If you recently moved into a home without a fence, and you own a dog that loves to escape and run off without notice, you may decide to install a chain link fence around your property to confine your pet and prevent issues with your neighbors. But before you do so, it's important that you consider a few things first. Although it doesn't happen with every dog breed, some pets will jump over or even dig beneath fencing to escape. If the dog bites someone or receives injuries from a passing vehicle, the results can be devastating. Here are things to consider about chain link fencing before you install one.

What Height Should Your Fence Be?

One of the initial things you might consider is the height of your future chain link fence. The fencing comes in a variety of heights, but only one will be right for your dog, especially if your pet is tall, high at the shoulders or simply rambunctious. If you install a smaller fence in the beginning, it may entice your dog to climb or jump over it. To overcome this problem, you may need to raise the height of the fence periodically until you reach a height that works. According to The Whole Dog Journal, the best way to avoid these issues is to install a 6-foot tall fence.

A chain link fence in the height mentioned above may not be easily climbed, jumped or scaled by your pet because it may take effort on their part. If for some reason your beloved dog does manage to reach the top of the fence, you can avoid extending it by placing a "roof" over the top. The journal recommends tilting the roof at least 45 to 90 degrees inward to deter your dog. Once your pet reaches the angled top, they may have to lean back to try to climb over it. Your pet may not want to make the effort to escape.

If you're still concerned or would like to learn more about choosing the right fencing height, contact a fence contractor for further details. Until you do, you may want to think about how you plan to secure the ground below the fence to keep your escape artist inside it.

What Type of Ground Support Should Your Fence Have?

If your pet loves to dig up things, they may try to dig their way out of the fence. Some people use chicken wire or another type of metal to prevent digging. But if your pet has delicate or soft paws and nails, it may cause more harm than good if they snag a nail on the wire or receive a cut from the wire. It may be safer to secure the ground with a hard, smooth surfaces like concrete.

You may want place the concrete in the ground after the post installation and before the contractor puts the fence up. If the contractor installs the fence before you place the cement, you may need to lift or raise the bottom of the fence to pour the cement. It may damage the fence in the process. In addition, pouring the cement before the actual installation gives the material time to dry.

After the steps are completed above, you may want to add large plants, such as bushes and shrubs, around the interior side of the fence to deter your dog from leaving. You can also line the fence with large decorative stones or rocks. These are just a few ideas you can use to prevent digging under your new fence.

For more information about installing a chain link fence, contact a contractor like Elrod Fence Co today.