Expert Tips To Stop Your Dog From Jumping The Fence

A fenced-in yard is meant to be a safe haven for dogs to roam around and enjoy nature's sights, scents, and sounds. The confines of a backyard should give pet parents moments to relax or work without a dog asking for attention. However, according to the American Humane Society, around 10 million pets go missing annually. A fence-jumping canine can go missing after its escape or, even worse, be hurt in traffic or attacked by another animal.

To help us understand how to curb this behavior, Alexandra Bassett, CPDT-KA, lead trainer and behavior consultant at Dog Savvy, spoke exclusively to Cuteness about the issue. One of the most straightforward tips for getting a dog to stop jumping a fence is to increase its physical and mental stimulation. "A tired dog is a happy dog! Regular exercise, such as long walks, playtime, and training sessions, can help curb escape attempts," Bassett explains. Regarding mental stimulation, she adds, "Provide mental enrichment with puzzle toys, scent work, and obedience training to keep your dog engaged."

With each canine facing unique behavioral challenges, Bassett lists other tips for preventing fence jumping, including modifying the fence structure, using positive reinforcement training, supervising outdoor time, and using an anti-jump harness or tether. Thankfully, addressing the cause behind a canine's unwanted behavior and picking the proper method to counter it can help ensure your pooch's safety in a fenced-in yard.

We now know that boredom is a common reason for a dog wanting to leap over a fence, but the reasons can be more varied than that. As Alexandra Bassett exclusively explains to Cuteness, this can include a high prey drive, separation anxiety, social attraction (such as another dog on the other side of the fence), or a fearful response to a noise.

A pet parent may already be familiar with issues like a high prey drive with certain breeds, such as greyhounds, border collies, beagles, and Australian shepherds, which are known to be easily distracted by squirrels and rabbits. Yet, if a dog has separation anxiety, why would it be looking to escape the safety of a yard and potentially wander away from home? "Dogs suffering from anxiety may attempt to escape in search of their owner," Bassett tells us.

A "fear or phobia response" to noise can also be a significant concern for pet parents, according to Bassett. Pet Amber Alert, a national pet recovery system, reports a 30% to 60% "increase in lost pets each year between July 4 and July 6" due to celebrations and fireworks, with July 5 marking "one of the busiest days of the year for shelters." For this reason, keeping a dog indoors during these days is a simple safety tip to follow.

Speaking exclusively with Cuteness, Alexandra Bassett recommends three approaches to fortify a fence and deter a potential escape artist: Coyote Rollers, L-footer or inward extensions, and solid fencing. Coyote Rollers are bars installed at the top of fences. They make it difficult for a dog to grip and pull itself over a wall and can deter unwanted animals from entering your yard. You can purchase Coyote Rollers easily online and install them yourself.

Inward or L-footer fence extensions prevent a canine from jumping over by creating extra distance to stop a dog from taking that leap. A few options are available, including the Dog-Proofer Curved Fence Extension System and the Vertical Fence Extension System. Solid fencing can be an easy deterrent for a more visually stimulated dog. "If the dog is jumping because they see something enticing on the other side, blocking their view with a solid wood or vinyl fence can reduce the temptation," Bassett explains. Before taking on the task and cost of upgrading a fence, there are other ways you can try to address a jumping dog's behavior.

Most trainers and organizations champion positive reinforcement training, which uses a reward system for positive behavior and force-free methods to deter unwanted actions. A treat can be a snack, a favorite toy, or even attention from an owner. This method creates a bond of trust between the owner and pet and doesn't rely on force or intimidation, which can adversely affect a dog's mental health.

Alexandra Bassett outlined the methods to begin using positive reinforcement training to curb fence-jumping, exclusively telling Cuteness, "Teach a reliable 'Leave it' or 'Come' command to redirect their attention when they start fixating on jumping." In addition to teaching basic commands, Bassett states, "Reward them for staying calm in the yard and engaging with toys or you instead of focusing on the fence." With this tried-and-true form of training, you can help curb your dog's interest in escaping over the fence through patience and perseverance.

An empty yard won't necessarily be a treat for a dog, so it's vital to provide it with more than just the necessities of water and shelter if you want to keep it occupied. Pet parents will know their dogs best regarding what toys and stimulation will keep them happy. Yet, a Niubya Foldable Dog Pool with floating balls can help keep a dog cool and preoccupied. For those pups with energy who like to jump, many owners have found success with LOOBANI Outdoor Bungee Tug Toy as a means to keep a dog engaged.

During training and figuring out the best methods to deter a canine's leaping tendencies, a tether can be a tool in an owner's quest to curb unwanted behavior. However, Alexandra Bassett exclusively points out to Cuteness, "A supervised tether (never a permanent solution) can be used as a temporary measure to prevent fence-jumping while working on training." For a sturdy option that can handle any size dog, ROYAL-PAW Dog Tie Out Stake is a great option. Still, creating a positive environment and utilizing training can go a long way to helping shape ideal behavior instead of relying on a tether, which, with longtime use, can lead to injury and adverse reactions.

Breaking the behavior of a fence-jumping dog based on the reason behind its actions can be challenging. On this, Alexandra Bassett exclusively tells Cuteness, "If it's purely a boredom issue, increasing exercise and enrichment can resolve it relatively quickly. However, if it's driven by [a] strong prey drive, anxiety, or a deeply ingrained habit, it will take more structured training and environmental management."

Curbing the behavior can be a multifaceted approach for a pet parent. Finding the perfect balance to ensure a pet stays safe in the backyard can take time. If an owner struggles with training, choosing a qualified dog trainer can also help put the best steps into practice to curb the undesired behavior. Still, as Bassett says, "Consistency, patience, and a combination of training and physical barriers are key to success." Having a dog in the backyard should not be stressful. With patience and the right approach, your dog can enjoy a safe and happy backyard experience with or without you joining in.