Is your dog a champion high-jumper? Do they always seem to think that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence? Fence jumping isn’t just annoying, it can be harmful to your dog, your neighbors, the local wildlife, and even your wallet. We explain why dogs hop fences, as well as a few tips and tricks that have worked to keep other fence-jumping pups in their own yards.
Why Do Dogs Hop Fences?
- High Prey Drive—Squirrels, cats, and other small animals might use your fence as a walkway, and dogs with high prey drives will often go after them, even if it means jumping over the fence.
- Boredom—The fence is there, your dog knows how to jump, and, well, why not?
- Curiosity—Your neighbors making odd noises, the scratching of another animal, whatever it is going on, your dog wants to know.
- Separation Anxiety—Some dogs hop the fence because they want to find their humans.
- For a Visit—This behavior is most common with intact males when they scent a female dog in heat. However, other dogs have hopped the fence to score some of the good treats the neighbor hands out, or to play with the pup next door.
- To Make You Mad. Just kidding! That’s only how it feels when your dog intentionally jumps the fence right before you have to leave for work.
The Dangers of Fence-Jumping
From getting caught on the fence to jumping into a fight, fence hopping can be dangerous for dogs.
The most common injuries for dogs who jump over fences come from the fence itself. Collars can get caught on the fencing, dew claws can get ripped off, and scrapes and abrasions are common. Some cuts and scrapes can be treated at home, while more severe or excessively bleeding wounds will need veterinary intervention.
Chasing wildlife can also cause injuries. Bites and scratches from a wild animal (or your neighbor’s dogs) can cause dangerous infections and carry the risk of exposure to rabies. People are also a cause for concern—if they think your dog is aggressive, they may act accordingly.
Having an escape artist as a pet can also hurt your wallet. Arizona has fines for dogs who are “running at large,” or off leash and out of your control. This class 1 misdemeanor can have fines of up to $2,500!
Six Tips to Stop Your Dog from Jumping the Fence
1: Leash Your Pet
Putting your dog on a tie-out is the most cost-effective way to curb their fence-hopping habit. If you choose to go this route, there are a few things to think about.
- Be sure that the tie-out lead does not extend to the fence. You DO NOT want your dog to attempt a jump while attached to the leash, this can cause severe injuries and even death.
- Check that your lead is rated for the strength of your dog. Otherwise, it will snap.
- Attach your pet to the lead with a harness, as a collar will harm their throat if they pull.
2: Exercise Your Dog More Often
A tired dog is typically a well-behaved dog. Since one of the reasons dogs like to hop fences is boredom, it’s important to make sure they are well-exercised, both physically and mentally. Exercise helps burn off excess energy and gives them some mental stimulation. You don’t have to take a long hike, although that is good fun! A turn or two around the block, a puzzle toy, or even a lick mat can be enough to prevent boredom.
3: Build a Taller Fence
Raising the height of your fence can eliminate your dog’s ability to jump over it. But be warned, some dogs take the extended height as a challenge.
4: Install Coyote Rollers
Coyote rollers are spinning bars installed on the top of a fence. They stop your dog from gaining purchase on the edge to get over, and instead, roll them back into the yard.
5: Install Redundant Fencing
Some dogs just love jumping, so building a false fence can help. The general rule is to build it at a height they can hop easily, but not give them enough room on the other side to jump over the exterior fencing.
6: Block or Improve the View
If your dog is jumping out of curiosity, installing a doggy window can help by satisfying some of their curiosity. On the other hand, if your dog has a strong prey drive, blocking the view can help. For instance, if you have a chain link fence, try installing some privacy slatting.
Veterinary Care That Will Have You Jumping for Joy
From emergencies to annual checkups, East Valley Animal Hospital is here to help you take care of your pet. We treat every pet like one of our own, which means your dog is getting only the very best care. Contact us today to make an appointment.
Images used under creative commons licence – commercial use (10/31/24). Photo by Atanas Teodosiev on Unsplash.