How do I keep my small dog going through the fence?

Quick Answers

Small dogs can slip through fences if the gaps are too big. To keep them contained, check for gaps and block them. Bury fencing 1-2 feet underground to prevent digging under. Use proper fence height – 4 feet for small dogs. Install coyote rollers on top to prevent climbing over. Train dogs on boundaries. Monitor them outside. Use positive reinforcement to redirect fence-testing behaviors.

Assessing Gaps in Existing Fencing

One of the most common ways small dogs escape yards is by squeezing through gaps in fencing. Even spaces as small as 3-4 inches can be enough for a compact dog to squeeze through.

To assess if your existing fence has any gaps, do a perimeter check walking right along the fence line. Look closely at ground level, as small gaps often go unnoticed from a standing position. Also check for loose or separated fence boards, as these can create impromptu gaps when Dogs push on them.

Pay particular attention around gates, as the moving parts here mean more potential for warped boards over time. Gaps often form at hinge points or where the latch closes. Examine both sides of the gate.

Also inspect areas where the fence changes direction or connects to the house. Gaps sometimes occur if the fencing wasn’t properly joined.

Any gaps identified will need to be blocked. This can be done by:

– Adding new boards, wire or panels to fill the space
– Securing loose boards to close separations
– Adding metal sheeting or meshes across problem areas
– Filling small gaps with expandable caulk designed for outdoors

Be sure to regularly check the fence perimeter every few months for new gaps that may appear over time due to weathering.

Burying Fencing to Prevent Digging Under

Some small dogs are proficient diggers and can tunnel under fences surprisingly quickly. To prevent escape by digging:

– Bury fencing 1-2 feet underground around the perimeter. This creates an “L” shaped footing the dog can’t dig past.

– For wire fencing, turn the bottom 1-2 feet horizontally underground before bringing it up vertically above ground.

– For wood/metal fencing, a trench will need to be dug first before installing a footer plank or pole in the trench to attach fencing to.

– Lay chain link or hardware cloth at fence bottom to make digging uncomfortable.

– Use dug footer holes as opportunities to sink large rocks or pavers along the fence line – these help obstruct further digging.

– Check periodically for any evidence of digging, such as loosened soil or small holes, and fill these in quickly.

Using Proper Fence Heights

Fences must be tall enough to prevent a small dog from jumping over. Some guidelines based on average dog heights:

– Under 15 inches tall – 24-30 inch fence height
– 15-25 inches tall – 30-36 inch fence height
– Over 25 inches tall – 4 foot fence height

The main exceptions are athletic dogs who can exceed typical jump heights, such as Jack Russell Terriers. For these dogs, a 4-5 foot fence is safer.

For any fence under 4 feet, also consider adding:

– Coyote rollers – curved capping to prevent footholds over the top
– Inward-angled fence extensions – tops tilted inwards deters climbing

A solid privacy fence also helps minimize height needs compared to a see-through fence. Dogs are less tempted to jump if they can’t see the other side.

Sample Fence Height Table

Dog Height	Recommended Fence Height
Under 15 inches	24-30 inches
15-25 inches	30-36 inches
Over 25 inches	48 inches (4 feet)

Installing Coyote Rollers

Coyote rollers are a very effective way to keep small dogs from climbing over fences. These are rounded capping pieces that attach to fence tops. When dogs attempt to grip the roller, it spins, preventing them from getting over.

Some tips for installing coyote rollers:

– Use rollers designed for pets/small animals not coyotes, as these are sized appropriately.

– Rollers need a 1-2 inch fence top gap to allow spinning. Check manufacturer guidelines.

– Space rollers every 2-4 inches apart so dog can’t squeeze between.

– For chain link fences, get rollers with internal clips to attach to wire.

– For wood/vinyl, attach with exterior screws drilled into fence boards.

– Use end/corner rollers on terminal posts to prevent bypassing.

