Do you look outside at your nice, open yard and wish that your dog could run free and unleashed through it? Dogs love the outdoors, and there's nothing better than a summer afternoon spent in the outdoors with your pooch. If you aren't lucky enough to have a park or other green space nearby, then your yard is often the next best thing. Being able to just open your backdoor and let your dog loose is incredibly convenient as well, and less time spent driving or walking to a park means more time to spend your best friend.

Dog fences are a great way to make this a reality, but selecting and having one installed requires some care. Keep these three important points in mind when choosing a fence for your yard.

Know Your Dog

It goes without saying, but it is important to have a good understanding of your dog's behavior before choosing a fence to contain him or her. Is your dog easily excitable or does he/she like to (literally) push boundaries? If nearby squirrels or passing cars are likely to cause your dog to jump up against the fence, the durability will need to be a top consideration. Fences which can contain smaller dogs are not appropriate for larger, more active dogs that can more easily damage a fence.

Determine the Importance of Aesthetics

Is your dog fencing a purely functional addition to your yard or is your goal to also beautify and potentially increase your home's resale value? Chain link fencing is incredibly durable and largely maintenance-free, but it is generally not considered to be a very attractive option. If aesthetics are important, then a wooden fence may be a better option.

Another consideration is whether you want the fence to completely obstruct the view from inside your yard. Heavy-duty wooden fencing works extremely well to contain dogs, and it can double as a privacy barrier as well, but it is not suitable if you want to be able to see beyond your yard. In this case, a picket fence with closely spaced pickets may be a better option.

Be Aware of Maintenance

Maintenance will vary among different types of fences, so your tolerance for extra chores should be taken into account when selecting a fence for your dog. In general, chain link fences will require minimal upkeep and can be maintained with simple cleaning and the occasional oiling of the hinges.

Wood fences, on the other hand, require slightly more care. It is important to avoid allowing sprinklers or hoses to soak the wood too often as this can lead to mold and rot. Dirt that becomes trapped on the fence can trap moisture in and lead to similar problems as well. Additionally, wood fences should be repainted every few years and usually should have a sealer reapplied every year or so.

For more information on which fence types make the best dog fencing, contact a fence contractor near you or visit http://www.4cornersfencingco.com.