Fence
Jumping
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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 invisible fence. Both of these options mean shocking the dog,
which can lead to behavior complications.
When considering an invisible fence, it needs to
be one of the expensive ones that includes professional training in
the deal. The most reasonable use for an invisible 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 an 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.