Is your dog’s nickname Houdini? Do you spend an inordinate amount of time walking your neighborhood shaking a dog food bowl? We get it. We at Journey Home Animal Care Center are aware that some dogs just like to run around the neighborhood, and that retrieving them from our care is expensive. If you’re thinking about adopting a dog with a history of elopements or have one that is already looking at your fence like it’s an agility challenge, here are a few tips.
Types of Escape Artists
Escape artists come in plenty of different forms, creating new and exciting challenges for their owners. The most common are the Darters, Jumpers, Climbers, and Diggers.
Darters
Ever met a dog that will rush the door when it opens without fail? That’s a darter. It seems like no matter what you’re carrying through the front door, they are hell-bent on ending up outside. Some dogs won’t really know what they will do when they actually DO get out, but are simply driven to exit the Forbidden Door as quickly as possible. For others, they enjoy the chase that ensues when their human wheels around to try and keep them from running off. Not to mention, getting to try and catch all of those neighborhood squirrels that were taunting them through the living room window!
Solutions:
- Training to “Wait” when the door opens (This video may be helpful!)
- Strategically placed baby gates away from the front door
- Automatic door closers to outer doors and locks inaccessible to young kids
Jumpers & Climbers
At JHACC, we’ve met some jumpers that put Olympic track stars to shame! If your dog keeps getting out and you’re unsure how, try pointing a camera at the top of your fence. Some extremely athletic pups are more than happy to hop 4-6 foot fences, with little to no injury. Feel like your fence is too high for that? Think again. Determined escape artists will also often climb chain-link or other fencing materials. At our facility, we often start with the 6-8 foot fences. If those are not enough, some dogs require a topped kennel. That is either done with a tarp or a piece of fencing.
Solutions:
- Taller/different fences (we recommend 6-8 feet, non-chain link, wire mesh)
- Move any objects that could be used for climbing away from the fence (dog houses, planter boxes, wood piles, etc.)
- Coyote Rollers
- Flat-Top or Fold-Over fence extensions
- Topped fence/kennel (some options may also serve as a sunshade)
Diggers
Popular with cartoonists, diggers have become a dog stereotype. Whether they’re digging in your plant-beds, under the fence, or at the foundation of your house; it’s become a pillar of dog behavior in owners’ minds. Escape diggers create a special challenge for pet owners, because the solutions can seem daunting. However, there are plenty of options for pet owners that address the issue of escape digging without requiring a full overhaul of your yard.
Solutions:
- Add large rocks or cinder blocks along the base of the fence
- Buried chicken wire along the fence perimeter
- Add in-ground fencing
Another important consideration when problem-solving your dog prone to prison breaks is why they are escaping. Ask yourself these questions:
Do they have a friend/playmate nearby that they want to spend time with, and does your dog have enough stimulation/activities?
Boredom is a common motivator for escape artist dogs, especially if their humans aren’t home during the day. Separation anxiety is another factor to consider, especially as more owners are returning to work in offices. It’s perfectly fine to not be with your dog all of the time, but providing them with toys or activities can help to reduce boredom escapes. Offering them more opportunities for socialization can also help, by giving them time with other dogs they enjoy spending time with. Another consideration is curiosity. Just like people, our dogs like variety and to explore. Change up your routine if you can, take a longer walk or a different route. Your dog will thank you!
Is your dog escaping out of fear?
Often dogs that are afraid of loud noises will elope during thunderstorms, firework shows, or similar environmental stressors. Check to see if your pet’s habit of escaping correlates with such events, and plan to keep them indoors with access to a safe and comfortable place where they can relax with a toy or treat. Additional tips regarding loud noise fears can be found in our blog post about fireworks.
And most importantly, is your dog spayed or neutered?
A significant number of the dogs that are brought in as strays to Journey Home are intact, meaning that they have not been spayed or neutered. Sterilization surgeries for dogs are often helpful in curbing escape artist behaviors because it removes the urge for them to leave their yard in order to find a mate. Many dogs leave their yards looking to procreate, and encounter dangerous situations like cars, wildlife, and other dogs or humans.
By mitigating your dog’s ability to escape your yard, you are preventing injuries to them and other neighborhood animals. If you’re considering adopting a dog with a history of escapes from Journey Home Animal Care Center, know that our team will be happy to provide suggestions based on the animal’s behavior in our care. Some pet owners in more rural areas also outfit their dogs with GPS devices or electric fence collars. These additional strategies are at the comfort and preferences of the pet owner, and JHACC does not have an official stance on either method.
SOURCES:
https://bestfriends.org/pet-care-resources/dog-proof-fence-ideas-and-options
https://bestfriends.org/network/resources-tools/fencing-options-your-escape-artist
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/why-do-dogs-run-away/
