ways to travel with our dogs is not always straightforward. Logistics and finances can limit your options,...

Is Vinegar Safe for Dogs When Used for Cleaning? Vet-Verified Facts & Benefits

Keeping the house clean is an ongoing task when you’re an adult. But when you also own a dog, you know how much...

19 Pet Ownership Statistics In Ohio (Updated In 2025)

Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website. Ohio has a population of just...

How Much Does Dog Teeth Cleaning Cost? (2025 Price Guide)

Like humans, dogs need to have their teeth cleaned regularly to keep their pearly whites healthy and strong. Teeth cleaning is considered a...

Keep reading

Do Dogs Need Vitamin E? Vet-Verified Benefits & Risks

Dogs need vitamin E, as it’s an essential nutrient that provides antioxidants that protect against free radical damage. Free radicals are negatively charged atoms released during your dog’s normal metabolic processes. But when dogs or humans are ill or under...

Vitamin E capsules

Can Dogs Eat Ground Beef? Vet-Verified Benefits, Tips & FAQ

Ground beef is an inexpensive, staple protein in comfort food recipes from meatloaf to hamburgers. If you’re wondering if sharing some of this popular meat with your dog is okay, you’ve come to the right place. So can dogs eat...

Can Dogs Eat_ground beef

How to Keep Flies Away From Dog Food – 10 Great Ideas

It’s summertime, and that means hot days and lots of flies. If you are like most people, you probably don’t enjoy sharing your food with pesky insects. Flies can be a nuisance, but they don’t have to be. Plenty of...

flies on dog food

How Long Does A Dog Usually Have Diarrhea After Changing Food? Vet-Verified Facts

It’s alarming to wake up to your dog having diarrhea. A million scenarios can quickly run through your mind, wondering what the cause of their runny stool may be. Are they sick? Have they eaten something they shouldn’t have? Do...

dog with a food bowl

Can Dogs Eat Ginger Snaps? Vet-Verified Facts & Explanation

Ginger snaps are a spiced cookie that’s synonymous with the holiday season. They’re slightly sweet without being too overpowering, and deliciously crunchy. While you may enjoy them, ginger snaps aren’t something we recommend offering your dog. Ginger snaps aren’t inherently...

Can Dogs Eat Ginger Snaps

Open Farm Dog Food Review 2025: Our Vet-Approved Expert’s Opinion

If you’re looking for high-quality, human-grade dog food made with locally and sustainably sourced ingredients, then Open Farm may be the answer. This family-owned company arose out of a couple’s desire to feed their dog a nutritious meal made with...

Dogster_Open Farm Dog Food Review

Can Dogs Eat Mussels? Vet-Approved Benefits & Safety Tips

Dogs can eat mussels in moderation. Mussels are high in protein and other nutrients that may benefit your dog; however, they don’t provide everything your dog needs, so they should only be considered an occasional treat. It’s best to steam...

Can Dogs Eat_Mussels

9 Best Dog Foods at Tractor Supply in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Tractor Supply is a fantastic resource for pet care supplies, including food. They offer a wide variety of dog foods, making it difficult to pick the perfect food for your dog. We’ve reviewed the foods that Tractor Supply sells and...

Black Dachshund dog guarding and eating food