Can Small Dogs Escape Through Standard Fences?
The short answer is yes—small dogs can and often do escape through standard fencing if the design doesn't account for their size and agility. At Ark Fence Company, we specialize in "puppy-proofing" perimeters to ensure your smallest family members stay out of harm's way.
The "4-Inch Rule" for Picket Spacing
Most standard ornamental iron or aluminum fences have pickets spaced 4 inches apart. While this meets general safety codes, a small dog (especially one under 15 lbs) can often squeeze their ribs through a 4-inch gap. If their head fits, their body usually follows.
- The Fix: For small dogs, we recommend "Puppy Pickets." These are shorter pickets installed between the standard ones at the bottom of the fence, reducing the gap to roughly 2 inches.
Bottom Clearance and Digging Risks
Standard wood fence installation often leaves a 2 to 3-inch gap at the bottom to prevent the wood from rotting in the Texas mud. However, this gap is the perfect escape hatch for a small dog.
- The Fix: We can install a "bottom rail" or a tensioned wire along the base. For persistent diggers, we recommend burying a portion of the chain-link or using a concrete "mow strip" that prevents them from tunneling out.
Chain-Link Mesh Size
Standard residential chain-link usually has a 2-inch or 2.375-inch diamond mesh. While most small dogs can't get through the mesh itself, they can often lift the flexible bottom of the chain-link fabric if it isn't secured with a bottom tension wire.
