Stop a Dog Digging Under the Fence
Proven fixes for diggers, and why dogs target soft spots in Charlotte clay.
The most effective dig-proofing is an L-shaped wire apron: galvanized or vinyl-coated wire attached to the bottom of the fence and laid flat or buried 12 inches or more inward. Concrete mow strips and buried bottom boards also work. In Charlotte, dogs usually dig where clay stays soft: under downspouts, in shade and along drainage paths.
On this page
Fixes
- Wire apron
- Concrete mow strip
- Pressure-treated bottom board below grade
- Fix soggy spots with better drainage
- Give the dog a legal digging spot
Related: Dog fences.
Why dogs dig along Charlotte fences
Dogs dig to escape, to chase critters under the fence, to cool off in summer or out of boredom. In Charlotte, clay is hard when dry but soft when wet, so digging happens after rain and in shady, damp spots near the fence.
Wire apron details
Use galvanized or vinyl-coated welded wire. Attach it to the bottom of the fence and run it 12 to 24 inches inward, either buried a few inches or laid flat and pinned under mulch or sod. Dogs dig at the fence, hit wire and give up.
Other fixes
- Concrete mow strip: a continuous strip along the fence base
- Buried bottom board: a treated board set below grade
- Pavers or stone: along problem sections
- Drainage: fix soggy spots that soften clay
Address the cause too
Exercise, puzzle toys and a designated sandbox digging spot help many dogs. If your dog is chasing something under the fence, deal with the critter.
Questions Charlotte homeowners ask
How deep should I bury wire?
Many owners bury 12 inches or more, or lay an apron flat under mulch inward from the fence.
Will rocks along the fence work?
Large rocks can help temporarily but dogs often move them.
Reviewed by the 76 Fence Charlotte installation team. Updated November 2, 2026. Charlotte rules change, so confirm permits, CDOT, historic district and HOA requirements before you build. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Keep reading
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- Do Fences Reduce Highway Noise?
- When to Stain a New Pine Fence
- Fences in Utility Easements
- Best Time of Year to Install a Fence in Charlotte
- Charlotte Fence Height Limits
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