“Help…I have a dog that can dig under my fence!”
This is a common concern we receive at Pro Fence Design. Whether from a customer of another contractor, or a new client of ours, this is an important design and install consideration for any pet owner.
In fence installation, the bottom rail or fence section is normally installed 2” above grade. This spacing is to allow some grass to grow underneath and avoid burying a fence panel in the ground. While setting a panel below grade is needed at times, it should not be the norm. When there are undulations in grade along a property line, sometimes a panel may flush to the ground on one end but 5” off the ground on the other end. A digger dog will take sight of this daylight and start to plan their escape.
Adding soil to level the ground is a quick and effective visual fix, but a true digger dog will quickly blow through this loose soil and then start digging even deeper until they can get under the fence.
The goal then would be to create a barrier just below the grade so when the dog starts digging, they hit a firm barrier. Some installers may set concrete pavers in the ground for this purpose but that can get expensive. We have found that the best method uses cost effective 2” x 6” board that span the length between posts. These boards are set just beneath the grade so that a dog’s paws cannot break through it. It is safe for paws and claws and a natural option to put in the ground.
