Dog Breaking Fence and Getting Out...?

Question

My yellow labrador is once again up to troubles. She keeps breaking planks off our fence and keeps getting out. We try boarding up each hole she digs, and all the planks she breaks. She will still keep on breaking more planks and getting out.. what should we do??

Answer 1

Our labs are now 8 yrs old, and yes when they are young they will dig, and get of of fence anyway they can, one even learned to open the gate which had the flip lock. I bought patio stones (about 2 or 3 inches high) and placed them out side of the fence so when they dug under they would have a hard time getting out. We also buried wire fencing under the ground (not barbed wire) laid it flat on the ground by the fence where she was trying to get out, which was mostly in the front along the side of the house where she saw us or the squirrels, cats who would prance back and forth outside the fence just to irritate them. The neighbor gave me that hint. When they start digging, they do not like it when they don't feel like they are getting anywhere.(this is for digging under a fence.

Later on after the wire started showing, I decided to buy more square patio stones and place inside of the fenced in area next to the fence, so they have a hard time to move the concrete slab to dig., we did not have to do all around the fence, as their primary place to dig was in the front about 5 feet of fencing.

After one week, I was thinking how much I wish we had done this in the beginning, saving all the time of burring the wire fencing. All the time chasing the two around the neighborhood. They are really good dogs, or were, one passed away. But the other one is such a good dog. We now have her in the house, ( I never liked dogs in the house) but now enjoy her w/us very much. She has never bit anyone, but strangers are really cautious when they come up.

It makes you feel safer, because she definately lets you know when someone is around. Loves owners dearly, is a very obedient dog. We crate her when we leave, and she does fine. She even knows when we are getting dressed, and will get in her crate by herself, or you can just say "crate" and she goes in.
It is their safe haven..
Of course you have to watch for the trash until you break them.

I now feel bad for her all the times it was cold, hot, or rainy, eventhough a really large rubbermaid storage shed was bought and a light put in so when it was cold, and a place out of the rain w/bedding, etc.

Labs do need exercise, play time, and they will be a good faithful companion. If it was me, if I decided for the lab to be outside, I would do the concrete slab thing, and see if it would work. If not then go onto other remedies., or even try the security fence like another post said.

Answer 2

My best recommendation would be putting an underground fence around the interior of the wooden fencing you have. This is a safe way to keep your dog away from the actual fence. Please do not put an electric fence around either the inside or the top of the current fencing. Imagine the damage that could be done if your dog were to become entangled in the wire.

The underground fence will keep your dog protected safely and will also protect your current fencing.

Answer 3

If possible, put an electric fence up (like a horse fence) around the inside perimeter of the fence. This will stop her getting close to it and chewing it. It only needs to be about 6" away from the existing fence so it won't make your yard much smaller. The kits are only around $30.

My boyfriend's dog kept breaking out of our yard and mine would follow, but this stopped him in his tracks. You can also put a wire around the top if your dog is a climber/jumper. Don't worry about it hurting your dog. Mine all got shocked once by it and we don't even have to turn it on anymore.

Answer 4

I would suggest taking her out for walks more or playing fetch. Some type of physical activity to drain all of her energy away. She's not gonna want to run around the neighborhood if she's exhausted. Also, you didn't mention how old the dog is, but if it's young then it's probably just going through a hyper phase. All dogs will calm down as they grow older, especially if they're fixed.

Answer 5

hi. we have a large 100lb+ lab cross. we bought a radio collar for her. these cost around $300-400, much cheaper than an entire fence, and provide her with 1/2 acre of raoming space. you can make the space smaller if you want, or add units together to make it bigger. they are also portable (you can take it camping or what have you) it is very effective, works by zapping the dog when they attempt to cross boundary (warns them first) our dog is very respectful of it without being afraid and is now so well boundary trained she won't leave even when her collar is off. also these are much easier than an underground variety as yu don't have to dig up the perimeter of your property.

Answer 6

It sounds like the fence isn't sturdy enough for the dog. You might want to consider rebuilding the entire fence, or at least reinforcing it with more durable planks.

If you don't want to re-fence your entire yard, I would suggest getting your dog a chain link kennel at least 10' x 10'. You can either put her in this or leave her in the house when you go out of the house. You might want to decide to keep her in the kennel every time she has to be outside without supervision.

Answer 7

you should switch you wood fence to a metal fence that goes under the ground a couple feet so she cant get out from digging. plus she cant bite on it or get it loose

Answer 8

isolation in a backyard is no place for a lab,,,,,, a LAB is a hunting dog with lots of energy to burn.... MAKE SURE SHE IS SPAYED first....... if you cannot be with your dog i would suggest crating her when you are not home - inside... take her for long runs in the woods/park,,, play lots and lots and lots of tennis ball retrieve... bring her swimming...... yo have to give her an outlet and always remember what she was bred to do.... run, hunt, retrieve and swim

Answer 9

Keep her inside and walk her with a leash