jumper

Question
we adopted our dog in June, she is 2 yr, loving, hyper & full of life. We were told she was sheperd mix, but after research, I think she is Kelpie & Shiba Inu mix. Our problem is that she jumps! we just put up a 6 ft fence and she can clear it (she jumps, doesnt climb it). thank goodness we have a neighbor that is home all day and he will put her back in the yard (on her chain...I hate doing that to her). We recently got a 4yr lab, they get along great. We also take the dogs to the dog park and give them plentyof exercise daily. How can I keep her from continuing to jump the fence? I am so worried that something will happen to her. I'm up to any advice

Answer
Hi Mundy,

Sometimes, when a dog is bored, jumping the fence is an exciting activity. It can help to give your jumping dog something to do when she's out in your yard. Have you tried leaving your dog with a Kong or Buster Cube dog toy? You fill these toys with treats, so your dog will be spending time trying to get the treats out.

Probably the simplest way to keep your dog from jumping over your fence would be to have her wear an "anti-jump" harness. This kind of harness allows your dog full mobility, while preventing jumping. Here's an example:
http://www.dog.com/item/vo-toys-anti-jump-harness-for-dogs/?srccode=DNEXTAG

Some hardware stores stock a complete kit or the materials you'd need to increase the height of your fence. Alternatively, you can climb-proof your fence using welded wire "leaners", a very affordable, practical and effective solution that's not hard to construct. Welded wire or fabric fencing makes a better leaner for dog containment purposes than does barbed wire. For clear, step by step directions, go to Clova Abrahamson's web-page at:
http://www.dogsdeservebetter.com/clova.html

Another option would be to buy rolls of garden fence (also known as rabbit fencing), the metal mesh kind that you can bend. Get the 3 foot variety, enough to span the top of your entire fence. For wood fences, unroll the fencing and with a helper, attach it to the wood using a staple gun. You can use wire to attach it to an iron fence. Then bend it in half to make a 90 degree angle. Your dog will not be able to clear the wobbly wire hanging over her head. Some pet supply stores also sell "cat fencing' that would also work.

Best of luck,
Patti