Dog proofing garden in Exeter
Professional dog proofing garden services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£110-£210
Typical Duration
2-4 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Garden dog-proofed before your new arrival - all gaps blocked, fences reinforced, escape routes eliminated. Get it sorted properly before puppy or rescue dog comes home, so you're not panicking about them getting out.
Secure Before They Arrive
You're collecting your new dog on Saturday and suddenly that gap under the fence looks terrifyingly dog-sized. And is that fence panel actually attached? Time for a pre-dog security check.
💡 Pro tip: Do this BEFORE your dog arrives - they'll find every weakness within 24 hours of being in your garden, guaranteed.
Why Pre-Dog Proofing Matters
Here's the thing: dogs are escape artists. And Devon gardens often have old fences, gaps, and weak spots perfect for adventurous pups.
| ✅ Proofed Before Arrival | ❌ Fixed After Escapes |
|---|---|
| Secure from day one | Dog escapes, panic, searching |
| Sleep soundly | Constant worry about gaps |
| Enjoy garden with dog | Never trust it, always on lead |
| Neighbours happy | Dog in their garden, complaints |
What I Check And Fix
🔧 Common Dog Escape Routes
| Weak Spot | How I Fix It |
|---|---|
| Gaps under fence | Mesh buried along base, or boards fitted |
| Gaps between panels | Mesh or boards to close gaps |
| Broken/rotten panels | Repair or replace damaged sections |
| Gates not latching | Adjust, repair, or fit proper latches |
| Fence meets wall/building | Fill gaps with mesh or blocking |
| Low sections | Extend height if you have a jumper |
📦 Additional Dog Safety
- Remove toxic plants (check your specific plants)
- Secure/cover ponds or water features
- Check for and remove sharp objects
- Fix any loose paving that could trap paws
- Ensure shed/greenhouse securely closed
🐕 Breed-Specific Considerations
- Diggers (terriers, huskies): Buried mesh or paving at fence line
- Jumpers (working breeds, collies): Check fence height adequate (6ft minimum)
- Squeezers (small breeds, whippets): Even tiny gaps get blocked
- Chewers (puppies, some breeds): Protect wooden fence bases
Pricing Guide
| Job Size | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Basic check + minor gaps | 2 hrs | £110 |
| Standard proofing (multiple gaps, some repairs) | 2.5-3 hrs | £135-£160 |
| Full secure (fence repairs, dig-proofing, gates) | 3-4 hrs | £160-£210 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Materials for minor repairs included; major fence repairs quoted separately.
Perfect If You're...
✅ New dog arriving - puppy or rescue coming home soon, need garden secure
✅ Known escape artist - breed or previous dog was a runner, not taking chances
✅ Devon garden - older fences, rural boundaries, gaps everywhere
✅ Peace of mind - want to trust your garden, not worry constantly
Why Choose Us for Dog proofing garden in Exeter?
Garden secured before dog arrives
All escape routes blocked properly
Fences checked and reinforced
Peace of mind your dog stays safe
What to Expect
Step 1: Security Assessment
I walk your garden perimeter checking every potential escape route, weak spot, or hazard. Thinking like a dog would think.
Step 2: Block & Repair
All gaps blocked with appropriate materials, fence repairs made, gates fixed. Work systematically around perimeter until everything's secure.
Step 3: Final Check
Walk through again checking from dog's eye level - would I trust leaving my dog here? Only finish when answer is yes.
🔧 DIY Tips
Dog-proofing your garden yourself before new arrival:
🔧 Essential checks (do these first)
- Walk entire perimeter at dog's eye level (you'll spot gaps you missed standing up)
- Push against fence panels (rotten ones give)
- Check every gate latches properly (wind can blow them open)
- Look under fences (most common escape route)
- Check where fence meets walls or buildings (often gaps here)
📐 Common dog escape routes
- Under fence at corner posts - soil washes away, creates gaps
- Between fence panels - wooden fences shrink, gaps appear
- Rotten bottom fence boards - dog pushes through
- Gates not latching - wind blows open, dog wanders
- Where fence meets hedge - dogs find routes through
⚠️ Fixing weaknesses
- Gaps under fence: Chicken wire buried 6 inches deep, or paving slabs at base
- Between panels: Mesh or thin boards to block gaps
- Rotten sections: Replace boards/panels before dog arrives
- Gates: Fit proper latches, add spring closer, check hinges
- Low sections: Extend with trellis or additional panels (for jumpers)
💡 Pro tricks:
- Test like a dog would: Push, pull, dig at weak spots - if you can, dog can
- Think small: If your hand fits through a gap, a dog's head probably can
- Water test: After rain, check where water pools - dogs dig here (soft soil)
- Breed research: Know your breed's typical escape methods and prevent proactively
🐕 Breed-specific considerations
- Terriers: WILL dig - bury mesh along fence line before they arrive
- Huskies: Need 6ft fences minimum, they're incredible jumpers
- Beagles: Follow their noses through tiny gaps
- Sight hounds: Can jump surprising heights despite looking like greyhound sausages
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🐕 Timing matters: Do this the week before you collect your dog - not the day before (too stressful) or after arrival (they'll have already escaped twice).
Rescue dogs: Often more escape-prone initially - they don't know it's home yet and may try to leave. Extra important to have garden bulletproof from day one.
Exeter area gardens: Lots of older properties with established hedges, old fences, and rural boundaries. I know the typical weak spots in Devon gardens.
Ongoing maintenance: Dog-proofing isn't one-and-done - check fence line every few months, especially after winter weather. I'm happy to come back for annual checks or new repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does dog proofing a garden actually involve?
I walk the perimeter looking for any gaps or weak spots your dog could escape through - holes under fences, gaps between fence panels, broken gates, areas where fence meets wall. Then I block all these escape routes with mesh, boards, or whatever's appropriate. Also check for toxic plants, sharp objects, and other hazards. Basically, make it genuinely secure before your dog arrives.
Can you do this before we collect our new puppy/rescue dog?
Yes - that's the ideal time. Get garden sorted before dog arrives so it's secure from day one. Much easier than trying to fix escapes after your dog's already found all the weak spots! Most people book this the week before collection day.
What about dogs that dig under fences?
That's really common, especially with certain breeds. I can install mesh buried along fence line, concrete/paving strips at fence bottom, or other dig-prevention solutions. If you already know your breed is a digger, we'll do this proactively rather than waiting for the problem.
My garden backs onto fields - is that an issue?
Devon gardens often back onto fields, woods, or farmland - makes dog proofing especially important. I'll check fence height is adequate (some dogs are jumpers!), reinforce weak spots, and make sure gates are properly latched. Also need to consider livestock nearby - your fence keeps your dog in AND farm animals out.
What if we're renting and can't make permanent changes?
I can use temporary but secure solutions - like attaching mesh with cable ties rather than screws, using weighted barriers, or portable fencing sections. Most landlords are fine with sensible dog-proofing as long as it's not destructive, but I can work around restrictions if needed.
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