Running away

[Bonnie and Kona]

We are dog sitting our son's 11 y o Golden Retriever. Throughout her years she has frequently tried to run away from wherever she is being cared for. We thought she was probably over this but NO. This afternoon my husband was in the back yard working on a home maintenance project. The dogs had been lying back there with him for hours. The phone rang. Both our son's GR and Owen had crossed a busy street and were being held by two young teens. After bringing them home I was preparing their dinner and Owen was not close by. Calling and calling he finally showed up out of no where. Mind you we have a 1/6th acre lot so there aren't many places to hide. Turns out the Golden had pushed a board out of the fence. I'm really worried now that Owen has tasted freedom he will continue to try to find ways out of the yard. We have NEVER has a dog that wants to leave the yard in our 30+ years of dog ownership. Ideas how to discourage this?        

[Adina P]

Hmmm...can't say for sure, but I think a lot of dogs, given the opportunity will go exploring the vast world around them unless there's a good reason for them to not leave.  I think that's different than 'running away' or the kind of dogs itching for a chance to escape.  It's more like..."ooh look an exit hole...wonder what I'll find on the other side...?"  So I think the best bet is to just be sure your fence is intact all around.  My dogs have never been the types to try to make a quick escape, they've minded exits and entrances to our yard and haven't tried to sneak past us or cross the threshhold if we were nearby.  Not really itching to escape.  But if a gate was left open or there was an opening in the fence and a motivation on the other side...that would be another story.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Thanks, Adina. Here is my worry... Owen has followed Kona's lead and would not even walk out an open gate before today. Now that Hanalei has shown him this new thing, I caught him walking the fence line checking for loose boards! (looking out my bedroom window) Obviously we are going to have to check the fence carefully but I am afraid he is going to pick up Hanalei's lead and start searching for ways out. Owen is our strong-willed, naughtier than normal 10 month old puppy. He comes up with something new to exasperate us almost daily (when he was younger it was many times a day.) This has been a hard day. I'm in bed with a migraine and my daughter just texted me that he took a corn cob off the counter. The counter-surfing had stopped a month ago. sigh.

The fireworks should start soon so we'll see how our night goes.

[Adina P]

Uh oh! Yeah I can see why you'd be worried. Not sure what an answer is :/

[shelly]

I hope you feel better by now  I know how you feel.  Tori gave/gives us a run for our money (and a LOT of money it was!).  How was Owen at chomping on that corn cob?  Tori did that  as well... Two hours later we were at the vet inducing vomiting to prevent a blockage!  (Not to scare you at all)... Has the "offender" left the building???

[Lindsey]

oh no :-( I hope you feel better, I hope Owen doesn't start trying to escape and ...okay him stealing a corn cob is kind of funny...sorry!! I know how frustrating counter surfing is!!!

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Once again, doggie see doggie do! If the fence is all good I think you will be ok. Just always check on him. Naughty little instigator had to visit!

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

I can only speak from 30 plus years as the owner of Siberian Huskies(pre doodle).  Huskies are born to run, love to run, and run they will.  If you have a runner you need a very good fence.  Tall, strong and sometimes deep.  Fix all the loose boards immediately.  If there are any low to the ground, but not on the ground spaces, add to the existing boards to make them touch the ground.  This may prevent digging. 

 

If digging under starts I have found nothing that will deter determined digging except concrete poured in place.  Since you have a fence in place you could put invisible fencing just in front of it and put the collar on your 10 month old.  This will reenforce not bothering the fence.  

 

If jumping over or pulling up on the top of the fence to get over occurs you can add a temporary with to the top of the fence with support boards - just barely enough to support the cardboard that covers them.  You want the width to discourage jumping and to give way and deposit your dog back in your yard if he tries to jump or pull up.  If this temporary "trash" top ( it looks awful) is too strong all you have done is built a nice step.

 

Good luck.

[Bonnie and Kona]

OMD! I am in shock at what your Huskies did to get out! I am hoping and praying this is not what we have at hand. I really appreciate your comments though as it is giving me thoughts on how to further secure the yard. Yikes!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

We just had this same experience with Fudge last week. Some animal chewed a hole in our deer fencing and she escaped twice and was found across our street. Very scary and now I see her checking out the fence each and every time she goes out. I will be following this discussion, but for now, we are reinforcing our deer fencing and she never goes out unattended. Good luck!

[Bonnie and Kona]

I did read about Fudge taking off on her own. Terrifying. Honestly, it has been "house arrest" here for all the dogs since this incident. I will not allow them outside without my supervision. For dogs that used to get to be loose in the yard anytime they choose, they are doing well just lounging around the house. This weekend will be serious  inspection time for repairs. Good luck to you, too!

[Bonnie and Kona]

Update: After 4 days of "house arrest" and then the granddog going back home last week, Owen has shown no interest in the fence. Phew!

[shelly]

GREAT!