It is every pet owner’s worst nightmare. You go outside to let your dog into the yard for some playtime, and he gets loose! It is a tragic experience, and losing a pet in this way is a devastating blow. Therefore, you must learn how to prevent this situation from happening. The good news is there are many ways to make sure your pets don’t escape from your yard. It may take some trial and error at first but if you follow these methods carefully, you should not have any more problems with getting your animals back into their home safely.
Invest in an In-Ground Wireless Fence
An in-ground invisible fence is the most effective way to keep your pets from escaping. These are easy to install around your yard, and they come equipped with a transmitter that sends out an invisible electric current around the perimeter of your home. When your dog gets too close to this line it will give him a small zap on his collar as a warning. This shock should be enough to remind him not to cross into the forbidden zone again, and he will learn not to run through the boundary. If you have more than one pet, some wireless dog fence models offer more than one safe zone so you can create separate play areas for each animal. It is completely customizable and safe for your pets so you don’t have to worry about hurting them.
Create a Barrier with a Tall Fence
Another great strategy for keeping your pets from escaping is to simply extend the fence that you already have around your yard. This will create an immediate obstacle and give them no space to sneak past it. By adding a tall hedgerow, vines, or other plants on top of the wall you can make sure your dog cannot scale up or climb over it. You can also purchase chain-link fencing and cover the top with fabric or another material to make it less appealing for your pup to jump over. The barrier does not have to be permanent, and it can simply be an addition that you add at night. Also, if you have a vegetable garden or fruit trees in your yard, this is the perfect way to protect them against damage caused by your pets.
Practice Patience and Training
One of the main reasons your pet might be escaping is because he does not know what your property boundaries are. Your dog may not realize that going past a certain point can mean he will get lost, so you have to make it clear for him. The best way to do this is by taking a walk with him around the perimeter of your yard every day. If your pet is a fast runner or particularly determined, you should keep your dog on a leash at all times when he leaves the house to play in the yard. By doing this, you will be able to teach him where his territory begins and ends as well as explore new areas with him safely. If he goes beyond the fence line, gently tug on his leash to bring him back. Praise him when he returns to you and show him that this behavior is acceptable by letting him off the leash and rewarding him with a treat or some playtime.
Get a Dog Door
Another option for your pet door can be operated with a remote control device. This way you won’t have to worry about them getting outside accidentally as long as they always bring along their wristband or keychain with them wherever they go. It has sensors built into it so once you activate it, it will unlock the flap either closing or opening as needed. While this does mean your dog will need to wear the device at all times, it is perfect for those who are away from home during the day. They won’t be able to sneak out without it so this is an effective way to keep them safe and secure in your yard.
Make Sure Your Dog has Plenty of Room To Play
The best thing you can do for your dog is to make sure he has plenty of room to run and play in your yard. This is especially important for breeds such as hunting dogs, sled dogs, and herding animals because they need a lot of exercises each day. It doesn’t matter whether you have a big backyard or live in an apartment, there are always ways to create more space for your pet. If you want, you can install some agility equipment like tunnels and ramps so that they always have something new and fun to explore. You also might consider planting tall grass along the perimeter of the yard since this provides shade and a place for your pet to take cover if he feels threatened.
You can never be too careful when it comes to keeping your pets safe at home, but with these simple strategies, you will be able to relax and enjoy the company of your furry friends. Not only does this often reduce stress levels in both humans and animals, but it is also an excellent way to stay healthy and happy throughout life. Before you know it, your dog will have a perfectly safe hang-out spot for himself that he will never want to leave.
