Dear Inquisitive Canine,
Q: Our dog jumps the indoor baby gate when we leave home or when she hears certain noises outside. We rent, and our front yard fence is about 3 feet high. So, I’m worried that she could easily hop over this fence if she wanted to explore sounds or scents beyond our yard.
How can I prevent her from running off?
— Concerned Pet Parent
A: Hello, Concerned! It sounds like you have one inquisitive — and agile — canine! And of course, you want to keep her safe and secure. Bravo for being such a proactive dog guardian!
To begin with, I would suggest you only allow your dog yard access when you are there to supervise and train. Using high-value yummy food treats, reward her for remaining on your property.
Remember, we can never be thanked enough for doing something someone else wants — especially when it’s as difficult as not going out to spend time playing with friends and neighbors.
Additionally, consider why else your pup might be wanting to jump the gate or fence. Beneath every behavior is a need.
Is your dog struggling with separation issues? Or is she bored and looking for grand adventures?
Working with a certified professional force-free dog trainer or canine behavior consultant can help with both management solutions and training necessary skills.
Dog training skills for coaching your dog to stay in the yard include:
- Teaching your dog how to come when called (recall)
- “Leave it!” — the cue I use when I want a dog to stop what he or she is doing and come to me
- Teaching Fluffy to target (or touch) your hand with her paw or nose on cue. Targeting is an enjoyable and useful activity. Plus, it is one more way to get your dog to come to you.
And now for the really fun part: creating an inviting environment can help motivate your pup to stay home, rather than hop the fence.
An enriching environment can include scavenger hunts, interactive food toys, chewies, bones and even a digging pit in your yard. Help her discover that staying at home is a better pay-off!
Thank you for being inquisitive and conscientious.