The Best No-Dig Fences for Dogs

Creating an outdoor space for your dog to run, play, and do their business is a great addition to your home. However, not all dog owners want to install a permanent fence in their yards. That’s where a no-dig fence can be the answer. With a no-dig fence, you can create a safe place for your dog to explore without worrying about them running off. They are often cheaper than permanently installed fences and can be put up in just a weekend.

Look for a no-dig fence that is the right size and setup for your yard. A great fence can be both affordable and durable. A variety of colors and styles are also available so that your fence fits right in with your home’s look. If you’ve been struggling to find a no-dig fence that will work for you, then we’ve got you covered. Check out our list of the top no-dig fences for dogs that will help you narrow down your search!

Top Picks: The Best No-Dig Fences for Dogs Today

#1. Best Overall: Zippity Outdoor Products No Dig Baskenridge Semi-Permanent Vinyl Fence

In our review, the best no-dig fence for dogs is the Zippity Outdoor Products No Dig Semi-Permanent Vinyl Fence. While it does require some extra installation steps, this semi-permanent no-dig fence is great for small and medium dogs or larger dogs who don’t leap over fences. It is three feet high and each kit spans a distance of seven feet. However, if you have a lot of space to enclose, this can become quite expensive. But because it is semi-permanent, it’s also easy to take up and move if you ever relocate.

This design has a gate that can be incorporated into your overall fence. All panels, posts, and gates are made of white vinyl. This means that the gate can withstand rain and snow without rusting and can be washed and cleaned using a simple garden hose.

The pointed stakes on the bottom keep the no-dig fence in the ground. If you have a lot of wind, it may be a good idea to reinforce with extra stakes or tie-downs. Some reviewers said that their dogs pushed against the fence and caused it to loosen. If you have a dog who likes to be rough on fencing, this may not be the best choice. The panels are held together with screws on the top of the fence structure.

Pros and Cons of the Zippity Outdoor Products No Dig Baskenridge Semi-Permanent Vinyl Fence

Overall Best

Zippity Outdoor Products No Dig Baskenridge Semi-Permanent Vinyl Fence

• Semi-permanent fence
• Made of white vinyl
• Easily cleaned with garden hose
• Three feet high

Check Amazon

2. Best for Dogs that Dig: Dig Defense 4 Pack No-Dig Large Animal Barrier

For dogs that are known to dig up their fenced-up areas, try out the Dig Defense 4 Pack No-Dig Large Animal Barrier. If your dog is more of a digger than a climber, then having a no-dig barrier is the perfect way to keep them contained in your yard. The Dig Defense barrier is designed to be used in coordination with a traditional fence or hedge. It extends into the ground and creates a barrier that keeps animals from digging to get into or out of your yard.

There are a variety of sizes available but the 10-inch option works best for the largest variety of animals. Each panel is 32 inches wide with spikes placed 2.5 inches apart. It can require some work to install since the effectiveness is based on how deep the spikes go into the ground. If you have very dense soil, you may need some help to get the spikes into the ground.

For those with a large yard or who need to cover a lot of space, Dig Defense offers the best pricing when purchasing in bulk. You can order between one and 25 panels in one order. The cheapest option per panel is to purchase a lot at once if you need them.

Pros and Cons of the Dig Defense 4 Pack No-Dig Large Animal Barrier 

Best for Dogs that Dig

Dig Defence 4 Pack No-Dig Large Animal Barrier

• Extends into the ground
• To be used together with a traditional fence
• Made in the USA
• Easy to install

Check Amazon

3. Best Invisible Fence: Petsafe Stay & Play Wireless Fence

Owners who aren’t interested in installing a physical fence may prefer to use an invisible one like the Petsafe Stay & Play Wireless Fence. Invisible fences are a great way to contain dogs that do not require any digging to install. They deliver a small electric shock via a collar when the dog goes past the point of the “fence.” The fence is actually a wireless barrier that sends a signal via a transmitter when crossed. The Petsafe option does not provide the same feedback when your dog returns to the yard, something that other invisible fences do which can actually deter your dog from correcting themselves.

This kit covers a 1/2 acre of space in a circular area out from the base. It can also be programmed to respond to different dogs, each with its own collar. Select either a static feedback signal in one of five levels or a tone feedback signal to tell your dog when they have gone too far. Some dog owners prefer not to use invisible fences because they do provide a small electric shock to your dog to keep them inside the barrier. They also require that your dog keeps the accompanying collar on while outside. Depending on your dog’s temperament and your preferences, this may not be the right solution for you. Make sure that your dog is used to a collar before spending the money on a pricey invisible fence system.

