Dogs are curious creatures, and that means they may wander off if you are not careful. A portable dog fence can provide the perfect solution for pet parents who want to let their dogs roam freely while still keeping them close by.
A pet fence can also provide your dog with an extra stimulating environment they can’t get indoors. “Fences are basically an extension of your home for a dog. They may provide an outlet for extra energy if your compound is big enough.
One of the biggest advantages of portable dog fences is their versatility. They can be used in a variety of settings, from camping trips to backyard barbecues to picnics in the park.
According to Wikipedia, A pet fence or fenceless boundary is an electronic system designed to keep a pet or other domestic animal within a set of predefined boundaries without the use of a physical barrier. A mild electric shock is delivered by an electronic collar if its warning sound is ignored. The system was first invented and patented by Richard Peck in 1973.
Dog fences are made out of wood, metal, or plastic and can be either permanent or temporary. For example, traditional fences are the most common type of fence used to contain dogs. They are available in a variety of styles, sizes, and heights to suit your needs.
Portable dog fences are also a great way to keep your dog from getting into the trash or other things you don’t want them to get into. Portable dog fencing is easy to set up and can be used almost anywhere. In this article. We will evaluate the 10 best portable dog fences.
Why Portable Dog Fences Are Important
There are common situations where a portable dog fence can help you as a dog parent, let’s look at some of them below:
1. Travelling: it could be that you are visiting your friends that don’t have a dog fence or you are going on a road trip with your dog. And a portable wireless dog fence can be the ideal aid when it comes to travelling with your pet and keeping them safe no matter where you are.
2. Moving: A dog fence is an important detail to consider when moving your dog to a new home. You may be relocating to a new home and it might not have a permanent dog fence or an existing fence that you may not like to use for your dog.
When you don’t have a good dog fence, your dog may end up eating anything from the floor. A portable dog fence gives you peace of mind in a new environment.
3. Working/Relaxing/Entertaining Outdoors: Just like humans, sometimes your dog needs their own space to stay out of trouble, a portable dog fence will enable him to enjoy his outdoor stay and fresh air
4. Landscape Maintenance: You may need a dog fence for landscape maintenance Keeping a lawn lush with grass seed and other treatments usually means your dog can’t walk around the area for a designated amount of time. This can be a headache during potty breaks, but you can offer her a place to do her business in the meantime with a portable fence.
5. Camping: A portable dog fence for camping is a must-have for pet owners that enjoy bonding with nature! The purpose of a portable dog fence is to keep your dog safe in an enclosed area.
Most times we want to take our furry friends with us when we camp, but sometimes it can be challenging to find a pet-friendly place with the amenities you need to make your camping trip comfortable.
A portable dog fence can be an excellent solution to this problem, as it will allow you to create a safe space for your dog to play while still enjoying the great outdoors. A portable fence gives her this space without damaging your campsite or taking up much room.
6. Puppy Management: Life with a new little pup means keeping her safe from harm. A portable pet fence can prevent her from dangerous nuisance chewing of wires, rocks, and other hazardous objects around your home and yard.
This can also prevent choking or accidental poisoning. On a more positive note, some can also aid in house training indoors, as your pup can’t wander off and piddle under anything out of view. In fact, having a secure puppy pen is one of the core lessons in our Puppy Raising Blueprint!
7. Outdoor Potty Training: This is a fun way to get your dog potty trained. In a busy household, it’s a way to alert you without barking or other unwanted behaviours. Make sure you reinforce them for making the choice to go potty outdoors consistently, especially during the first few months of training.
If you want your dog to pee in a specific part of the yard and not others, using a portable barrier in the area forces her to relieve herself there, establishing a scent and habit. She’ll be more likely to potty in that area when the pen is removed later.
8. Injury Recovery: Recovering from surgery or injury means restricted movement. This will help the3m reduce their movement and play less yet give her enough freedom to potty outdoors without a leash tripping her up.
