A fence-bottom repair needs to address the way your dog escapes: digging, squeezing, pushing or slipping under a gate. Covering a visible gap is only the first step. Inspect the whole boundary and use supervised controlled access until a suitable repair is complete; do not test an uncertain fence by releasing the dog.
Identify the actual escape route
Walk both sides where you have permission and look for disturbed soil, bent mesh, loose boards and gaps where the ground changes level. Photograph each location with a ruler or another scale for a contractor. Note whether the opening is under a fixed panel or a moving gate; the solutions are not interchangeable.
Also look for nearby bins, furniture or stored materials that allow climbing. Blue Cross's puppy-proofing advice emphasizes both digging and climbing at boundaries. Blue Cross boundary guidance. Repairing the bottom will not resolve an over-the-top route.
Choose a repair for the fence and soil
These are repair questions, not construction specifications. Underground services, property boundaries and local requirements need to be checked before digging or modifying a fence.
| Observed problem | Discuss this with the installer | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Erosion beneath a panel | Drainage and durable ground-level closure | Repeatedly piling loose material into a washout |
| Loose panel or mesh | Secure attachment and appropriate replacement | Sharp temporary wire ends |
| Digging at a fixed edge | A professionally planned anti-dig boundary | Exposed spikes or projecting fasteners |
| Gap beneath a gate | Clearance through the full gate swing | A patch that prevents reliable closing |
| Gap on a slope | A fitted solution following the ground | Assuming a level panel seals uneven soil |
Remove temporary fixes that invite trouble
Do not rely on stacked bricks, unsecured pallets or a heavy object leaning against the fence. They can move and may provide a climbing step. Keep sharp edging, cut wire and loose fasteners away from the dog's side of the repair.
If a temporary barrier is necessary, choose a properly secured system suitable for the dog and supervise access. Ask the installer how the dog-facing side will be finished and how you will recognize wear. The objective is a stable barrier without protruding edges, not merely an opening that looks covered in a photo.
Inspect before reopening the area
Walk the line slowly and operate nearby gates repeatedly without the dog present. Check attachment points at both ends of the repair, not just the center. Look at drainage routes and confirm that normal garden work will not remove or dislodge the new material.
Blue Cross advises frequent boundary checks for dogs prone to escaping or digging and controlled access when a gap is found. Blue Cross garden advice. Keep monitoring after storms, soil settling and maintenance visits instead of considering the repair permanent proof against escape.
Address the activity behind the digging
Record when digging occurs: while watching another animal, after being left alone, beside a cool resting spot or during play. The pattern helps you choose a next step without assuming every hole means the same thing. A physical repair and a behavior plan can both be needed.
For dogs that enjoy digging as an activity, consider a supervised designated digging area. If escape attempts are frantic or persistent, seek veterinary or qualified reward-based behavior help. Do not use painful deterrents as a substitute for secure construction.
Keep garden changes from undoing the repair
Tell a landscaper which materials are part of containment. Move bags of fertilizer, pots and garden supplies away from the fence after work; avoid rebuilding climbing steps. Link fence checks with your regular gate check so access is reviewed as one system.
For a wider inspection, use the puppy-proofing checklist. Document what was repaired and who should be contacted if it moves. An escape-resistant garden still needs appropriate supervision and an up-to-date plan for a dog that gets loose.
Frequently asked questions
How large a gap can my dog fit through?
Do not use a universal gap measurement. Dogs differ in shape and behavior, and a gap can widen under pressure. Have the boundary assessed for your dog rather than testing it with an escape attempt.
Will an anti-dig strip solve every fence problem?
No. It will not repair loose panels, gate closure, climbing routes or soil erosion by itself. Choose the repair after identifying the actual weakness.