Puppies need a secure yard with room to play and no hazards. If you have a fence, examine every foot of it to make sure there are no escape routes or places where your puppy can become stuck.
Underground fences work well for some and are less expensive than actual fences. Companies will install the fence and train your dog to stay inside it, or show you how to train the dog. These systems have a buried wire along the perimeter of the yard. Your dog wears a collar with a receiver operating on a radio frequency that gives him a mild shock if he gets to close to the perimeter.
Dogs cannot dig under or jump over invisible fences; however they must be trained to recognize the perimeter and to understand the shock corresponds to approaching the perimeter.
Some dogs will run right through the invisible fence and endure the shock if the reward on the other side is great enough. Invisible fences do not protect your dog from other dogs, wildlife or theft.
Tie-outs are OK for short periods but never leave a dog unsupervised for more than a few minutes. If you can’t install a real or invisible fence, consider a dog run or smaller enclosed area, rather than a tie-out.
Secure gate latches with a child lock, padlock or rope and closely supervise your puppy to be sure there is no escape route or place he can hurt himself. He might not reveal his escape secrets right away, so keep an eye on him.
If your dog is a digger, put wire, chain link or rocks at the base of the fence. If he’s a climber, add inward facing wire to the top of the fence to prevent him from getting a foothold to launch himself over.
Spaying or neutering your dog at about 6 months of age can curb the urge to wander off and find a mate. And if your yard is fun, and has interesting toys and places to play, fresh water and a shady spot, it’s more likely your dog will want to stay put.
Finally, if your dog is a terminal escapee, consult a professional behaviorist or dog trainer who can help you find a solution for keeping your dog at home.