9. Separating Dogs: Dogs will often bark at each other from opposite sides of a fence, but their reactions to each other can be unpredictable once there is a barrier. A portable fence can help give two dogs space as they get used to one another. Whether your household dog isn’t a fan of dog guests chewing her toys, or if your existing adult dog needs a break from a new puppy, a portable fence can give multiple dogs some breathing room. They’re also great for separating dogs from human kids as well.
Read more: Can Dogs Eat Pecans? Find Out
Factors To Consider When Buying A Portable Dog Fence
Let’s look at the factors to consider when buying a portable dog fence. Size:
1. Size
The portable dog fence you get for your dog needs to be big enough for your dog to run around so this simply means that bigger dogs will be needing bigger space. Some fences are adjustable and designed to accommodate different sizes of dogs, while others come in predetermined sizes. While choosing the space for your dog space, do well to add an additional pet fence to it keeping in mind that they may outgrow it later on
2. Height
The height is also another important thing to consider. First of all, you have to know that dogs have different breeds and some of them can be really tall. You will need to check the dog’s height when it’s on its hind legs.
Some dogs are hyperactive and can be really jumpy, the Guinness Book Of World Records states that the highest jump ever made by a dog was accomplished in 2017. The dog, named Feather, is a greyhound who cleared 75.5 inches from the ground! That’s more than 6 feet high!
If your dog is an extraordinary jumper, a 6’’ – 8’ fence might be something you want to seriously consider.
3. Material
Most pet fence panels nowadays are made with metal or steel that has been treated with some kind of anti-corrosion coating and am sure you will love a long-lasting fence for your dog, Many dogs love to chew, especially when they are bored and restless. Wood is a favourite material to chew on, making a wooden fence a poor choice. so when getting a portable fence, consider getting a waterproofed fence.
4. Weight
Travelling or camping with your dog should be stress-free, the weight of a dog fence is probably the most important thing to consider when buying a portable dog fence.
Obviously, you don’t want it to be so light that your dog can knock it over, but it shouldn’t be difficult to carry or pack up / tear down. You should look for a fence that is easy to set up and check the weight of the fence, as well as its dimensions when folded down for transport.
5. Shape
Most fences tend to be rectangular or square-shaped. However, there are some that are customizable and you can adjust them to be in the shape that is best for your campsite.
6. Ease Of Use
You should choose a fence that is easy to open, close, and adjust if necessary. Look for a fence that comes with a manual that will make things easier for you. Also, check how easily you can access your pet from outside the containment area should you need to do so without undoing all of the setup elements.
7. Pet Comfort
Think about what kind of protection against weather conditions (sun/rain) your pet will need while confined by the portable dog fence. Look for extra features such as shade covers or removable panels you can position over areas where there may be excessive sun exposure or shelter from rain should it come down unexpectedly when your pet is away from home.
8. Cost
Pricing varies from less than fifty bucks to several hundred. Each price point has its own winners and losers, though, so don’t assume more expensive means a pen will work better for your pup. Always triple-check reviews before committing. Metal and wood pens are typically the most expensive, while plastic is generally the most affordable.
9. Digging And Escaping
If your dog can’t go over, will she go under? Many dogs love to dig, so choose a fence style that can be buried and make sure your fence installer knows to bury it if you have a determined digger.
For small dogs, aluminium fences offer options like short pickets to help keep them from slipping through a gap. You can also choose a yard fence with closely-spaced pickets to help keep your dog from sliding out, Houdini-style.
Gates are one of the main ways that a fence can be breached, so make sure your gate is in good working order, your gate hardware is fastened correctly, and the gate securely closes and latches.
Some dogs are very responsive to or agitated by people or other animals passing their yard. Even if your dog knows they can’t escape, an open fence will give them plenty of opportunities for barking and agitation if neighbors and their pets regularly pass by. If your dog is easily riled up, a privacy fence that hides these provocations is one way to minimize barking.
10 Best Portable Dog Fences
Now that you know what to look for let’s dive into our top picks in portable dog fencing. From affordable to easy setup, we’ve got you covered.
