One of the biggest issues dog owners have when buying a new construction home is how to keep their dogs contained when they are outside in the yard.

If you are buying a new home, then getting a dog fence installed will need to be at the top of your project list as soon as escrow closes.

When researching dog fence options, you will soon discover you have an unlimited number of options. The fencing option that is best for your new property depends on many factors, including each of the following:

Homeowners' Association Rules

If your new home is located within a homeowners' association, then there are likely very strict rules about what type and size of fence you are permitted to install. Before you do any shopping for a fence, you should consult your HOA's CC&R documents to determine what fencing restrictions you are expected to comply with.

Local City Building Codes

If your new home is located inside of the city limits, then the city's building codes probably restrict the size and type of fence you can install. 

For example, while you may want to install an inexpensive woven wire fence or a very tall wood fence to contain a large dog, your city's building codes may limit wood fences to six feet and may not let you install woven wire because it's generally used for more rural fencing applications.

The Local Weather

If you don't already live in the area where you will be buying your home, it's important to take the local weather into consideration when choosing fencing materials.

For example, if your new home is located in an area with a lot of wind or heavy winter snowfalls, then a fence made of wood should be avoided. Strong winds will weaken the structural integrity of the fence and eventually it will blow over. The bottom of the fence continually in contact with snow, ice, or meltwater for extended periods of time will lead to problems with wood rot. 

In windy areas or those with harsh winters, vinyl, chainlink, and iron fencing are often a much better choice than wood because they are less prone to weather damage.

The Size of Your Dog

Finally, it's also important to take into consideration the size of your dog when choosing the appropriate fence for your new home. For example, if you have a small pug or chihuahua, then a wrought iron fence will look fantastic but your dog will be able to walk right through it. Alternatively, you may love the look of a white picket fence, but larger dog breeds such as Labradors and German Shepherds can easily jump over it to chase after the neighbor's cat.