Opening doors.

[Lynda Kamrath]

We had a little experience with our dogs today.  We left them at home for six hours while my husband worked at the gallery and I went shopping and then out to a late lunch with friends.  When we arrived home, the dogs were running around in front of the house and the workshop door was open.  Apparently, Harpo pulled down the latch on the back door to the workshop, then opened the front door from inside.  It was locked from the outside.  He had opened the door to the laundry room using the same trick before we took off, so I locked the door from the inside.  A few weeks ago, he opened the gate the same way, stands up and pulls down the latch.  He opens all the doors in the house (we have pocket doors) and now opens the doors with latches and gates.  Luckily we are usually home, but this could seriously be a problem.  My neighbor said they were only out for about 20 minutes because his dog tells him when our dogs are out and he saw the dogs running around but saw us drive in a little later.  Maybe not enough time to really get in trouble.  

[Bob Johnston]

I think some sort of child safety door knob cover should stop him from opening the doors. Not sure exactly what type of knobs you have but I am sure they make them for every type on the market.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Yes, my thoughts exactly.  My oldest daughter was actually an "escape artist" when she was a little girl....she would wait until I was in the bathroom and then make a run for it.  Child safety locks were the answer for us.  I can't believe how smart Harpo is to figure this out.

[Julie Taylor]

Install deadbolts on your doors.

[Pat and Traveler]

Harpo is tooooo smart!  He's seeing doors and gates as interesting challenges.  :)  Glad the dogs were okay...

[Lynda Kamrath]

Right Jane and Bob.  We are working on it.  Reminds me of a story about 30 years ago.  I used to sit in the dark and watch t.v. while waiting for my husband to get home from work.  One night about 10:30, I heard a light knock on the door and went into a side bedroom to look out onto the porch.  Our little neighbor girl was there in her pajamas, so I opened up for her and asked what she was doing there.  She asked innocently, "Can Kris come out and play?"  I called her mother and when she answered the phone, I asked if she knew where Darcy was.  She answered curtly, "Of course, she is sleeping, the same as I was until you called."  I answered, "Afraid not. She is here at my house."  She came right over and took Darcy home and the next day was installing deadbolts up high on the door so the kids could not reach them.  So, I guess I need some deadbolts or at least better locks on the door so the dogs can't open them.  And yes, Pat, Harpo is just too smart.

[Kyoko]

Trouble maker!!! LOL. But thank godness they were OK and did not ger hurt or anything. I would be afraid of cars....

[Lynda Kamrath]

There really are not many cars out here.  We are on a dead-end street and one of the first houses up the hill.  Everyone knows us and our dogs.  There used to be some neighbors next door who would call the pound if they saw our dogs out, but they have moved on (thank goodness).  So it is basically safe out here unless they go down the hill and somehow get onto the freeway.  I can't do that, so I suppose they would not be able to do it either, but you just never know.

[Kyoko]

http://bit.ly/1epkitd

 

Linda, You have to watch this video!!