Fence Jumping
Many dogs are prone to getting out of fences if left
outside. The ideal solution is to supervise such dogs whenever they are outside
within the fenced yard. In the best-case scenario, dogs never even begin going
over, under or through the fence – they are never given a chance to think of
it.
Spaying female dogs and neutering male dogs prevents many of
these problems from starting, especially if done by the age of one year.
For dogs that have already developed the fence-jumping
habit, you may need a long line on the dog whenever you and the dog are outside
together. The other end of the line is best held by you. Keeping a dog tied out
as a solution for escapee dogs creates new problems, often including serious
aggression. By the time the owner sees increased aggression, the damage to the
dog’s temperament may have already been done.
Once the habit of staying inside the fence is solid, you may
be able to supervise through an open door. This also keeps dogs from barking or
scratching up the door when they feel stuck outside, since they can come back
in whenever they’re ready.
For people not able to supervise dogs at all times when they’re
outside, adding another barrier to the fence can work. Two possibilities are a
hot wire, if that is allowed in the area, or an electronic fence. Both of these
options mean shocking the dog, which can lead to behavior complications.
When considering an electronic fence, it needs to be one of
the expensive ones that includes professional training in the deal. The most
reasonable use for an electronic fence is in a situation like this, to back up
a real fence for dogs prone to wandering.
From the dog’s point of view, the fence-jumping, wandering
behavior is highly rewarded by the fun the dog has outside the fence. Once it
starts, it’s hard to stop, because it’s a powerful instinct. Success in
changing the behavior requires that you make it physically impossible for the
dog to get out of the fence.
Tying or chaining a dog should only be a temporary,
emergency solution, and only when the person is right there with the dog. The
best hope for a habitual fence-jumping dog is an indoor lifestyle, never to be
outside without human supervision. Otherwise, this problem is a serious threat
to the dog’s longevity.
