If your dog is able to jump and clear your 4 foot fence, there are several ways you can deter this behavior and keep them safely contained in your yard. In the opening paragraphs, we’ll go over some quick answers to common questions about dogs jumping fences before diving into more details.
Page Contents
Why do dogs jump fences?
There are a few common reasons dogs jump fences:
- Boredom or lack of exercise – Dogs need mental and physical stimulation. If they are bored or have pent up energy, they may jump the fence looking for adventure.
- Trying to escape – Some dogs jump fences in an attempt to get out of the yard and roam free. This is especially common with breeds like Siberian Huskies that have strong roaming instincts.
- Chasing something – A dog may jump the fence to chase after another dog, person, or small animal that has gotten their attention.
- Separation anxiety – Dogs with separation anxiety may jump fences when left alone in an attempt to find their owner.
How high can dogs jump?
The maximum jumping height for dogs depends on the breed, size, age and physical condition. Here are some averages:
- Small dogs – Can typically jump around 3-4 feet high.
- Medium dogs – Can often clear fences 4-6 feet high.
- Large and giant breed dogs – Some can jump as high as 8-10 feet.
- Agility dogs – With training, can jump 6 feet or more.
So while a 4 foot high fence may deter some smaller or older dogs, many athletic breeds can easily scale fences of this height when properly motivated.
Tips to stop fence jumping
If your dog is jumping your 4 foot fence, here are some tips to curb the behavior:
Add fence extensions
Adding vertical fence extensions is one of the simplest ways to increase the effective height of your existing 4 foot fence. Options include:
- Add metal or plastic fence slats that extend your fence by 12-18 inches. This brings the total height to 5-5.5 feet.
- Install a wire extension that angles inward at the top to make it hard for the dog to get proper leverage and footing when jumping.
- Attach a coyote roller bar along the top of the fence. The rolling cylinder prevents dogs from getting a grip.
Use physical deterrents
There are also some physical devices that can deter jumping when installed on top of your fence such as:
- Spiked fence toppers
- Electric wire – gives a safe but startling shock
- Motion activated spray deterrents
These make it unpleasant for a dog who attempts to jump and they will learn to avoid. Just be sure to monitor your dog closely when first installing one of these deterrents.
Build a double fence
Building a secondary, inner fence set back around 3-4 feet from your existing fence can also stop jumping. The extra barriers make it much harder for the dog to build up speed and jump both.
Install lean angle brackets
Brackets installed at the top corners of the fence that make it lean inward at about a 30 degree angle can deter jumping. Dogs will be unable to properly leverage themselves when attempting to jump an angled fence.
Invisible, underground, or “hidden” fencing uses a wire placed around your yard to mark the containment borders. Your dog wears a special collar calibrated to the fence that delivers a static correction if they try to cross the boundary. This can be a good solution if you don’t want the aesthetics of a tall, extended fence.
Discourage the behavior
Whenever you catch your dog jumping, discourage the behavior by:
- Yelling a firm “No!” or loud noise to startle them off the fence.
- Use a spray bottle or hose to spritz them with water.
- Rattle a can filled with coins or pennies to alarm them away from the fence.
Doing this consistently can teach them that jumping is an unwanted behavior. You want them to associate getting near the fence with something unpleasant.
Address underlying causes
Take time to identify and address any underlying causes for your dog’s jumping, such as:
- Boredom – make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise and engaging toys to play with in the yard.
- Lack of socialization – be sure they get adequate positive interaction with other dogs and people.
- Poor training – reward them for obeying fence boundaries during supervised time in the yard.
- Separation anxiety – try calming aids like a Thundershirt when leaving them alone.
How high should my fence be?
If your 4 foot fence isn’t cutting it, here are some recommendations on minimum fence heights to contain different dogs:
| Dog Size | Minimum Fence Height |
|---|---|
| Small dogs under 25 lbs | 4 feet |
| Medium dogs 25-50 lbs | 5 feet |
| Large dogs 50-100 lbs | 6 feet |
| Giant breeds over 100 lbs | 6-8 feet |
For highly athletic or determined jumpers, you may need to go even higher than these recommendations. It also depends on your specific dog’s abilities. A 6 foot fence may be sufficient for one 40 pound Border Collie but completely inadequate for another.
Conclusion
Dogs who jump fences require diligent yet compassionate handling. While taking steps to keep them safely contained, be sure to also address the root motivations for their escape attempts. With consistent training and meeting their needs for exercise and stimulation, most dogs can learn to stay within the fence boundaries.
In extreme cases where dogs persistently jump even 6-8 foot fences, you may need to resort to alternative containment methods like digging escape-proof foundations, pouring concrete footer barriers, or using overhead run lines. But in most average backyard scenarios, a combination of additional fence height, physical deterrents, and behavior modification does the trick to stop fence jumpers in their tracks.
If you have trouble resolving a fence jumping issue, don’t hesitate to enlist the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can assess your individual situation and provide guidance tailored to your dog’s unique personality and needs. With patience and consistency, you can have peace of mind knowing your dog is secure and safe in your yard.
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