1. Yaheetech Heavy-Duty Pet Playpen
This heavy-duty pet playpen is suitable for dogs and It is easy to set up with no tools required. It can be used indoors or RV camping, travelling, or for other yard activities. You can set it up in a rectangle, square, or octagon shape. This playpen can be disassembled into a flat and compact size for easy storage when not in use. Flat packing size is also convenient to transport.
It is made of premium iron with a black finish, which ensures a long life span. This pet fence creates an enclosed area with an open top for pets to play and exercise. You can use this pet playpen to limit your pet’s exercise area or to separate him/her from different pets. Panels are connected by metal stakes, which allow this dog playpen to be flexibly built in various shapes like octagon, square, and rectangle sizes by adding or removing panels.
Pros
- This provides a ton of puppy playroom
- It is easy to reconfigure as needed
- Very easy to assemble and set up
Cons
- This dog fence is quite expensive
- Some dogs climbed the gate
2. Amazon Basics Foldable Metal Pet Exercise Playpen
This is a 30-inch play and exercise pet pen (with 1 door), It is made of iron coated with a rust-proof black finish and it doesn’t require any tools for assembly. It provides up to 16 square feet of space. It creates a 16-square-foot enclosure; designed for dogs up to 20 inches tall.
It has 8 connected panels with thumb clips for connecting the ends together; 2 locking slide-bolt door latches; 8 ground anchors to secure safely outdoors; made of durable iron wire with a rustproof finish.
Pros
- Very reasonably priced
- Manoeuvrability
- Easy to assemble
- Lightweight
- For potty training
- Great height options are available
- Very easy to assemble and set up
Cons
- Some dogs may lift the pen to escape
- The fence pattern allows for climbing
3. IRIS USA Dog Playpen
The IRIS USA exercise playpen with a door for dogs is excellent for dog play yards, play gates, a large dog fence, and more. Built with multiple panels and you can create a playpen that perfectly fits your needs with different shapes.
It can be shaped to fit your needs, whether you want to use it for travel or you want it to be indoors. It comes with a locking gate to keep your canine contained. It offers you 24- and 34-inch heights; the 8-panel model provides almost 24 square feet of space. It comes with 7 non-door panels and 1 panel with a door, each panel featuring rubber feet to protect flooring and keep the pet pen in place
Pros
- Owners were very pleased with its durability
- The tight bar spacing is excellent for tiny dogs or puppies
- Very affordable
- Easy to assemble
- Maneuverability
- Easy to fold
Cons
- Too small to contain large dogs
- The panel pattern makes it easy to climb
4. ZENY Foldable Metal Dog Exercise Pen
This interactive and expandable pet playpen for small pets provides an overall area size of 66.52 square feet of enclosed area for pets, ensuring that they have enough room for play and exercise.
Our puppy playpen keeps your pets safe from others and the sides of the dog playpen are tall enough for a small child to reach into the enclosure. This puppy playpen is easy to set up and no tools are required.
Once you’re done, the pet playpen quickly collapses for convenient storage and is easy to carry. Lastly, the fold-down design makes it ideal for travel and camping.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Lightweight
- Maneuverability
- Value for money
- Easy to fold
- Sturdiness
- Available in taller sizes than many others
Cons
- Manufacturing defects were a bit common
- Escape artists may climb out of this pen
5. Frisco 8-Panel Configurable Gate
This durable, steel, eight-panel design versatile gate can be wall mounted or stand freely in different shapes, such as an octagon, rectangle or square, to fit your space and needs.
It has a Self-closing door which automatically shuts if left open less than 90 degrees, it swings freely in both directions and features a dual-lock system to keep your pet safely contained
Pros
- Great versatility — can be used as a pen or gate
- Vertical bars make it pretty escape-proof
- The height works well for big or small dogs
Cons
- It’s expensive
- Tiny dogs may be able to slip between the gaps
6. MyPet 8-Panel Petyard Passage Dog Pen
This enclosure features a lockable door made of strong, durable plastic and comes in an attractive Espresso Brown finish that fits flawlessly with any décor.
