The Great Escape
Do you struggle with a dog who is always trying to escape your home and yard? This can be very stressful for a new family to deal with. It may also be something you didn’t even consider when adopting your new dog.
This is where our practice of prevention and management is key. Always start with keeping your dog, secured away from the door when visitors arrive. From there with everybody inside and door closed, you can work on a proper introduction routine or simply leave your dog out of the interaction. You can plan to give them a nice slow enrichment food toy or good chew to help them feel settled.
Choose to work on your door routine when your house is quiet, and you are able to actively supervise. Start with keeping your dog on a leash and reward them for not trying to get out the door. Practice having them sit while you attempt to open the door. If they pop up, you simply close the door and wait for that sit again.
They will learn quickly that trying to leave before being given permission will make the door shut. As well, you need to teach them that looking to you and offering that sit on the inside of your door is far more rewarding to them than what is outside. Do not be cheap with your rewards!
Always break it up and practice in short fun sessions. You will also benefit from teaching a stay cue to build further on that self control with distractions and some distance from you. As well teach a solid recall, if your dog does happen to get out the door.
Obviously being able to provide your dog with a safe, secure, and even possibly covered outdoor run is the best option. Realistically, that may not be something that you can feasibly set up for all kinds of reasons. Perhaps they are even escaping all the provisions you have already put in place.
You may need to evaluate their outdoor space and continue to make improvements. It may also be wise not to allow any unsupervised time outside in the back until we are confident it is safe. We do not want them to self reward those super fun escapes! You can use a long line to give your dog some freedom to do their business and give you peace of mind.
If your dog is jumping the fence, ensure first that it is the appropriate height and that any sheds, flower beds or furniture in your yard are not being used to aid them. You can research all types of escape proof or coyote fencing online. For example, some will run something along the top leaning in at a 45-degree angle to create a visual barrier.
If your dog is trying to dig themselves out, you can try securing the bottom of the fence to the ground with chicken wire. Make sure you secure it properly to the ground and if possible, even consider a hard surface such as concrete. It is important to work with and train your dog to replace the digging with something more constructive or even provide a “legal” digging spot, if they do really enjoy it.
You do not want to leave them alone unsupervised for long periods of time. The most important part in your training is to consider your dogs emotions and needs and really get to the root of their “escaping” behaviours. They may just simply be bored being left outside for too long. We need to provide them some options to keep them out of the weather and busy while alone. You need to ensure too, that your dog is getting the appropriate amount of physical exercise and play!
If you are finding yourself struggling with complex anxiety and constant escaping, do not hesitate to talk to your vet about solutions and finding an experienced, certified professional behavior consultant who can take you further in your training. It can be a long slow difficult road with behavior modification, and you will need all the support you can get!
