The best fence for dogs is a solid wood privacy fence or a chain link fence: tall enough that your dog cannot jump it, and solid enough at the bottom that it cannot dig out. Empire Fence builds dog-friendly fences for homeowners across Tulsa and northeast Oklahoma.
The right choice depends on your dog and your yard. Here is how the main options compare.
| Fence Type | Why It Works for Dogs | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Wood privacy | Blocks the view, so there is less to bark at, and leaves no gaps | Most dogs, especially barkers and escape artists |
| Chain link | Strong, sees-through, and budget-friendly | Large yards and owners who want visibility |
| Wood and chain link combo | Secure containment with a more finished look than plain chain link | Containment plus a finished look |
| Ornamental steel | Secure and decorative, with set picket spacing | Bigger dogs and a high-end look |
We have built fences for Tulsa dog owners since 1955, and most qualifying new fence installations earn our Gold Seal Certificate of Excellence after a 31-point inspection.
Wood Privacy and Chain Link
A solid wood privacy fence is the top pick for most dogs. Dogs bark at what they see, so a fence that blocks the view of passing people, cars, and other animals often calms a reactive dog. There are no gaps for a small dog to slip through, and a solid bottom is harder to dig under. For full backyard containment, 6 feet is the standard height, and we can build taller for a determined climber or a large, athletic dog.
Our chain link fencing is durable, hard to chew through, and the most affordable way to fence a large yard. Your dog can see out, which some owners prefer, though it can mean more barking, and vinyl-coated chain link adds a clean black or green finish. If you like the strength of chain link but want privacy too, a wood and chain link combination fence gives you both.
What Actually Contains a Dog
Three details decide whether a fence actually holds your dog:
- Height stops jumpers and climbers. Six feet contains most dogs; taller suits athletic breeds.
- A solid or tight bottom stops diggers. If your dog digs, see how to stop a dog from digging under a fence.
- Picket or mesh spacing matters for small breeds that can squeeze through a gap.
A fence is only as secure as its weakest point, and for dogs that is usually the gate. We hang gates to sit tight with no gap at the bottom for a small dog to slip under, and we can add self-closing hinges and a latch that sits out of nose and paw reach where you want them. Placing the gate away from where your dog patrols cuts down on accidental escapes too. For more on fencing built around your pets, see our yard fencing guide and the best pet-friendly fence styles.
Invisible Fences and Oklahoma Yards
An electronic or invisible fence is not a physical barrier. It depends on a collar and training, does nothing to keep other animals or people out of your yard, and offers no privacy or wind protection. For dependable containment, a real fence is the better answer, which is why we build physical fences rather than electronic systems. If your yard already has invisible-fence wiring or a sprinkler line, let us know before we dig so we can work around it.
Oklahoma summers are hot, so plan for shade along the fence line where your dog spends time. Durable materials like steel posts and powder-coated frames hold up to the heat, wind, and storms better than untreated wood, and they keep your fence sound for years of safe containment.
Related Questions
Dog fence questions we hear from Tulsa homeowners.
What is the best fence height for a dog?
Six feet contains most dogs. Large, athletic, or climbing dogs may need a taller fence, while a shorter fence can work for small breeds. We build to the height your dog needs.
Will a privacy fence stop my dog from barking?
It often helps. Dogs bark at what they see, so a solid fence that blocks the view of the sidewalk and neighbors can reduce barking and reactivity. A privacy fence is usually the best choice for a reactive dog.
How do I keep my dog from digging out?
Choose a fence with a solid or tight bottom and no gap at ground level. For more, see how to stop a dog from digging under a fence.
See Your Fence Before You Buy
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