Does your dog dig under the fence as soon as your back is turned? Holes along the boundary, deformed mesh, and a constant risk of escape are common issues with concrete solutions. However, it is essential to understand why your dog is digging in order to adapt your installation accordingly.
Why is your dog digging at the base of the fence?
Before rushing into a technical solution, identify the cause of the behavior. A dog rarely digs under a fence by chance. Boredom is the leading cause: a dog lacking stimulation will look for ways to keep busy, and digging is a naturally satisfying activity for them. Another frequent reason is an attraction on the other side—a cat, a female dog in heat, or a passing neighbor. They simply want to reach what interests them.
Certain breeds are also genetically predisposed to digging. Terriers, Dachshunds, Huskies… it is in their DNA. Then there is the anxious dog trying to escape a stressful environment. Knowing the cause allows you to combine a behavioral response (more exercise, less solitude) with a physical solution for the fencing.
Burying the fence: the most reliable method
The simplest solution to prevent a dog from passing under the fence is to extend the mesh underground. Bury the lower part of the fencing to a depth of 30 to 50 cm, depending on the size and tenacity of your dog. When they start to dig, they will hit the mesh and give up.
In practical terms, you can either directly bury the bottom of your existing fence (if it is long enough) or attach an additional L-shaped mesh at the base of the boundary. This piece of mesh is bent at 90°: one part runs up the post, while the other is buried in the ground or spread horizontally just below the surface. This works even with the most stubborn diggers.
Installing a concrete border or a bottom rail
If digging a trench along the entire length of your property is not feasible, a concrete border poured at the base of the fence works very well. We recommend a footing 15 to 20 cm deep and about ten centimeters wide. Your dog can scratch as much as they like; they will not get through.
Another option is to install a metal bottom rail or a prefabricated concrete gravel board between the posts. These rigid panels, fixed to the ground, create a barrier that the dog can neither lift nor bypass. This is a common solution for rigid welded mesh panels, and it also reinforces the overall structure of your installation.
Placing stones or gravel along the fence
Don’t feel like doing major work? A simple method is to place large stones or coarse gravel at the base of the fence in a strip 40 to 50 cm wide. Dogs dislike digging in stones as it hurts their paw pads and they cannot easily move the material.
This solution works well as a supplement to a buried fence or a border. On its own, it may suffice for dogs that dig half-heartedly out of habit. For a determined digger, it serves more as a deterrent reinforcement than a definitive barrier.
Solutions to avoid
You sometimes read questionable advice on the internet. Two in particular should be avoided:
- Chemical repellents at the base of the fence: these have very limited effectiveness over time, need to be reapplied after every rainfall, and some products are toxic to animals.
- Punishing the dog after the fact: if you do not catch them in the act within seconds, they will not make the connection between the punishment and the hole. You simply increase their stress, which potentially increases their urge to dig.
Choosing the right fencing from the start
If you are still at the stage of choosing your fencing, it is best to plan ahead. Rigid welded mesh panels with integrated gravel boards resist much better than simple flexible netting. The mesh is harder to deform, the posts are securely anchored, and adding a concrete gravel board is a natural part of the installation process.
For flexible fencing, opt for a model high enough to bury a portion without reducing the visible height. Allow for at least 1.50 m of visible fencing for a medium-sized dog, plus the 30 to 50 cm buried underground. At Districlos, our advisors can help you size your fence while taking these types of constraints into account, either online or in-store.
Combining physical barriers with dog stimulation
The best strategy is to work on both fronts. On one hand, you physically secure your fence so the dog cannot pass underneath. On the other, you address the cause: more walks, enrichment toys, and a dedicated space where they are allowed to dig (a sandbox, for example). A tired and mentally stimulated dog digs much less than a dog that is bored in an empty garden for eight hours a day.
Reinforcing your fence is essential. However, a fence, no matter how solid, will never replace the attention you give to your dog. Using both approaches together, however, solves the problem in the vast majority of cases.
Expert in fencing, gates, and outdoor landscaping since 2019.
Holds a Master’s degree in Digital Marketing – SEO, UX/UI.
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