How to Stop Dogs from Jumping the Fence?

We all love dogs that are active and playful. But they can give you the worst nightmare if they tend to jump off the yard fence. Have you seen the movie Marley and Me? Well, if you have, you can imagine what kind of nightmare we are implying.

But if you have got a dog that is exactly like what we are referring to here, don’t worry. It is not the end of the world for you.

We often see and judge the dog that jumps off fences more often. But seldom do we try to explore the hidden reasons behind such behavior. So, keeping that in mind, we are here to suggest how you can contain your dog within your property and explain the possible reasons behind its jumping fences.

At the end of the article, you will be aware of your dog’s potential problematic behavior and work towards stopping that. Once you’ve figured out why your dog is jumping, you can control it right away by making a few changes to its schedule and surroundings.

Why Do Dogs Jump Off Fences?

Before we explore the ways to stop dogs from jumping fences, it is important to look closer at the reasons behind such actions. If you understand the whys, you may effectively prevent the problem by making the necessary modifications without extra training or money.

1. Boredom

Dogs are social animals, much like humans. So, if they are kept outside for a long time without any human or fellow dog contact, they may start feeling bored. And this boredom is not good for them as well as dog owners. Also, if your dog does not get the correct dose of physical exercise daily, it may start feeling bored. And, it would most likely search for a scope to channelize its energy. Thus, in turn, it may result in fence jumping.

2. Mating

It could be problematic if you have an unneutered dog. There are quite possibilities that your dog may want to mate with a partner. And, in the absence of any scope, it may escape by jumping over the fence or digging under it. Remember that coming in heat is normal for any dog, which may provoke them to escape, but male dogs are more likely to have this problem.

3. Hunting instincts

Dog breeds like Rhodesian Ridgeback, Bull Terrier, Greyhound, and others tend to have high hunting instincts, which may push them to go in search of prey. For instance, if these dogs see a cat or a squirrel running, they will not hesitate to chase it down and even jump over a fence.

4. Curiosity

We have to admit that all dogs have a curious instinct in them. It appears like a dog is trying to flee since it is intrigued about its surroundings. Therefore, regular exercise sessions and training to avoid jumping fences can be really beneficial.

5. Seeking attention

As we said earlier, dogs are social animals, and if they feel they are not getting enough attention from you, they may try to act in a way to get it. Jumping fences can be one such activity that may give them what they want – your attention.

Dog Breeds that are Prone to Jump Fences

If you are planning to get a dog and worry about fence jumping, here is a list of canines that are experts in it. This list will help you get a glimpse of these dogs so that you can make a learned decision and make changes in your surroundings accordingly.

1. Border Collie

The first dog breed on our list is Border Collie. Popular for its high jumps, Adult Border Collies may jump up to 6 feet from standing.

In addition, these canines have an athletic appearance and are usually slightly taller than their height. These characteristics enable them to jump to astounding heights.

Origin	Great Britain
High Jump	6 ft.
Long Jump	4 ft.

2. Australian Shepherd

These fluffy canines are well-known for their strength and vitality, as well as their adorable appearance. Australian Shepherds are very intelligent dogs with strong herding and defending instincts, making them ideal for dog shows. These dogs have been reported to jump as high as 4 feet and are acknowledged agility champs.

Origin	The US
High Jump	4 ft.

Also Read: Do Dogs Get Tired Of Barking? | Complete Truth & Control Measures

3. Shetland Sheepdog

Another adorable dog breed on our list. However, do not get deceived by their cute appearance, as Shetland Sheepdogs are agile and energetic. They also have excellent herding capabilities and were originally used to keep birds and sheep from the crops. Perfect for dog sports, these dogs are exceptional in vertical jumps. Shelties need regular exercise, in the absence of which they may develop unfavorable habits, such as jumping fences.

Origin	Scotland
High Jump	3 ft. plus

4. Rottweiler

Rottweilers are essentially working dogs originally bred to pull carriages in the past. Also, they’re one of the oldest dog breeds on the planet. Although they are not as athletic as other breeds, Rotties may jump up to 3 feet. Therefore, it is crucial to give them proper command and socialize them to avoid undesirable behavior.

You May Also Read: Why Are Huskies So Vocal?

Origin	Germany
High Jump	Up to 3 ft.

5. Greyhound

Greyhounds are known for their laid-back personalities. They are not particularly interested in pleasing others and have an independent character, which makes training them tough at times. Despite this, this breed is famed for its speed, with top speeds of 45 mph. They can also jump as high as 5 feet if necessary. One disadvantage of this breed it’s propensity for running away, which necessitates keeping it on a leash.

Origin	Great Britain, England, British Isles
High Jump	Up to 5 ft.

