Backyard Fence for Dogs: Height, Gaps and Gate Latches
TL;DR
- Height: PrimeAlux lists panels at 6 ft high by 6 ft wide (8 ft wide sections are available in Privacy Plus), with custom sizes through our sales team. Match the height to your dog's habits and to your local bylaw.
- Gaps: the Privacy panel has no gaps between slats. Semi-Privacy has a 13 mm spacer between slats.
- Gate latch: the gate kit comes with heavy-duty hinges and a latch. Latch details are available upon request.
A dog tests a fence differently than a neighbour does. A dog can jump at it, push at the gaps and nose the gate latch. This post lists what to measure and what to ask before you pick panels.
Height: start with the dog
Before you look at panel sizes, watch your dog at the boundary you have now. Note whether it jumps, climbs or digs, and how it behaves when someone walks past. That tells you more than a breed average does.
PrimeAlux panels are listed at 6 ft high by 6 ft wide. 8 ft wide sections are available in Privacy Plus. Custom sizes are handled by contacting our sales team.
Height limits and boundary rules are set by your municipality. Check your local bylaw before you settle on a height.
Digging and ground clearance
Posts sit on base plates, and the Privacy panel specification recommends a 15 cm concrete foundation. The clearance between the bottom rail and the ground is available upon request. If your dog digs along the fence line, say so when you ask.
Free samples
Want to see the spacing in person?
Free samples are available. Ask for them through the contact form or call (437) 333-3032.
Gaps: solid or spaced
The gap between slats decides two things: whether a nose or paw fits through, and whether the dog can see out.
| Panel | Gap between slats | Slat size |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy | None. Solid slat-to-slat construction. | 100 × 20 mm |
| Semi-Privacy | 13 mm spacer between slats, 14 slats per panel | 100 × 20 mm |
| Privacy Plus | None. Overlapping slat design. | 100 × 20 mm |
A solid panel blocks the dog's view as well as the neighbour's. Some owners want that. Others want light and a view through the fence. Choose based on what your dog reacts to.
If you are considering Semi-Privacy, hold a ruler to your dog's muzzle and paw and compare it with 13 mm. A puppy or a small dog is the case to check. Semi-Privacy is not designed for complete privacy, so you also see through it at close range.
The Privacy, Semi-Privacy and Privacy Plus pages list the full specifications.
Key facts
- Semi-Privacy has a 13 mm spacer between slats, with 14 slats per panel.
- Gates are listed at 28 in and 44 in wide. For other sizes, ask our sales team.
- Fence height and placement rules vary by municipality. Check your local bylaw.
Gate latches
The gate is the one part of the fence that opens, so the latch matters. PrimeAlux gates are listed in two widths, 28 in and 44 in. The kit includes 80 × 80 mm aluminum posts, heavy-duty hinges and a latch.
Ask these before you order:
- Can a dog lift or push the latch open from inside the yard?
- Does the gate close on its own, or only when you shut it?
- Which way does the gate swing, and does that suit where the dog waits for you?
The type of latch supplied and any self-closing option are available upon request. See the aluminum gates page for the listed specifications.
Get a quote
Ready to describe your yard?
Send the fence line length, the gate position and your dog’s habits through the contact form, or call (437) 333-3032.
What to send us
When you contact us, include:
- your dog's size and whether it jumps, climbs or digs
- the length of the fence line and where the gate goes
- the panel option you are leaning toward
For general height information, see our post on aluminum fence height in Canada.
Before you contact us
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Frequently Asked Questions
How tall should a fence be for a dog?
PrimeAlux panels are listed at 6 ft high. Whether that suits your dog depends on how it behaves at the boundary, so watch it first.
Custom sizes are available through our sales team. Check your local bylaw for any height limit before you decide.
Can a small dog get through Semi-Privacy panels?
Semi-Privacy has a 13 mm spacer between slats, with 14 slats per panel. Compare 13 mm with your dog's muzzle and paws.
If there is any doubt, the Privacy panel has no gaps between slats.
What latch comes with the gate?
The gate kit lists heavy-duty hinges and a latch. The latch type, and whether the gate closes by itself, is available upon request.
Can I order a gate in a custom size?
Gates are listed at 28 in and 44 in wide. For other sizes, ask our sales team.
Do I need to check anything locally?
Yes. Fence height and placement rules vary by municipality. Check your local bylaw.
This article is general planning information. Product specifications come from the PrimeAlux product pages and may change. Confirm dimensions, mounting and installation details with PrimeAlux before ordering, and check your local bylaws and permit requirements. This is not engineering or legal advice.
