How to Handle a Fence Jumper

Don't let your backyard turn into a jail for your dog. A dog that has acquired the habit of jumping the fence can cause a good deal of trouble for everyone. The dog takes the chance of wandering around the neighborhood and possibly getting hit by a car or picked up by animal control. According to dog specialist and TV personality, Cesar Millan, a dog jumps the fence because it's bored and not receiving enough exercise. He says the way to handle a fence jumper is to give it attention, exercise and activity.

Instructions

    • 1

      Take your dog for a long walk every day. If it has enough activity it will be less bored and less inclined to jump the fence.

    • 2

      Get your dog neutered or spayed, if you haven't done so yet. A male dog can smell a female dog in heat and may try to jump the fence to get to her.

    • 3

      Watch your dog closely when it is in your backyard. Correct it with a loud "No!" if it appears to want to escape and goes to the fence. You should be able to tell when the dog is about to jump by his body language.

    • 4

      Fix any holes in your fence and consider installing a higher fence. If possible, install a tall fence in a small area just outside your door to serve as a play area for the dog.

    • 5

      Plant bushes a few feet from the interior of your fence. This will act as a deterrent and make it more difficult for the dog to get a running start and jump over the fence.

    • 6

      Weave fabric or plastic strips through chain-link fences so the dog can't see other dogs, people or animals to entice it to jump over the fence.

    • 7

      Install a farm-wire type of shock device on the top of the fence. The wire will give the dog a small shock, and it will quickly learn not to jump over the fence.

    • 8

      Install an invisible fence if your dog continues to jump the fence. An invisible fence will give the dog a small shock when it steps outside the boundaries of your yard. It will quickly learn to stay in the yard.