Many dog owners believe that a tall fence is sufficient in keeping their pets well enclosed, but to some dogs, it is business as usual. Some breeds are capable of scaling over and digging under, and physically talented to break through barriers. If your dog has a knack for escaping, it's crucial to take proactive measures to prevent it.
Not only is escaping inconvenient, but it is dangerous for your dog. Outside the safety of your yard, they are in the risk of running into oncoming traffic, injuries, or troubles around the neighborhood. To keep your pet protected and safe, here are some effective solutions that can stop your dog from jumping or climbing the fence.
8 Dog Jumping Fence Solutions
1. Install Top Railings
The top railings are one of the practical yet most effective deterrents for dogs who want to jump. These railings, formed like upside L-footers, attach atop the fence and angle inwards. With this form, it is quite impossible for the dog to climb over it since the inward angle won't permit them to get a foothold. Metal railings work well, but you can also use wood and wire to achieve similar results. The important thing is that the railing is angled back into your yard.
2. Rollers and PVC Piping
Rollers, while used more for coyote prevention, can be used in a less expensive manner with dogs. These rollers attach on top of the fence and will roll when a dog tries to climb, knocking them off due to lack of traction. You can use PVC pipes if you're on a budget. You can attach a 5-inch pipe to the top, and its slick surface will make it very hard for your dog to climb. It is most effective against chain-link fences, but the principle will work for either a wooden or stone barrier.
3. Clever Landscaping
Landscaping can also be used to prevent the dog from escaping. Planting thick trees, shrubs, and plants along the fence can obstruct your dog's path to the fence. It is best to use established plants that have deep roots as a better barrier. Do not use large rocks since they may act as a platform for your dog to jump high.
4. Add a Secondary Fence
If your dog is clearing the fence when he gets a running start, consider installing a secondary fence. Set it several feet out from the main fence, far enough that your dog has room to land without getting a boost to jump over. The idea of a buffer zone will break his jump.
5. Install an Invisible Fence
Invisible fences complement physical barriers and can be a valuable addition to your yard. These systems involve buried wires or wireless radio signals, both of which communicate with a collar worn by your dog. The collar beeps, or mildly shocks (we recommend the beep), when your dog approaches the fence. This method will help reinforce boundaries and provide a way to train your dog.
Universal Solutions
Equally important as strengthening the fence in thwarting the escape attempt, however, is addressing what originally drives such behavior. Typically, dogs jump or climb fences to get to something on the other side. General solutions below will help in reducing the temptation:
6. Choose the Right Kind of Fence Design
Height and material are very important for preventing dog escapes. Fences that are taller and have solid designs offering no footholds are best. Avoid flimsy lattice and chain-link aboveground dog fencing since it's so easy for dogs to climb these types of fences. Use solid barriers with a smooth surface so your dog won't be able to scale or even dig underneath.
7. Block Your Dog's View
If they can view people, cars, or other animals on the other side of the fence, they are much more apt to jump the fence. A solid fence that obstructs their view is an excellent deterring factor. If your existing fence has gaps or holes, patch it so that your dog doesn't have a visual trigger to escape.
8. Keep the Yard Clean
Keeping your yard clean is a simple yet effective method for preventing escapes. For example, avoid allowing items to be left near the fence that your dog might use to gain leverage over it, such as trash cans, benches, or pots. Keeping the fence line clean denies your dog an easy way to climb over.
Addressing the Root of the Problem
While these physical measures can help prevent your dog from escaping, understanding why they want to escape in the first place is the key to long-term success. Following are some behavioral tips to reduce your dog's need to escape:
Provide Plenty of Things to Do
Boredom is one of the most common reasons dogs attempt to escape. Dogs need mental and physical stimulation to stay content. Consider providing toys, a dog run, an obstacle course, or a dog swimming pool to keep them entertained. Regular one-on-one playtime can also help tire them out and reduce escape attempts.
Limit Exposure to Small Animals
If your dog is high prey, they may try to get loose to chase some wildlife such as squirrels and birds. Removing bird baths and houses is an excellent idea. You can even use some homemade animal repellent to keep little animals out of your yard. You can never get rid of the wildlife but minimizing it may make your yard less interesting to your dog.
Wear Them Out
Restlessness compels them to jump the fence and get into undesirable behavior. If your yard is too small to accommodate a dog running free, take your dog on longer walks or engage in energetic play outside your home. A tired dog will not try to escape.
Give Them Companionship
Dogs are social, and most of them try to attempt to run away if there is another dog or person in view. If you find your dog lonely, then adopt another dog for it. It does not necessarily mean adopting another dog; you could also invite a friend's dog over, hire a dog sitter, or spend more time with your dog yourself.
Training
Training is the ultimate long-term solution. You can set up some basic commands like "sit" and "come" that will help you restrain your dog if it starts to climb or jump the fence. Reward based technique will make your puppy understand that jumping is not acceptable. If you have any problems regarding training, then you may take the help of professional trainers.
Conclusion
It is important to prevent your dog from jumping or climbing over the fence, not only for their safety but also for your peace of mind. You can keep your dog safely in your yard through various means: a combination of physical barriers and addressing the root causes of escape behavior. With proper training, engagement, and appropriate fencing solutions, your dog will not be inclined to attempt those daring escapes.
