This is our review of the best temporary fencing for dogs in 2023.
There are lots of reasons you might need a temporary fence to keep your dog contained for short periods. You may require a dog fence outside in the backyard or indoors, perhaps if you have guests, are doing building work, or your dog is having puppies.
A cheap dog fence will keep Fido from digging up the garden, your pooch may have had surgery, or you may be visiting someone who doesn’t have an enclosed garden. Secure dog pens or portable dog run is also ideal for holidays.
There are a lot of different dog fence options to choose from. Which size of fence or garden fencing will work well for you and your dog? Are you using it as an exercise pen in the yard or indoors? What shape would you prefer? Will your pet be able to jump out? Do you need a large exercise pen or a small barrier to keep your pet in a designated area of the garden?
This guide will look at eight top dog fence choices available for you to buy right now. I’ve also put together a short buying guide so you know what to look for when comparing options.
In this guide, we will look at the following dog fence products:
- Bettacare Premium Dog Barrier
- Flexipanel Foldable Dog Gate
- Simply Shield Fencing Mesh
- Pawhut Puppy Metal Playpen
- AmazonBasics Foldable Excercise Pen
- UNDERDOG Extra Heavy Duty Puppy Play Pen
- Costoffs Heavy Duty Puppy Play Pen
Our Best Temporary Fences For Dogs
So now we have covered why dog fencing could be useful. It’s time to look at the top picks for your pet I’ve lined up for this guide.
There are indoor pens with a door for easy access, Ones best used in your yard and cheap dog fences that can be arranged in various shapes.
We’ve set up links for you to explore these choices on Amazon. Whether you need a barrier for animals indoors or a large outdoor exercise pen with a door, we’ve researched dozens of products so you can choose the best for your pets’ requirements and have also been fair enough to sort pros as well as cons.
Bettacare Premium Dog Barrier
Great for creating a fence for small to medium dogs that can be angled to your specific demands, this handy dog fence is a solid option for creating stair barriers or small, three-sided pens.
It’s powder-coated steel, making it impressively durable too. It’s less temporary than the other portable fences on this list as it will need some fixing, but it’s easy to install and can be used to a reasonable height in your yard or home.
Pros
- Dog owners like the robust construction
- Expandable fence with additional parts
- Easy installation and operation with one hand
Cons
- Can’t be left freestanding
Flexipanel Foldable Dog Gate
If you know that your dog is likely to need enclosing in and outside, Flexi fence is likely to be a great choice. It’s a great size at a metre tall, straightforward to set up, and very flexible, folding down and up again, making it easy to store
The panels fasten together very easily and will give dogs plenty of space and opportunity to see where you’ve gone! Built from metal and coated in plastic, this hardy and durable option is likely to work great with plenty of breeds, even those that are pretty destructive!
Pros
- Available in a range of sizes
- Tall enough dog fence to stop even the biggest of jumpers
- Very easy to install and store with no posts
Cons
- A little more expensive than most
Simply Shield Fencing Mesh
This lovely pen addition is one of the most physically appealing online options. Lovingly built and ready for heavy-duty rough and tumble, it’s likely to do more for you than your average, flimsy cheap dog fences.
This particular wall is built for small dogs, though a larger size is available. It’s perfect for indoor use thanks to its outstanding features, such as protective feet, and what’s more, it’s always easy to pack up and unfold again as and when you need it. There’s also a door built-in, meaning if you want to let your dog in and out, you can.
Pros
- Some of the most stylish dog fencing available for the money
- Keep your dog or other animals safely contained
- It can be flexibly adjusted to create unique areas
Cons
- Not ideal for outdoor use due to materials
Pawhut Puppy Metal Playpen
Why just invest in a portable fence alone? It may be worth buying a full pet playpen if you want to create something unique for your pet. This system offers eight panels, one with a door which you can slot into three different types of shapes. It’s effortless to pack down and transport, too.
