June 19, 2013

Help! My Dog Is Jumping The Fence



My first question to you is -- why is the dog jumping the fence?   What's on the other side of the fence that is so much more exciting than you?   Is he left outside unsupervised? 

Typical reasons dogs jump the fence is because of raging hormones, boredom, and lack of supervision.     At the most basic of solutions -- get your dog spayed/neutered, go outside and play or train them to burn of physical energy, and don't leave them unsupervised.

 You can create perimeter boundaries by working on a very reliable recall, and working with your dog on leash for several weeks to teach them that every time they approach the fence, they will be called to Come to you for a positive reward.    Remember in Come! (especially if something is exciting on the other side of the fence) you have to be the best thing ever for your dog to want to engage with you and to show-up when you call them.   Have something yummy as a reward for coming when called for the next few weeks.

 If they do escape, don't punish them when you go get them, otherwise they will be even more reluctant to come to you the next time.  

Need help teaching a reliable off-leash recall?   Call us for an appointment or check out one of our training classes.   

Fences should not be considered a fail-safe protection for your dog. They can give you peace of mind to let them go outside and play and do their business.   But it's my opinion, humble as it may be, that dogs should not be left outside in a fenced area when the owner is not home and not available for frequent supervision.   

My own little weenie dog is small enough to fit through the rails of my mother's fence so we had to take extra precautions when visiting.   And as you can see in the picture above -- my foster dog even tried to squeeze through.   Be sure when you visit friends and family you check the status of their fence too!

Fence safety- check the perimeter often for holes that may have developed in the wire mesh, spaces/gaps that small dogs can crawl under, securely latching gates, and for objects or terrain in your yard that gives your dog a place tall enough to allow him to jump over.   Also, be sure to check your fence after big storms to ensure that limbs have not fallen and damaged the fencing allowing for an escape route.  

Don't even get me started about invisible fencing ... that's a topic for another day. 




The K9 Coach
Dana Brigman, CDT, IACP, APDT
980-339-8064
Email:  info@thek9-coach.com

The K9 Coach is a Professional Certified Dog Trainer Serving Charlotte, NC, Matthews, NC and surrounding areas.

Ask us about a photo shoot with your dog !   Weenie Dog Photography   
All K9 Coach clients are eligible for a discount! 

 

My mission is a better life for dogs as members of a forever family.

 My goal is create training solutions for the home owner, to rehabilitate dogs from shelters and rescues, and to prevent dogs from dying alone as strays or owner surrenders in shelters due to unnecessary aggression or behavioral issues.

 Begin all training with a consultation with a professional trainer to be sure you're solving the right problem. Misdiagnosis can make the matters worse. Be sure that there are no medical issues at play and that your dog is not in pain, as pain can be a contributor to a new display of aggression. If you have any fear or uncertainty -- do not attempt the techniques without professional supervision.
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