What Are the BEST WAYS to Keep a Dog in the Yard? (Tried)

The idea of your dog escaping their safe area is enough to stress any owner, so what are the best ways to keep a dog in the yard?

Boundary training, invisible or physical fencing, playpens, and long-line leads are a few options you can explore with your canine companion.

There are many methods and forms of dog containment but the best method is largely dependent on your dog’s behavior and motivation. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the various forms of dog containment, we have included in-depth explanations to help owners make well-informed decisions.

What Are the Best Ways to Keep a Dog in the Yard?

The best way to keep a dog in your yard is largely dependent on the behavior and motivation that the dog exhibits daily. 

If your dog is a smaller size and slips through regular fencing easily, you may want to test a playpen that is suitable for its size and is durable enough to be used outside.

A dog that regularly jumps fences or other barriers may need to be trained to respect the boundaries their owners give them.

Electric fencing that communicates with a correction collar worn by your dog can be incorporated into boundary training methods.

If you would like to continue learning about the options listed above as well as additional dog containment methods and helpful tips, continue reading below.

Playpens

Playpens designed for use with dogs are great alternatives to traditional fencing and can be found at a variety of pet supply stores as well as online.

Puppies that are going through obedience training are great candidates for playpens as it allows the owner to easily monitor them and control the boundaries. 

Before purchasing a playpen you will want to verify the product is safe for dogs and durable.

Here is a useful and affordable playpen that meets the requirements above.

Boundary Training

Boundary training is a great way to instill good behaviors and teach your dog how to respect the boundaries that you have set for them.

Keep in mind that patience and consistency are extremely important to be successful with any form of training.

Boundary training can be done with or without additional tools like electric or wireless fencing systems.

And, there is no age limit on training your dog, especially when it comes to ensuring their continued safety and security. 

If you would like to learn more about helpful ways to begin training your dog to respect boundaries, this article from AKC is a great resource. 

We have also found a great two-part series on YouTube that was created by a professional dog trainer.

She shows exactly how this training process is properly and safely completed in amazing detail.

The second part can be found here: Invisible Barriers Part 2- Dog Training

Wireless & Electric Fencing

Wireless and electric fencing are great options for stubborn dogs that continually break out of their containment areas, and aids the boundary training process. 

Before you scroll… If you’re interested in learning more about these training methods, we have written a detailed article about training dog for invisible fence that you may find helpful. 

Electric fencing can be installed above ground or in the ground depending on your specific needs.

And electric fencing Kits will often come with a collar that corrects your pet with light shocks or noises when they attempt to cross their boundary line.

Wireless fencing is easily installed and set up, does not require electrical knowledge, and connects to a collar that corrects your pet when they try to leave its safe zone.

If you would like to learn more about these great systems, here is an article that discusses the pros and cons of Invisible Fence to aid your decision.

Disclaimer

Before opting for an electric fence, we strongly recommend obedience training and taking the time to understand and carry out the process.

Training your dog can prevent the potential stress of an electric fence collar, and focuses on positive cues to reinforce boundaries. 

While electric fence collars aren’t physically harmful, for certain dogs they can cause potentially severe emotional distress without the proper training.

Brain training techniques are a science-backed way to help prepare your dog for new boundaries without the use of force or dominance!

Fenced-In Play Area

If you only have a small area that you would like your dog to play and potty in, fencing the area traditionally may be a great option for you.

You can find small fenced-in gardens all over, and they can be built with a wide variety of materials.

Wood is a commonly known material but you can use wrought iron, bricks, cinder blocks, and cement to create a permanent containment area.

Professionals can be hired to build this area, but it is entirely possible to learn the process of building a fence and complete the project on your own. 

Temporary fences are easy to plan and build as they can be made out of strong netting, PVC pipes, and zip ties.

However, if you have a large and determined dog, we do not recommend relying on this option. 

Building a fence seems like a difficult task, but this great article lists ways you can build an easy DIY dog fence.

Landscape Your Yard

Landscaping your yard is another great way to block your dog from escaping a fence similar to what was discussed above. 

Adding certain landscapes like bushes, shrubs, trees, and furniture around your fence line can dissuade your dog from attempting to break out of its safe zone.

Dog-friendly additions like shallow pools and obstacle courses are great options as well.

It’s important to remember that some plants have been deemed toxic for dogs upon ingestion.

We recommend reading this article for more information on toxic plants, but here is a short list of plants that are toxic to dogs if consumed:

• Aloe Vera
• Daffodil
• Ivy
• Tomato plant
• Tulip
• Sago Palm

This helpful article discusses different dog-friendly landscaping projects that you may be able to achieve in your yard. 

Long-Line Lead

Long-line leads can limit your dog’s roaming area while outside.

The lead has two ends. One is attached to a sturdy pole or tree and the other is attached to a dog’s harness.

We do not recommend attaching the lead to a collar for the safety of your dog.

Long-line leads are also great for travel and camping, as they are portable and easily replaced if damaged.

Just ensure that you monitor your dog if camping to ensure constant safety from threatening wildlife. 

However, long-line leads are not meant for extended use, as your dog should not be left connected for longer than necessary, and never be left unattended. 

But, long-line leads are another tool that pairs well with boundary training and are extremely easy to find at most pet supply stores.

Here is a great affordable product, that comes in a few different lengths, and is available in a bunch of colors. 

Importance of Dog-Safe Areas

Providing your dog with an area that is safe and contained is the best way to ensure that your canine companion is able to live a long, healthy, and happy life. 

Dogs that have no barrier from the outside world are at increased risk of being harmed or killed by a very large range of incidences.

If you live in a rural farm area, there are even more possible occurrences that would not end well for a companion dog. 

If you have a dog that is aggressive or reactive to people, children, or other animals, you need to ensure that dog is properly contained.

A dog with these behavioral issues not only poses a threat to the safety of others but also themselves.

Training is an important factor that we recommend exploring when your dog has a safe and contained area they can properly learn in.  

Professional dog trainers have the resources to train the owner and the dog at the same time so both are equipped for success.

Trainers can be found in most cities in the US, but we recommend contacting your primary veterinarian for their recommendation. 

Conclusion

We always encourage providing companion and family dogs with a safe and fun outdoor environment.

So we hope that this article was able to provide you with the necessary ingredients for a perfect dog enclosure recipe!