This product actually works well for a variety of pets, too, meaning that if you have a rabbit or guinea pig looking for an outdoor run, this offers a lot of durability and flexibility. More than just a dog fence, this is a full-length enclosure that’s always easy to set up and store when you’re finished.
Pros
- An affordable option for a pet exercise pen
- A secure two-bolt latching system
- Easy to install No tools are needed to put together
Cons
- Pretty heavy to transport
AmazonBasics Foldable Exercise Pen
If you’re looking for the cheapest way to enclose your pets, this bare-bones foldable dog pen will likely appeal to you. While it offers you the basics in terms of dog fencing ideas, it is a cheap temporary fence for dogs that will keep your dog safely enclosed.
This unit comes with ground anchors and eight panels in total, meaning that you can fit together your own dog fence and perimeter in a matter of seconds. It’s portable, too, making it an ideal fence for use both inside and in the yard.
Pros
- Great for smaller pets (bigger sizes available)
- One of the cheapest portable dog fences online
- Lightweight and foldable for ease of movement
Cons
- Perhaps not the hardiest of pet fences
UNDERDOG Extra Heavy Duty Puppy Play Pen
Constructed from high-quality metal panels, this sturdy extra tall playpen can be used either indoors or outdoors and is the perfect solution if you have a litter of puppies that need containing. It’s easy to set up and install with several shape configurations.
Pens offer security and a safe place for your “furbabies” or other animals to play. You can even add extra fence panels to increase the space. This great exercise pen can be folded and stored away easily when not in use.
Pros
- No tools are required for this cheap dog fence
- Well-built and sturdy
- Large enough for most dogs
Cons
- Some reviews say the joins may move if pushed
Costoffs Heavy Duty Puppy Play Pen
This 12-panel exercise pen with a door is great outdoors on a lawn or indoors for multiple small dogs or litters of puppies. It could be folded flat for storage and reduced to 6 panels if you wanted to take it with you on holiday, for instance. It has easy access and is made from sturdy sprayed iron, keeping your dog safely enclosed.
There are no sharp edges and the panels are 60cm high, so it may not be suitable for larger dogs who would be able to hop over pretty easily, but it’s definitely one of our favourite dog fences for small animals.
Pros
- Very adaptable – sold in 2 packs, so you can use 6 or 12 panels
- Great for puppies and small pets
- Sturdy metal frame
Cons
- Only 60cm high
Why Should I Buy a Dog Fence?
Buying dog fences or a fencing kit is all about keeping your pet safe and there are many reasons why a portable dog fence or playpen might come in useful
9 reasons for dog fences
1) Potty training
If you are trying to potty train a puppy, you might want to set up a small pet fencing area indoors to help them understand boundaries. Many pet parents will use a safe crate to housebreak pups as they don’t tend to do their business where they sleep and eat. These products are usually larger, though, so it’s crucial to rely on other aspects of housebreaking, like watching for signs and keeping to a routine.
2) Introducing a new pet
So, you’ve got a new pooch or kitten and are unsure how things will go? You may even have encountered a stray dog and are fearful of bringing it home in case your pet doesn’t welcome them with open arms. Having a dog fence will allow you to introduce new friends without any fights and help them get used to each other whilst feeling secure.
3) Travelling with your pet
More of us than ever are taking our pets on holiday with us, be it to a holiday cottage, camping, or even hotels and portable fencing is ideal. Most fold flat and are portable, meaning you can take them with you and provide a safe place for your four-legged friend, whatever the surroundings. For example, there may be a swimming pool, wildlife, poisonous plants, or the outdoor space may not be fully enclosed.
4) Containment in the garden
Not all gardens are dog friendly and there are all sorts of hazards for our canine companions, ponds, dangerous plants etc., so having a cheap dog fence or portable fencing can keep them safe if you are not there to supervise. Also, some dogs love destroying flower beds when you turn your back, so having them on the grass will prevent them from digging up your Petunias.
