To stop a dog from digging under a fence, close the gap at the bottom and add a barrier the dog cannot dig through: a buried L-footer of wire mesh, a concrete or paver mow strip, or a rot board along the base. Empire Fence builds dog-proof fences for homeowners across Tulsa and northeast Oklahoma with a tight bottom from the start.
These are the most reliable ways to shut down a digger, strongest first.
| Dig Barrier | How It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete or paver mow strip | A hard band along the fence base that a dog cannot dig through | Determined diggers and a clean mow line |
| Buried L-footer (wire mesh) | Mesh that drops down and bends outward underground | Most yards, hidden once grass grows in |
| Rot board / kickboard | A board set at ground level to close the gap and block paws | Wood fences, easy add at build time |
| Solid, tight-bottom fence | No gap and no view to dig toward | Building dog containment in from the start |
We have built dog-friendly fences across northeast Oklahoma since 1955, and most qualifying new installations earn our Gold Seal Certificate of Excellence after a 31-point inspection.
Start by Closing the Gap
Most digging starts at a gap under the fence. A solid wood privacy fence with the pickets set close to the ground gives a dog nothing to slip under and nothing to see through, which also lowers the urge to dig. On a chain link fence, keeping the mesh tight to the ground does the same. A rot board or kickboard along the base closes the last bit of gap and takes the wear at ground level.
Add a Barrier Underground
For a committed digger, add a barrier below the surface:
- L-footer. Wire mesh attached at the base that turns and runs outward underground, so a dog digs down and hits the mesh. Grass grows over it and hides it.
- Concrete or paver mow strip. A hard band along the fence line that a dog cannot dig through. It doubles as a clean edge for mowing.
- Buried gravel or a dig guard. A trench of packed gravel along the base discourages paws while keeping water draining.
We can build any of these into a new fence, and a wood and chain link combination fence is a strong, contained option as well.
Gates and the Rest of the Yard
A fence is only as secure as its weakest point, and for diggers that is often the gate. We set gates with no gap at the bottom and hang them to close and latch on their own. It also helps to walk the whole line, since a dog that is blocked in one spot will test another. For more on building around your pets, see our yard fencing guide, the best fence for dogs, and the best pet-friendly fence.
Related Questions
Dog-digging questions from Tulsa homeowners.
What is the best way to stop a dog from digging out?
Close the gap at the base and add a hard barrier, like a concrete mow strip or a buried L-footer of wire mesh. A solid, tight-bottom fence gives a dog the least to work with.
Will a concrete mow strip stop digging?
Yes. A concrete or paver strip along the fence base is one of the most reliable dig barriers, and it gives you a clean edge to mow against.
Can you build a dog-proof fence from the start?
Yes. We build a tight bottom, can add a kickboard or buried mesh, and hang gates with no gap, so containment is part of the fence rather than a fix later. See the best fence for dogs.
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