Limit Their Chance to Escape!
Lindsey Sjouwerman – Marketing Coordinator at Speepdro
Imaging Durham
Making sure your house and backyard are dog-proof is a
crucial step that many dog owners miss. All dogs are different—some dogs are
lazy, but others are crafty and will do anything to get out. That could mean
digging their way under your fence, jumping over it or straight up opening
the latch. They may play dumb, but don’t let that lull you into a false sense
of safety—unless you take precautions, all dogs will get out if they desperately want to.
The first thing to understand is what kind of dog you own: a
digger, a jumper or a chewer? This will dictate how you dog-proof your backyard.
Of course, there are items that all backyards should have to ensure your dog
doesn’t escape:
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| Dogs checking out the action at the fence. CC Tristan Honscheid on Flickr |
- An automatically shutting gate, widely available from any hardware store (tension in the springs forces the door closed so that you don't accidentally leave the gate open)
- Limited access to your backyard through only one gate
- No holes or other potential escape routes
Other options that pet owners can invest in include obedience training. The best practice of all is to practise
awareness and make a conscious effort to protect your furry friends. When children share the yard, it is a bit harder to address the dangers, but try. The sheer idea
of losing a dog because it got out may be enough for children to remember to
close the gate or leave the dog in the house.
In my opinion, the best way to ensure the dog doesn't get out
is to spend quality time with your pup. Go for
walks or play fetch or any activity that will tire him or her out. Essentially, give your dog something else to look forward to. Stimulate the mind,
so your dog doesn’t have to search for his or her own stimulation in the form of escape.
