How to Keep the Dog from Jumping the Fence

House owners with a fenced compound can easily relax since their dogs can quickly be taken out for exercise and toileting. However, a dog that is always escaping will pose some danger to the dog and the surrounding neighborhood. In this guide, you will find humane, practical tips and advice for preventing your dog's unwanted behavior of jumping the fence.

Learning the Reasons for Fence Jumping

Understanding why your dog jumps the fence is essential before you can find out how to stop fence jumping.

Some common reasons include:

1. Lack of exercise

2. Boredom

3. Instinctual behavior (like herding, hunting, or chasing)

4. A way of getting attention

5. Interest in other dogs or other animals outside the fence

6.Territorial or protective instinct

7. Separation anxiety

Of course, any of these reasons may apply to any dog, and dogs may have a combination of these reasons for jumping the fence. Thus, learning the causes of different behaviors will help you find the precise reason for your dog’s actions in order to choose the right course.

Help Keep Your Dog From Jumping the Fence

Make Sure Your Dog Gets Enough Exercise and Activity

Physical exercises such as walking your dog around the property, playing ball, or engaging in other vigorous activity may likely solve the problem and can help fulfill his or her exercise needs.

Walk your dog daily: This will help ensure that your pet gets adequate exercise and interaction with other dogs and /or people.

Play with your dog: You can play fetch or tug of war with them so they can expend energy and use their brain.

Training: Fixed training with rewards. This can enhance your relationship with your dog and improve his listening ability.

Puzzle games: Food puzzles, snuffle mats, or any other puzzling toy help keep dog’s mind active.

Place a Barrier that Prevents the Inclination of Jumping

Various physical barriers can discourage your dog from jumping the fence:

Fence height: If possible, make sure your fence is tall enough to minimize the possibility of your dog getting over it. The fence should be at least six feet high.

Add an extension: Add a gate frame extension or panel from the bottom part of the fence.

Anti-climb strips: Top the fence with strips of sharp, pointy objects such as chicken wire or barbs on top of the fencing.

Vinegar solution: Inside adjacent to your fence, pour water mixed with white vinegar. The smell of vinegar acts as a deterrent.

Use Visible Deterrents

Physical barriers are simple and easy to install and are distinctive deterrents that also act as psychological barriers to help discourage dogs from attempting to jump the fence.

Motion-activated sprinkler: An irrigation system that triggers when your dog is a few inches close to the fence can scare them with a shower.

Ultrasonic device: Because dogs hear a different pitch than humans, ultrasonic deterrents are loud sounds that may irritate your dog but will not harm him.

Place a Barrier Where it Will Not Be Seen

Barriers don’t always have to be physical to be effective.

Electronic fence: Get a collar with a wireless, invisible wall that warns the dog and shocks it when it is too close to the guiding boundary.

Citronella collar: This collar sprays citronella whenever your dog comes close to the fence, which discourages jumping over the fence.

Manage Your Dog's Environment

There are many ways to manage the environment your dog is placed in so they don’t fence jump.

Limit visibility: If through the fence your dog can see other animals or people, he/she may get more enticed into jumping the fence. Enclose the area and deny your pet’s view by planting shrubs or any other types of plants.

Supervise during playtime: Always supervise your dog at times when it is likely to attempt a fence jump and when it is in a confined, enclosed region.

How to Train Your Dog to Passively Accept the Fence

Positive reinforcement is a great way to train your dog so that he does not roam outside your compound and so he stays within the confines of the yard.

a. Boundary training: The simplest way to ensure this is to always use treats and praise to train your dog on the boundary of the yard.

b. Consistent commands: Train your dog to respond to things such as staying or not jumping, and make sure you always use the same, consistent words.

c. Supervise closely: It will help if you are around when your dog is establishing himself around the new limit.