Top-9 Ways to Keep Dogs From Jumping Fences

This is the most interesting part of this article. Here, we will delve into the details of stopping dogs from jumping fences. While preparing this list, we have taken into consideration the potential reasons behind dogs’ need to jump fences. It has helped us develop an ultimate guide. However, it is better to remember that this is not an exhaustive list. More suggestions can be added as per individual needs.

1. Stimulation

In the initial sections, we have mentioned that a lack of stimulation may cause boredom among dogs. Dogs hate to lie down ideally all day without any activity or social contact. Hence, it is crucial for dog owners to keep in touch with their dogs regularly.

They can create a stimulating environment for their dogs by arranging regular exercise sessions, walking them, playing with them, and giving them the scopes to run and stretch out. Owners can even hire a dog walker, who can come once or twice a day to walk the dog.

2. Socialization

Another important way to stop your dog from getting bored is to give it the scopes to socialize with your family and surrounding people. As we said, take it out for a walk once or twice a day in a park or local area where it can meet with other dogs or play around.

Doggie daycare is also another way to promote socialization. If your dog spends most of his time alone, make sure it gets some family time in the morning before you leave for work and in the evening when you return. When you’re nearby, talk to your pet and give it cuddles, kisses, toys, and, most importantly, love. Make them feel confident and secure in their own house.

3. Installing taller fences

Although most dogs can jump up to 3- 4 ft., some breeds can reach a height of even 6ft. So, you can ensure that your dog will not jump barriers by installing fences taller than 6 ft. However, if you have shorter dogs, fences up to 6 ft. would be feasible. Also, remember, some dogs are exceptionally good at climbing. For example, American Staffordshire Terriers are excellent climbers and easily scale a 6-foot fence. As a result, in addition to larger fences, make sure to buy fences with a smooth surface, like wooden fences.

4. Installing L-footers

If you have a digger on your hand, be sure that it would not stop its trial to escape!

The best way to ensure your escape artist can’t dig under fences is to create an L-footer along the base of the fence. First, buy some thick gauge hog wire from the market. Then, dig a minimum 1-foot trench around the edge of your fence and curve the hog wire into an L at the bottom. Now, nail the hog wire with the fence and bury the L in the ditch.

You may also make a rolling top by running a simple PVC pipe along the top of the fence. Your dog will be unable to grasp the pipe to jump over it and will literally slip off as it rolls about.

5. Removing climbing aids

As we stated, some dogs are exceptional at climbing fences. So, if you got one such artist, we would suggest you check all the potential climbing aids near your yard’s fence and remove them. Anything can act as climbing aids, including a garbage bin stored next to the fence, a garden stool, a mobile staircase, a pile of firewood, and so on. Also, a tree with a low limb dangling over the fence can potentially be used as a means of egress.

So look for the things your dog can climb on and remove them completely to a new location.

6. Landscaping

Some of the issues that induce your dog to climb a fence can be alleviated by border landscaping. They can also brighten up your yard while helping the environment.

Planting shrubs or bushes around your fence can help you strategize. Choose shrubs that are large enough to keep your dog from approaching the fence. You can also go for the thorny ones, which will make your dog uncomfortable and make it want to stay away.

This landscaping technique can also serve to block your dog’s view, which is a terrific way to keep his concentration on your yard.

7. Install play areas in your yard

One of the best ways to prevent your dog from escaping your yard is by making it a fun place. However, since dogs are curious and always look for things that boost them, a blatant yard may be highly boring for them.

As a result, make sure your dog gets fresh water at all times and shelter, as well as some outdoor games and a play space to keep him occupied and interested. In this regard, you may think of installing puzzle toys to keep your dog mentally stimulated. If your dog is happy and involved in its yard, it will be far less likely to escape.

8. Monitor your dog

Apart from the needs we have mentioned above, there may be other needs of your dog that are not fulfilled. So, the best way to keep your dog within the perimeter of your yard is to monitor its movements and behavior. Doing so may help you analyze if your dog is missing something in its everyday life that is provoking it to jump fences and escape.

According to most experts, leaving your dog unattended could be the worst way to treat it. Remember, dogs can plan something to escape when bored or left alone. So, when you’re not around, it is better to keep them in a sheltered area or with someone who knows the dog.

9. Do not punish your dog

One crucial thing to remember while trying to stop your dog from jumping fences is not to chain it or punish it if it displays undesirable behavior.

It will be of no help to correct your dog after it has already escaped. Dogs only understand corrections if they are caught in the act. As a result, no matter how harshly you discipline it, your dog will not comprehend why. This, on the other hand, may make your dog fearful of you, prompting it to want to flee once more.

Summary

Before wrapping up, we would like to state that dogs love to be outside. And there are certain innate instincts and behavior in dogs that no one can completely erase. They can be trained to a large extent to control those instincts, though. But training solely may not help you. You have to take the onus on your shoulders and modify the surroundings as per your dog’s needs. Observe your dog and conduct your research to add more ideas to the above lists as per your situations.