Dog Community

Getting Out Of Fence.

Posted : 1/20/2007 6:16:00 AM

My chihuahua always seems to get underneath the fence in our backyard. (Underneath the door on it) He's so small that we can't really do anything to fix the problem. I think there's about 10 inches of space? and he just slides right under. We've tried putting bricks and everything there but somehow he seems to get out. The good thing though is as soon as he gets out and does his business, he comes straight to the front door. (and I'm all excited about that, which is more than likely a bad thing, but I want him to know coming to the front door is good, don't I?) I'm just really scared he's going to get hit or stolen or something. We live on a very busy street. I've yelled at him before but I felt awful about it (Just saying his name angry and giving him the "MEAN MOM" face) so I'm not sure how I should teach him that's a no-no. He also lays on his back and pees when he knows he's in trouble, so you can only imagine how great that is! Crying

Is there any way I can teach him that it's not good to go running off? I just don't want anything happening to him.

glenmar

Posted : 1/20/2007 6:40:45 AM

Do you have to use that gate? If not I'd get some heavy guage wire fencing and attach it to both sides beside the gate so he can't get out at all. Or maybe a landscaping tie? That's going to be too heavy for him to relocate and should be plenty long enough to protect the area.

Every time he gets out he reinforces the habit so you need to stop this right away before he does get hurt.

mrv

Posted : 1/20/2007 9:04:36 AM

Yes it would be possible to train however, a forum would rarely provide the adequate information, feedback and adjustment necessary to do so adequately. It would also take keeping him on lead, supervised at all times in the yard and frequent practices (read that as multiple sessions daily). Glenda's management strategy of addressing the gate is far more productive in my opinion.

Lynn

Posted : 1/20/2007 10:19:32 AM

If you do have to use the gate, then you could purchase some concrete building blocks anddig under the gate area just enough so that when the blocks are in posistion, they come up close enough to the gate that he can't get out, but the 10" gap is permanently closed. The blocks have 2 holes on them, and this area can be filled back in with dirt so nothing is going to move them. This would be very well worth the effort and something I would do this very weekend. It only takes one more time out for him to get hurt.

While you are at the hardware store, I will also recommend getting a lock. People will come into your yard at some point, and leave the gate opened. Or steal your dog. It's been done while the people were at home, so I would keep it locked all the time.

The lock I prefer cost a bit more - but it doesn't require a key. It is a combination lock and you get to set the numbers - so you won't forget what it is. That way you can still use the gate when you need it, but your dogs will be much more protected.

redlegos

Posted : 1/20/2007 10:57:26 AM

Thanks for you guys giving me some advice so quickly! As of now I either just go outside with him and wait or just wait right by the door and watch his every move. We do use the door, so getting some concrete building blocks wont be any trouble. I'm moving out in a couple months and the new backyard doesn't have any gaps or spaces.. so it won't be any trouble. [

] I'm so glad about that.

Bloodhound

Posted : 1/20/2007 2:49:39 PM

there are little fence folding enclosers that you could purchase for your dog. It could be a lifetime problem if your pup doesnt get much bigger

Michelle

Posted : 1/20/2007 3:18:16 PM

I had this problem with a gate once on a rental property, so I had to do something that wouldn't mar the gate permanently. I got some of the plastic garden fencing from the Home Depot, the decorative kind that's about 10'' or so high, including plastic stakes that go in the ground. Then I used the plastic ties to attach it to the gate, so that the stakes pointed downward and just missed the ground. They were close enough together that the dog couldn't get through them and couldn't get under the gate anymore. If you have a chewer, then you might want to get something metal. It worked really well and didn't look too horrible, and allowed the gate to still be useable.