backyard problem

[Ghazal A]

Hello everyone!

New problem:

I live in a condo and have a backyard, but my neighbor's staircase is in my backyard so about a few feet of the backyard is not fenced. 

I let Henna go out for potty at all hours of day and night and she would always come right back and wait at the door till I open it. But in the last few days she has started walking around and getting out of the opening in the fence and I've had to go after her in the street and grab her. It scared me real bad today so I need to find a way. 

Putting a gate on that part of the yard is not really practical because it's shared with the neighbors who I dont really know. I would also hate to use an invisible fence on her. What I thought was I could get a very long rope and clip it to her collar when she goes out, so she can walk/run around the yard without being able to get out. Do you think it will affect her in a negative way? would she feel trapped? Do you have any other suggestions?

[Jenn Suchniak]

we have a fence, but it doesn't go all the way to the ground, so appa was sticking his head under the fence and we were afraid he was going to get hurt or get into our neighbors' yards.  so we now have him on a tie out.  he knows how far he can go so he doesn't yank on it, and he still has plenty of room to roam.  he will ring his bell and sit at the door to wait until i get him hooked up.  

i'm not sure if i'm allowed to link, but if you search "dog tie out" you'll find them.  :)

[F, Calla & Luca]

Linking is fine as long as you are recommending something and you are not manufacturing them : )

[Adina P]

An invisible fence is not such a bad idea for a small segment of a yard.  Dogs don't have to be fried to learn to keep away from that section.  I think that's the important thing to remember.  And even if there was some slight pain from the shock of learning...she would avoid that section in the future and thus would not get repeatedly shocked.  A temporary tie out is probably okay too, though.  Especially if it is unlikely other people or animals would visit and bother your dog who is tied out there.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I beg you not to let your dog outside in an unfenced area without a leash. It is a tragedy waiting to happen. 

Is there a reason you can't just take her out on a leash? 

Tie outs are fine, but only when you can be out there with her. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The problems with tying a dog outside alone:

http://www.k9station.com/articles/tie.htm

This is just one article. There hundreds more out there. 

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Really, I have a fence, but I GO OUT with my dog.  Just get up and go out. It takes a second.  Loosing this dog, well the heartache never goes away. 

It is a simple solution. A leash, fresh air, and your dog. Your companion.   Just go Out with your dog

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

For 28 years, I had dogs in homes and apartments without fenced yards. Every time they went out, I did too. 

Now I have a fenced yard, and I still go out with JD most of the time.  

[Sally S Miles]

I'm another one who goes out with the dog - period.  It's been over twenty years since a dog of mine went out without one of us.

Going out with her will keep her safe, let you know if she goes potty and also lets you get to know her. She depends on you and even the potty breaks are part of the ritual.  It's an opportunity to teach her other things like what to leave or drop, learn the potty command and her boundaries.   It's an opportunity for her to bond with you and vice versa.