Fencing on Uneven Terrain: Best Dog Fences for Slopes & Hills

Finding the best fence for a sloped yard doesn’t have to be a downhill battle. In this guide, we’ll explore all of the options for fencing on a hill and the considerations you’ll need to make to get the right fit for you.

The Challenge of Slopes & Hills for Physical Fences

Sloped terrains can turn a simple fencing project into a feat of engineering. Installation becomes a puzzle, fencing options are limited, and potential gaps pose a safety hazard, especially if your dog is an escape artist. It's like trying to build a house of cards on a wobbly surface – not your average walk in the dog park.

Selecting a fencing system that conquers these challenges isn’t just a choice; it's a necessity for the well-being of your dog and your peace of mind.

The Challenge of Slopes & Hills for Physical Fences

Traditional Fencing Options for Uneven Yards

For uneven landscapes, there are two common ways to install a traditional fence:

• Stepped Installation - a paneled fence system, with each panel situated slightly lower than the previous one to follow the slope. When installed, the top of the fence will have the look of stairs and the bottom of each panel will leave a slight gap between the ground as the fence follows the downward slope.
• Racked Installation - a paneled fence system where the bottom of each panel follows the contour of the slope, leaving no gaps between the ground and the bottom of the panels.

These installation methods can be used with a range of materials: wooden fences, chain-link fences, vinyl fences, wrought iron fences, and more. Regardless of material, there are some drawbacks to consider. With stepped fences, there will be gaps between the ground and the bottom of each fence panel follows the downward slope. This can create an attractive nuisance that your dog is excited to explore and opens up the opportunity for your dog to leave the yard. Racked fences address this gap - however, they can be much more costly to install.

Conquering Slopes & Hills with Virtual Fencing

Virtual dog fences give even more flexibility for those fencing on a hill. There are a range of alternatives within this category, each with their own perks and considerations.

• In-ground or Invisible Dog Fence - with this solution, a wire fence is buried underground on your property and signals to your dog’s collar when they reach the boundary. 
• Wireless Dog Fences - a base station is plugged into an indoor electric outlet and emits a circular fence boundary that will signal to your dog’s collar when they reach the boundary.
• GPS Dog Fences - utilize an app to create fences on your phone to your exact specifications. The collar is outfitted with GPS technology that recognizes the fence you customized on your phone and the collar will  signal to your dog’s collar when they reach the boundary.
  

Invisible dog fences are often the most expensive and permanent. You cannot adapt the fence once it’s installed, nor bring it with you if you move or travel. While you can create any shape or size, the cost of installation will increase as the fence covers more acreage, or if you have rocky soil.

Wireless fences require limited set up and are budget-friendly. Because the wireless fence creates circular boundaries, be sure to check and see if this will give your dog enough space to roam. Also, keep in mind that the base station will need to be indoors, so this option could be limiting if you need your fence to cover area that’s further away from your home, as the range is limited to less than an acre.

GPS dog fences are the most modern wireless dog fence solution and they offer the most flexibility and easiest set up. Because you use an app to make your fence, it can be any shape or size and has no acreage limits. There’s no installation or wear and tear, and it won’t stop working if there’s a power outage, like some of the wireless fence options with base stations.

Installation Made Easy on Any Terrain with SpotOn

SpotOn’s GPS-based dog fencing system turns sloped landscapes into a secure containment area for your dog to explore. Here’s why it stands tall, even on uneven ground.

Conquering Slopes & Hills with Virtual Fencing

SpotOn’s patented GPS technology keeps your fence boundaries precise, leaving no gaps for the great escape.

Flexibility Beyond Limits

Customize your virtual fence into any shape or size. You can even add Keep Out Zones to off-limits areas on your property that may be unsafe or pose an inconvenience.

Setting Boundaries with Ease

Get Started with SpotOn Fence today - where adaptability, coverage, and simplicity meet on uneven ground and create a secure area for your dogs to roam.

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Author Bio:
Jacqui Lantagne is a New England-based animal lover who enjoys spoiling Milton, a spirited mixed breed rescue dog.