Pros and Cons of the Petsafe Stay & Play Wireless Fence

Best Invisible Fence

PetSafe Stay & Play Wireless Fence

• The fence is a wireless barrier
• Covers a 1/2 acre of space
• Very easy setup
• System is fully portable

Check Chewy Check Amazon

4. Best Portable Fence: IRIS 8-Panel Exercise Dog Playpen

Pet owners that love to travel with their dogs will be able to make good use of the IRIS 8-Panel Exercise Dog Playpen. To contain your dog on the go, consider a dog playpen. This 8-panel option from IRIS is easy to set up and take down. It is the perfect solution when you want to create a safe place for your dog to relax and play while on vacation or visiting the home of a friend or family member. All you need to do is attach each panel to the others using the included connecting rods. When it’s time to go, simply remove the rods, stack the panels, and pack them away.

However, even though the playpen is easy to assemble and take apart, it is quite bulky when it is put together. You’ll need to have a lot of storage room available if you plan on owning this fence. 

It comes in two colors and has a little doggy door to allow a small animal to go in and out of the playpen as needed. You can close and secure the door to keep them contained when that’s the right place for them to be. The playpen is 34 inches high and each panel is 24.6 inches wide. You can purchase add-on panels in sets of two to create an even larger area.

Pros and Cons of the IRIS 8-Panel Exercise Dog Playpen

Best Portable Fence

IRIS 8-Panel Plastic Exercise Dog Playpen

• Can be used while on vacation or when visiting
• Comes in two colors
• Easy to extend with add-on panels
• Indoor and outdoor use

Check Chewy Check Amazon

How to Choose the Best No-Dig Fence for Dogs

When looking for a no-dig fence for your yard, consider what you need the fence to do. Will it be the only thing keeping your dog from getting out of the yard or do you need to keep a dog who digs from burrowing under an existing fence or barrier? Will this no-dig fence be in place for a long time or would you prefer something that you can take with you? These are all important questions to consider when looking for a no-dig fence. 

However, in order to best narrow down your search, you take three factors into consideration: 

• Dog’s size 
• Type of barrier 
• Portability 

Here we look at some of these factors in more detail:

Dog’s Size

A no-dig fence for dogs can be a great way to keep them contained as long as it is high enough for your dog. Smaller dogs can be kept safe with smaller fences, although they may be able to squeeze between bars that are spaced far apart. Larger dogs can jump higher or climb over a low fence but have a harder time squeezing between bars unless they are quite spacious. Consider your dog’s size when selecting the right fence.

Type of Barrier

No-dig fences can also be a low barrier that keeps a dog from digging underneath another fence or hedge and escaping. In this case, the no-dig fence doesn’t prevent the dog from going over it. Instead, it keeps the dog from going under the fence. These types of fences are great for dogs who like to dig but will need to be used with a higher barrier, such as another fence or a thick hedge that the dog cannot get through.

Portability

If you want to make sure that your dog is safe and contained on the go, consider how portable the no-dig fence might be. A dog play yard or playpen doesn’t have as much room as most fences but can be put up and taken down easily for transport. If you are going on vacation or to a friend’s house and want to create a safe place for your dog to play, these types of fences are a great option.

The 2 Different Types of No-Dig Fences

As we’ve gone over, the market is filled with lots of different options when it comes to purchasing a no-dig fence. However, most of these fences can be broken down into two main different types. Both of these types have their own pros and cons when it comes to making use of them. 

Some of the most common pros and cons include:

• Permanent/semi-permanent fence — Takes more time to install. Can be a sturdier barrier. More customization to create size and setup for your dog and yard.
• Portable fence — Easy to take to a new place. Often cheaper than a permanent or semi-permanent structure. Usually, less available space for your dog to use.

Up Next…

• Discover The Best Outdoor Dog Beds: Reviewed — When looking for an outdoor bed for your dog, you’ll want one that is both comfortable and durable. Discover our recommendations for the best outdoor dog beds.
• Portable Dog Fences: Reviewed — Are you hoping to find the best portable dog fence that you can take on your travels with your pooch? Check out our list of the top choices available today!
• Best Organic Dog Food: Reviewed For You — Your dog is a part of the family and as such you want to feed them the very best. Check out our top recommendations for excellent organic dog foods.