Dogs can be impulsive and curious. Put temptation in their path and they will head right toward it. However, with the proper training and preparations, you can keep your dog under control. One of the temptations that dogs fight every day is escaping from their own homes and yards. Part of that training to keep your dogs close to you is to eradicate the possible escape routes your dog may find as well as taking steps to ensure that your dog does not even want to escape.
When a dog escapes, they tend to roam which not only can be a danger and safety issue to your dog but also to those around them. This is how many dogs get run over by cars or attacked by wildlife or even worse, stolen or picked up by Animal Control. Therefore, it is your responsibility that they stay safe. The way to do that is a two-pronged approach. First, keep your dog occupied and happy to stay in his own yard. And second, inspect your property and search for possible escape routes your dog may find.
Keeping your dog engaged
When you dog is left alone for a period of time, such as when you are at work, they tend to become bored and feel confined. Escaping those confines becomes part of their entertainment for the day, something to keep them occupied until you come home. One of the ways to break up the monotony for your dog is to schedule regular play dates with his other dog buddies. Perhaps, you can "borrow" a friend's dog once a week for a play date and let them entertain each other.
You will also want to maintain regular exercise and training times too. Once your dog is on a routine, he will come to expect and look forward to those active times. Therefore, he may be less likely to want to escape and miss the fun. When you play regularly with your dog and makes sure he exercises, he will likely take long naps and rest while you are away. In other words, he recharges his batteries waiting for you!
Another way to keep him within the confines of your own area is to create plenty of opportunities for him to have fun. Build a special digging area just for him. Bury his treats so he can find them when you are not there. Provide plenty of activities like balls and chew toys. Some dogs even enjoy a kiddie pool to splash in or a play set where he can climb and slide.
Taking Proper Escape Precautions
When inspecting your property, make sure that your fencing is secure. Fix broken pickets and make sure that the gates stay locked and that your dog cannot disengage it. Also make sure that your fence is tall enough for your dog if he is a jumper. The larger the dog, the more height he can manage. And if your dog is a digger, you may have to bury mesh wire or metal stakes in the ground under the fencing. This will deter that sliding under the fence trick.
In addition, make sure that you spay or neuter your dog. Hormones can be a tricky thing. If your dog is not spayed or neutered and detects another dog outside of the perimeter who might be susceptible to its charms, your dog will find a way, even chewing through a fence to get to this other dog. Then you run the risk of disease or unwanted puppies in the future.
By making your yard a relaxing retreat, a place where the dog wouldn't want to leave, you are protecting him as well as others. Plus, your training will go more smoothly without the distractions to want to escape.
