🐾 Top 5 Nets to Stop Dogs from Digging Under Fences: Keep Your Yard Escape-Proof
🐶 Introduction: The Digging Dilemma
Your yard is meant to be a safe haven for your pup—fresh air, freedom to run, and plenty of room to play. But what happens when your dog starts digging under the fence, turning your serene space into an escape zone?
Whether it’s driven by curiosity, anxiety, or just plain boredom, digging under fences is one of the most common behavior issues dog owners face. Thankfully, you don’t need to pour concrete or redesign your whole fence. There’s a much more affordable and pet-friendly solution: net barriers made specifically to stop digging.
In this post, we’ll explore the top 5 dog digging barrier nets to keep your pup safe and your fence secure—along with expert tips for installation and effectiveness.
🧐 Why Do Dogs Dig Under Fences?
Before diving into solutions, let’s quickly understand the why behind the digging:
- Boredom or excess energy
- Trying to escapeto chase squirrels, meet other dogs, or explore
- Separation anxiety
- Instinctual behavior(especially for breeds like Terriers or Huskies)
- Temperature regulation, e.g., digging for a cool spot
Understanding your dog's motivation can help you choose the right netting solution and pair it with behavioral fixes if needed.
🛡️ What Makes a Great Anti-Dig Net?
A quality dog digging net should offer:
- Strong material: Chew- and tear-resistant
- Easy installation: For temporary or permanent setup
- Effective ground coverage: Lies flat or goes below ground
- Safe for pets: No sharp edges or toxic materials
- Weather-resistant: Durable in rain, sun, and snow
Now let’s dig into the top 5 products on the market (including options for Indian and international buyers).
🥇 1. Dig Defence® Animal Barrier
📦 Type: Metal mesh panel with spiked bars
💲 Price: $$$ (Premium but long-lasting)
🌎 Available in: U.S., Canada
✅ Best For: Strong, large dogs or determined diggers
Why It’s Great:
Dig Defence is the gold standard in digging prevention. These heavy-duty galvanized steel panels are placed vertically into the ground along your fence line. They physically block any attempt to tunnel under, and are strong enough for even escape-artist breeds.
Pros:
- Virtually indestructible
- Weatherproof and rust-resistant
- Easy to hammer in with a mallet
- Works for dogs, raccoons, and other animals
Cons:
- More expensive than mesh nets
- Requires more physical effort to install
💬 “My Husky has escaped three times. Since installing Dig Defence, zero escapes in over a year.”
🥈 2. PetSafe Dog Digging Barrier Mesh
📦 Type: Flexible polypropylene net roll
💲 Price: $$
🌎 Available in: U.S., U.K., Australia
✅ Best For: Small to medium breeds and renters
Why It’s Great:
PetSafe’s dig barrier net is lightweight yet sturdy. It's installed horizontally at the base of your fence, so when your dog digs, they hit the mesh and stop. This method works well because it uses your dog's natural instincts—if digging doesn’t “work,” they’ll usually give up.
Pros:
- Invisible once installed under the grass
- Weather-resistant and non-toxic
- Easier to cut and adjust
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- May need stakes to keep in place
- Not ideal for aggressive diggers
💬 “My Beagle stopped digging the moment his paws met the net. Perfect for grass yards.”
🥉 3. Heavy-Duty Garden Mesh Net (India Option)
📦 Type: High-density polyethylene (HDPE) mesh
💲 Price: ₹₹ (Available on Amazon India, Flipkart)
🌎 Available in: India
✅ Best For: Indie dogs, small yards, budget projects
Why It’s Great:
This garden netting was designed for plants, but clever pet owners in India are using it as a low-cost dig barrier. Install it horizontally under the fence or bury it 6 inches deep to stop your dog's digging spree.
Pros:
- Widely available in India
- Easy to trim and shape
- UV-resistant and durable
- Affordable
Cons:
- Requires manual securing with pegs or zip ties
- Can be chewed through over time if not monitored
💬 “Our Desi pup kept escaping—until we installed this net. Cost-effective and efficient!”
🏅 4. Tenax Pet Fence Netting
📦 Type: UV-stabilized plastic mesh
💲 Price: $$
🌎 Available in: U.S., U.K., Europe
✅ Best For: Temporary or seasonal fencing
Why It’s Great:
Tenax’s netting is strong, flexible, and great for both top and bottom fencing solutions. You can use it to line the bottom of your fence or create a full enclosure. Its tight weave makes it a solid choice for puppies or small dogs who can fit through gaps.
Pros:
- Lightweight but sturdy
- UV- and weather-resistant
- Multipurpose fencing option
Cons:
- Not as effective for strong diggers
- Needs reinforcement at corners
💬 “We used this mesh under the fence for our Corgi. Works great, and you can barely see it!”
🎖️ 5. DIY Chicken Wire Digging Barrier
📦 Type: Galvanized chicken wire roll
💲 Price: $ (Affordable DIY option)
🌎 Available in: Most regions
✅ Best For: DIYers and multi-dog homes
Why It’s Great:
If you're on a budget or enjoy DIY, chicken wire can be a solid choice. Bury it 6–12 inches below your fence or install it in an “L-shape” (extending out into the yard) to discourage digging. Be sure to secure all sharp edges.
Pros:
- Cheap and widely available
- Customizable for any yard
- Effective when installed correctly
Cons:
- Can rust over time
- Requires gloves and caution when installing
💬 “A weekend project with chicken wire saved me thousands in escaped-dog disasters.”
🛠️ Installation Tips for Maximum Effectiveness
To make sure your net barrier works, follow these steps:
-
Plan your perimeter
Walk the fence line and identify your dog’s favorite digging spots. -
Choose horizontal or vertical
Install the net flat on the ground under the fence or buried vertically like a wall. -
Secure with pegs, staples, or stakes
Make sure the net doesn’t lift or shift. -
Test it
Let your dog near the fence and observe their reaction. Most dogs will test once, then give up. -
Cover with soil, mulch, or grass
Hide the net to keep it secure and visually appealing.
✅ Bonus: Behavioral Tips to Stop Digging
While nets help physically prevent digging, here’s how to address the root cause:
- Increase playtimeto burn energy
- Provide digging alternativeslike a sandbox or digging pit
- Enrich their environmentwith toys and puzzles
- Use deterrent spraysin favorite digging areas
- Don’t punish—redirect insteadto positive behaviors
🐾 Final Thoughts: Is a Digging Barrier Net Worth It?
Absolutely. A dog digging barrier net is a simple, affordable, and humane solution to a frustrating problem. Whether you choose a professional-grade product like Dig Defence or an economical net roll from your local market, your dog will stay safely in your yard—where they belong.
💬 Tell Us What Worked for You!
Tried a net barrier in your yard? Share your story, photos, or product suggestions with us at Critter Nets—or tag us on social media. We love seeing your smart dog-proofing ideas!
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