The 8-panel play yard is 26″ Tall and encloses up to 34. 4 square feet of space. It can be made smaller by removing 2 panels at a time to create a smaller play area or a cosy crate for training or sleeping.
It’s perfect for providing your four-footer an area to relax alone or offering your small dog a break to slip away from your bigger dog during kenneling, it has 8 panels for shaping into a custom pen layout and offers a little over 34 square feet of space.
Pros
- Offers tons of space
- Customizable shape is a huge plus
- Skid-resistant panels keep it in place
- Easy to clean
Cons
- The door is too small for big dogs
- It’d be nice to have colour options
7. Feather & Bone Hardware Safety Fence And Stakes
The fencing and stakes of this dog fence are made out of thick polyethene to withstand the worst of the weather, kids, dogs, chickens, and chemicals, while also being flexible and soft for utility purposes.
The UV-resistant materials used ensure that the colour of the fence will not fade and that the fence will last for years to come. Each stake is industrial grade at 11mm in diameter.
Our stakes are steel at the core and coated with plastic to increase longevity, effortlessly support the fence, keep you safe, and enhance aesthetic pleasure.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Sheerness
- Easy to use
- Value for money
- Perfect for oddly shaped spaces
- Provides an affordable way to fence in a large area
Cons
- Dogs may be able to chew through the fence material
- Not as sturdy as some other options
8. Zippity Outdoor Products Portable Puppy Fence
The Zippity Outdoor Products Portable Puppy Fence is a maintenance-free vinyl fencing solution to keep your canine contained.
Made from premium vinyl, which is backed by a 10-year warranty. Each panel features connectors on the ends allowing straight or 90-degree attachment. : Each temporary fence panel includes a connector piece to attach to an adjacent panel in a straight line or at a right angle. This makes it fully scalable to add as many fence panels as you need.
pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to assemble
- Easy to install
- Sturdiness
- The free-standing design makes installation a breeze
- Completely customizable — you can use these panels to enclose just about any space
- Most owners loved the quality of the fence panels
Cons
- May be cost-prohibitive for enclosing large areas
- Fencing is far too short for large dogs
9. FXW Dog Playpen
This powder-coated metal dog playpen by FXW is available in a litany of sizes and configurations to suit a variety of different situations. The Panels are available in several heights, ranging from 24 to 50 inches, but no matter which panel height you select or how many panels you purchase, all of these kits come with a secure door, which allows easy access for two-footers.
It won’t take you more than 5 minutes to assemble these portable dog fences as well as pack them away due to the rod-connected design. Meanwhile, panels can be added or removed freely to give you a fully flexible area and arrange the dog pen in any shape you need.
Pros
- Available in the tallest size we’ve found
- Owners report that setup is quick and easy
- We love that these fences come with gates for easy access
Cons
- Several owners complained that the finish is rusted
- Each panel is relatively expensive
10. COARBOR Outdoor Fencing with Metal Fence Poles
If you’re looking for an affordable temporary fence solution that’s easy to customize to the space you have available, it will enclose approximately 36 square feet of space
Pros
- Provides a pretty affordable way to enclose a large space
- Most owners reported that it was easy to set up
- We like that it comes in two different colours
Cons
- A drill or rotary hammer is required for installation
- A number of owners reported packaging problems and missing components
- Extra components required for in-ground setup
Conclusion
At this point, you now know and understand that there are so many choices available for pet owners that want to keep their dog contained and safe while they are busy or travelling to somewhere else.
Another advantage of portable dog fences is that they’re typically very easy to set up and take down. Many models can be assembled in just a few minutes, without the need for any special tools or equipment. This makes them a convenient choice for pet owners who want to spend less time setting up and more time enjoying the outdoors with their furry friends.
As we know, every pet owner has different needs and preferences, so it’s important to consider all of the factors that are important to you when choosing a portable dog fence.
Whether you’re looking for something lightweight and easy to carry, or something that can withstand heavy use and harsh weather conditions, there’s sure to be an option out there that meets your needs.
