Very cute! You're going to probably have to fence the back and let the dog out the back door, but without better photos one can't be sure. There are some industrialish/barnish fixtures that might work over the garage. (Google "barn light fixtures".)

Thank you. The fence will run around the back of the house but there is no door on the rear of the house. My only choices are the front door, the stairs off the deck, or through the garage (and through the garage will definitely not work).

So that's why I'm wondering about what style of fence, considering that it will be somewhat enclosing the deck area at ground level.

I'm trying to remember how far off the ground the deck stands. I believe there are four or five stairs to get from the deck to the yard.

You may get some ideas for a style from this site linked below. I have contracted with them to replace the 6 ft. cedar fencing that I had installed in 1996 enclosing my 60' x 80' 'puppy pen'. http://burnsfencing.com/residential/decorative-fence-maine/

They're in Maine, so likely can't help you, but I think the styles they show under decorative fencing are pretty universal. I chose this one below, which is called Princeton. What I liked is that I will save money, as you can have galvanized posts to support the panels, rather than the cedar that I have now. They are easier to install as they can just pound them rather than digging very deep holes for the cedar ones, and they tell me that they'll last a lot longer than the cedar ones. They won't show at all from the outside, as you see in the example below.

M3d: I kind of like the looks of the open lattice fence. I don't really need or want privacy fencing, just something pretty to contain a doggy.

Because of the way the house is situated on the lot (last last house on a dead end street), I don't look directly into neighboring houses, despite a relatively small lot. It's also very woodsy and private so I want to keep an open feel with the fencing.

Congratulations on your new purchase. It's a very cute house!!!

I'm in the process of replacing all my outdoor lighting. I have the fixtures but they haven't been installed yet.

I second the recommendation for a barn light or two for your garage. They come in all colors and prices. You can put them over the door or beside. I got mine at Rejuvenation and they come in lots of colors (mine are black). They're a bit pricey, but I figure they're going to last for quite a while.

You may like a metal ornamental fence. My dogs would be able sail right over one that is lower than 6 feet, and I like keeping them hidden from the street. On the back overlooking the river that forms my property line, I have metal fencing that we can see through and enjoy the view. It's 6 feet high as my dogs are a sporting breed and too interested in the surrounding wildlife.

You'll see an arrow at the bottom of the first pic in the link that will let you scroll forward. http://burnsfencing.com/residential/ornamental-fence-maine/

What a pretty house!

Have you considered an electronic fence --- although some dogs are too smart for that.

Nice house! I was thinking a metal fence or a chain link. There are green-coated chain link that would not be obtrusive, it would fade right into all that greenery.

Pugga, is this the back of your house?

Is that the neighbor's wooden fence to the left? Would your fence butt up to that one, or would there be space between them, so you'd have your fence running parallel to that one? Would you be getting a small dog that could be 'contained' with a fence that height? :-)

Knowing those things may help us advise you better. It IS an adorable house.

Yep, that's my house. The wooden fence you see is a neighbor's privacy fence so it's quite high. I could probably do the new fencing either butting up against the existing fence (don't know if that's allowed) or new fencing running parallel to it.

I plan on adopting a smallish to mediumish dog (up to maybe 35 pounds or so). I love dogs of all sizes but I think at this stage in my life, I can't handle one that's too big. I also want a fairly low-energy dog so I don't think that jumping a fence is of too great a concern.

Thanks, everyone so far, for the feedback. All is considered and appreciated!