Comparing the Price of Fencing Vs. Dog Tie Out Options - Which is Best?

Getting a dog, or a second dog to add to the family?  There are many things to consider when adding a new pet to the family; and if it is a dog, well get ready.   We love our cute furry friends, but sometimes keeping them secure and in one place is tough.  Some dogs like to dig; some can jump and some just figure out a way to get loose no matter what you try.

Not only is knowing your dog's personality and strengths important, but also deciding what is going to work best for your dog and your wallet.  So, we have taken some time to help you collect the information you'll need to decide.  Below we have broken down the average cost of building a fence and alternates to building a fence.

Fencing Costs: 

(These costs are based on a 10ft x 10ft yard size)

Metal / Chain 
A metal fence can last forever, however, it can get stretched, warped, rusted and can be dug out from underneath.

Cost per linear foot: $7     
Labor Cost per Linear Foot:  $10    
Estimated Total Cost:  $680
Maintenance Included: NO



Wood 

A wood fence is nice looking and can offer security and beauty.  However to be sure your pets are safe, it often requires upkeep and maintenance. 

Cost per linear foot: $12     
Labor Cost per Linear Foot:  $12     Estimated Total Cost:  $960
Maintenance Included: NO

Vinyl 
These fences are nice for all types of weather conditions; light weight and look very nice with a home, however sometimes they can be flimsy and break under the right weather conditions.

Cost per linear foot: $17     
Labor Cost per Linear Foot:  $7     
Estimated Total Cost:  $960
Maintenance Included: NO

Aluminum
These fences are nice for all types of weather conditions; light weight and look very nice with a home, however sometimes they can be flimsy and break under the right weather conditions.

Cost per linear foot: $26     
Labor Cost per Linear Foot:  $10+     
Estimated Total Cost:  $1,440
Maintenance Included: NO


Electric Fencing
These fences convenient if you do not wish to have  fence and work rather well.  However,there is training involved and often times requires a collar system that will shock the dog when it gets too close.  The pricing for the electric fencing is different as there are other factors to take into play such as batteries, voltage meters, wiring, chargers, etc.

Collar Package, Wiring, Chargers, Voltage Meter, etc. : $200 - $500    
Installation / Labor:  $900 - $1350 
Estimated Total Cost:  $1,200 - $2,300
Maintenance Included: NO

Now, lets compare these prices to the cost of a tie out system.  The trick here, is finding a pet tie out that does not Tangle and can be secure enough to hold even the strongest breeds.  These tie outs often follow the rule of "you get what you pay for".  

So, which tie outs are out there, and which one is best for your purposes?

Pet Tie Out Costs: 

Simple Spiral Pet Tie Out Stake 
A tie out stake is often the go-to for people who just need a quick, temporary solution.  These tie outs are great for small breed dogs, but not very secure when it comes to medium and large breed dogs.

Cost: $3 - $35    

 Weight Limit: Up to 50 lbs    

Tangle-Free?:  NO   

Allows multiple dogs: NO

Warranty / Replacement: NO

Dog Trolley / Cable Run 
These types of tie out systems are nice if you have two trees to tie them to and over an hour of your time to install it.  These systems can make mowing the grass easy and allow your dog to run.  However, many times these systems are at risk during bad weather and often have problems with the pulley system it comes with requiring some maintenance every once in a while.

Cost: $12 - $60   

 Weight Limit: Up to 100 lbs    

Tangle-Free?:  NO   

Allows multiple dogs: NO

Warranty / Replacement: NO

Retractable Tie OutThese tie outs are nice and work for a more temporary situation. These tie outs allow the dog's cable to be retracted into a casing. These are often nice for small breeds, but come with some issues if the internal mechanism breaks.

Cost: $19 - $40   

 Weight Limit: Up to 80 lbs    

Tangle-Free?:  Yes & NO (does spin to reduce tangles)   

Allows multiple dogs: NO

Warranty / Replacement: NO

Alternate Pet Tie Out Systems:
These tie outs are often made by smaller companies and are often made with plastic parts that become brittle in the cold weather.  Although these systems can be tangle-free, they come with a weight limit and are best used with small and medium breeds.

Cost: $25 - $60   

 Weight Limit: Up to 500 lbs    

Tangle-Free?:  Yes (One Dog) 

Allows multiple dogs: NO

Warranty / Replacement: NO

Double Dog Run System: Tangle-free Pet Tie Out
This system is designed for all breeds!  This pet tie out is the strongest tie out on the market today.  Not only is it designed to hold large and extra large beed dogs, but can hold two dogs at a time without getting tangled.  This system is great for portability and for permanent use.  Lastly, this product comes with a 2 year warranty on the main parts: the base plate, ground anchor and topper.  This tie out also comes with FREE SHIPPING!

Cost: $94 - $109   

 Weight Limit: Up to 800 lbs    

Tangle-Free?:  Yes (Up to TWO Dogs) 

Allows multiple dogs: Yes

Warranty / Replacement: Yes

Learn more about the Double Dog Run Here!

End all, be all is this- get what is best for your dog and your family.  Make sure that whatever choice you make will keep you, your pets and your family safe!  We hope this article helps to gain some perspective on all that is available to ensure the security of your pets.