5) Moving house
Moving home is stressful for both dogs and owners; stuff and boxes are all over the place, doors are left open, and your new garden may not be enclosed. The Solution- A dog fence or an indoor pen. This will give you peace of mind with all the coming and going knowing your pooch is safe, make him feel more secure in his new home and get rid of any escape ideas. Rather than putting them in a dog kennel for the day, this is a much better option.
6) Taking your dog to work
Not only are more of us taking our pups on holiday, but many of us are also taking them to work too. While that’s Ok if your dog is well trained and sits beside you or under the desk but if you have a young dog, one that wants to explore or rushes out the door every time it opens, A small dog fence could be a great solution in keeping Fido contained for a few hours.
7) After surgery
Some dog’s always want to be on the go or have doggy pals they like to wrestle and play with. However, this isn’t always the best of ideas if they’ve had an operation. An outdoor fence or pen will separate them from their playmates or other animals and help prevent any setbacks or accidents. Temporary fencing is also practical should you have a female dog in heat, although the panels would need to be fairly high to stop any ardent males from getting ideas and jumping over. We discuss exercising dogs in heat over here in a more detailed guide.
8) When guests arrive
I know it’s hard to believe, but not everyone loves dogs and some pooches can be very over-exuberant when guests arrive. A small enclosed pen or barrier will keep Fido under control, so no jumping up etc. He will still be in the same room, though, so that he won’t feel excluded. It will also protect nervous dogs from being poked and lifted by visiting children.
9) Puppies
If you are going to breed your furbaby, then having the best portable dog fences is a must. It will give puppies a space to play as they grow, giving you peace of mind that they are not getting into everything, chewing your furniture or weeing all over the house. Plus, it keeps them safe and secure where you can keep an eye on them at all times.
What Should I Look For in Temporary Dog Fencing?
There are a few things you should always consider when buying a dog fence for the first time. You might find a chain-link fence appealing, or a simple folding fence system that’s flexible with areas of different sizes might be more practical.
Regardless, you will need to consider your dog’s safety, first and foremost and whether your dog will try to jump over the fence. Make sure to set up a fence that keeps them safely enclosed but allows them to see and hear you if need be.
You should, of course, also look for dog fences that are tall enough to prevent leaps over the top! That’s why you’ll find plenty of ideas and products out there which are built for larger animals, for example.
Do also consider fence systems that are easy to fix up with zip ties, for example, and those which you can effectively fold up and take elsewhere. You should also consider the size of the area your fence will accommodate – your dog is going to need plenty of room to wander around!
FAQ’s
How can I keep my dog in the yard without a fence?
The best way to contain your dog if your yard isn’t fenced is with an exercise pen, dog fences or dog run. You can purchase them online or in stores, or if you are feeling adventurous, you could try to make your own
What type of fencing is best for dogs?
Dog fences can be made of all sorts, including wood, metal, and wire mesh. It depends on what you need; a heavy-duty metal option will be good for semi-permanent outdoor dog fences, whilst plastic and fabric pens are better for indoor use. Always ensure there are no gaps where paws could get jammed and your pet cannot jump out and escape.
What can I use for a temporary dog fence?
There are many situations where you may need a short-term fence solution. A folding panel option is always handy for emergencies, or perhaps a DIY fence for dogs may be the right way to go if you’re good with a hammer. You can use mesh or panels and secure them into the ground with stakes or fence off a corner with galvanised wire panels to create a safe exercise pen in your yard.
Conclusion
If you’re on the fence – pun intended – about finding a reliable enclosure or perimeter for your pup, there are stacks of dog fences out there that are likely to help ease your mind.
You might not realise you need a dog fence until that need actually arises – however, it makes serious sense to invest in a flexible, temporary prop or pen to keep your dog safe. We think the best portable dog fence is the Bettacare Premium Pet Barrier, which is tall enough to stop dogs from jumping and easily transferable.
Whether inside or outside, the fencing I’ve looked at here offers you the top picks to help keep pups of various sizes safe and secure. If you’re like me, you’ll want to spend as much time with your dog as possible. However, sometimes, you will need them to keep themselves busy – why not choose some excellent fencing or a pen from the list above to get started?