– Check rollers regularly for damage, cracks or stiffness that could impede spinning.

Coyote rollers work best alongside proper fence height. For short fences under 4 feet, they provide important added insurance against dog escapes.

Training Dogs on Fence Boundaries

In addition to escape-proofing the fence itself, it’s important to train dogs to respect the fence boundary. No fence is 100% guaranteed to contain a determined dog, so reinforcing obedience is key.

Some tips for training fence obedience:

– Start training early before fence-testing behaviors develop.

– During supervised outside time, interrupt and redirect any attempted digging, jumping or squeezing through the fence.

– Use obedience commands like “leave it” and “come” to draw dog away from fence. Praise for compliance.

– Never let dog slip through gaps or dig under, as this rewards the behavior.

– Designate an approved potty area away from fence lines.

– Discourage prolonged fence pacing, barking or fixation which can precede an escape attempt.

– Use positive reinforcement like treats and praise for sticking to the yard area during outside time.

– If dog tries testing fence with you outside, correcting them with a firm “No” can help convey fences are off-limits.

Consistency is key – dogs should learn they receive attention and rewards for staying in the yard, not attempting to defeat fences.

Monitoring Dogs When Outside

Supervising dogs any time they are in the yard is important to prevent and correct fence escape attempts. Even if the yard seems escape-proof, don’t leave dogs unmonitored until fence obedience is well-established.

When supervising outside time:

– Keep dogs in view to look for any fence-testing.

– Intervene and redirect any digging, climbing or squeezing behaviors.

– Use obedience cues like “leave it” or “come” as needed away from the fence.

– Reward staying in the yard area with praise or treats.

– Avoid letting dogs play near fences unsupervised, as play arousal can lead to impulsive escape behaviors.

– Check that gates are properly latched when letting dogs in/out. Close immediately after use.

– Try to limit distractions outside the fence line (people, animals), as these encourage escapes.

– Bring dogs in after short intervals if repeatedly focused on the fence vs. playing.

Having a drag leash on dogs while in the yard can make it easier to quickly gain control and redirect any fence-testing.

Redirecting Fence-Testing Behaviors

Some dogs persistently test and challenge fences despite training. In these cases, redirecting their desire to escape is key. Redirection uses rewards to shift dog’s focus to approved behaviors instead.

To redirect fence obsession:

– Reward attention on you not the fence with praise, treats, play.

– Teach a “watch” cue where dog makes eye contact with you on command.

– Ask for obedience commands like “sit” or “down” to refocus when fixating on the fence. Reward compliance.

– Provide lots of active exercise and mental stimulation before yard time to burn energy.

– Rotate novel, engaging toys to maintain curiosity and interest.

– Try treat-stuffed puzzle toys secured in yard to hold dog’s focus on an approved activity.

– Allow access to the yard only on leash/long line to control fence access while rebuilding obedience.

– Use head collars/front-clip harnesses to keep dogs near and redirect attempts to test fences.

The goal is fulfilling dogs’ needs with other activities so the fence loses appeal over time. But remain vigilant – some obsessive dogs may need lifelong management.

Conclusion

Small dogs can be a challenge to contain with fencing due to their ability to slip through small spaces and climb/jump proportional to their size. Preventing escapes requires a combination approach:

– Eliminate any gaps, weak spots or openings in fencing that could allow dogs to squeeze through or under.

– Use sufficiently high fences or add anti-climb measures like coyote rollers.

– Reinforce obedience to fence boundaries through positive training.

– Supervise dogs outside to interrupt any fence-testing behaviors before they can be rewarded.

– Redirect obsessive fixation on escaping using rewards for approved activities that hold dogs’ focus in the yard.

With the right fence preparations and training, even petite escape artists can learn where their outdoor boundaries lie. But be prepared for ongoing diligence, as the urge to test fences may never disappear entirely for some focused dogs. Consistency and prevention are key to keep yards safely dog-secure.