Doggie Escape Solutions

(Climbing the fence, digging under the fence, getting loose)

Causes:  

  • Lack of exercise (bored)
  • Lack of interaction (lonely)
  • Loud noises (scared)

Solutions:

  • Walk 30-60 minutes 1-2 times daily* (regular outside walks or try teaching your dog to use a treadmill)
  • Reinforce existing fence:
    • Secure fencing with additional light gauge wire fencing for additional height
    • Install a hot wire along top and bottom (dog specific units available at hardware and farming stores see below for additional info).  This works for both diggers and climbers.
    • For climbers:  www.coyoteroller.com rollers that are installed on the top of fencing to prevent dog from gripping top of the fence.
    • Latch-Lifting: Place a clip (old leash clip or lock works well) through the hole on the latch.
    • Jumping/climbing fence: Remove objects near fence that they are using as aids.
  • Consider installing taller or different type of fence.  There are some great looking, although expensive choices, as are seen in the above video link for the doggie door but there are also great, more affordable options.  Try a Google search for “best fence for dogs” and look at the various sites and options for every budget.
  • Ask a neighbor or a dog walker to walk your dog half way through the workday or arrange for your dog to visit another dog at a friend’s home some days while you are away.
  • Give dog’s access to go in and out of your home by using doggie doors.  If a dog has a choice between a comfy sofa and jumping the fence most dogs choose the sofa.  Here’s a great video to show you how to install your own dog door.

One dog mom’s account of using a hot wire:
“I didn’t like the idea, I thought it might be cruel.  Then I discovered from a neighbor (after the fact) that my dogs were climbing the fence while I was at work then climbing back in before I got home.   One of my dogs ended up running on the highway while another got picked up by Animal Control.  I had to do something.  My dogs were big, and they could easily climb my standard chain link fence and dig under it so I added hot wires.  For about $120 at Tractor Supply Center I purchased a hot wire kit designed for dogs to go around the top and bottom of my existing fence.  It took about an hour to install the wire to the fence. After testing it a few times my dogs had a whole new respect for boundaries and after a month I turned it off but left the wires in place and they still stayed away.  I can report that although I installed the wire about 13 years ago, and I’ve had many additions to my household since, no one has messed with the fence again.  I have touched the wire and it feels like a rubber band snap against the skin. Doesn’t leave a mark but it does sting for a second or two. “

One dog mom’s account of using a doggie door:
“I didn’t want my dogs to have to be outside all day so I installed doggie doors.  What a wonderful invention.  No more getting up being a doorman, no more accidents on the floor because I didn’t see their cue or wasn’t home to let them out.  They are happier because they can rest in comfort during the day but still go outside when they want.  I’m happier because I know they can get into the safety of the house during bad weather.  At the end of the day my dogs need to spend time with their family but also be able to run and play out all of that energy.  When my dogs did not have access to the yard or were isolated they destroyed things, barked, generally got into trouble.  When they had secure fencing and doggy doors they were more content.  Bringing my dogs inside, allowing them access to outside, exercising them daily through walks or using the treadmill and shoring up my fence line resulted in a happier and safer situation.”