Dwarf and fast are opposites, for the most part. Maybe some of the tighter Ilex cornuta (Chinese holly) cultivars would appeal. Visit some local outlets and see what they have or are planning to get later.

Dogs will destroy any new, small shrubs put in their way. If they are digging or crawling out, or trampling an area the fencing will have to be augmented with something more serious than a planting to stop this. The plants won't, unless these are toy size dogs.

The dogs don't try to get out or anything like that (knock on wood ;) ) The problem is they are staying in this corner area of the fence because it faces the road and they find way too many things to bark at during the day while we are at work. We would like to plant some prickly shrubs there to discourage them from hanging out in that specific area. We have nearly an acre of yard and they spend way too much time in that corner. We were hoping the row of holly bushes would not only discourage them from hanging out there, but would also make that area of the fence look much better.