Hi - I've just signed up here and wonder if anyone can advise me? We have a very lively 4.5 month old saluki x whippet bitch. We've done some basic clicker training and her recall is good. She's learning to sit, stay and wait and getting gradually better as the days go by. My 'problem' is this. We live in the country, but on a main road. Not a busy road, but it has its moments. At present the pup is always with one of us when she goes out up to the field. She is going to be able to jump (well she already can) - but so far she has not attempted to jump or have any interest in the fence or gate (which opens on to the road). The bit of fencing I'm concerned about is about 25 feet long, I suppose. The rest of the property has a thick, uninviting hedge (with shrubby trees) and fence. I've been reading other posts about getting the yard really well fenced, and that's obviously something I'm going to be looking into. But is there anything I can do on the training front to discourage her from even thinking about it? I don't think the invisible fence method would work, since the fence comes in very close to our back door (so would presumably be unworkable)? Anyway, I'm not sure it would be the answer. Anyone have any tips? Also regarding getting dog proof fencing - where might I go to find it? What sort works best? Thanks!

Please don't use an electric fence.  They are cruel and they don't work.  Could elaborate but will stop there.

I think your best option is to increase the height of your fence to 6 ft, now, before she's tried to jump it. 

And/Or to make sure there is always someone with her outside.

We've just moved to the country and have had the garden fenced with 8 ft posts (2 ft in the ground) and 4 ft stock fencing with 3 strands of high tensile (?) wire on the top, which takes it up to 6 ft.  We have young beech plants growing against it as it isn't particulary beautiful, but it was the most economical way to do a run of that length.  I assume that the hedging has stock fencing running through it?  I would get it done asap but it won't be cheap, but it will be much safer for your pup and less stressful for you.

I agree don't use an invisible fence, so many dogs will override the shock and not be able to get back, or there have been cases of the owner forgetting to check the collar and the dog escaping that way. They only exist so unscrupulous people can make money out of pet owners.

You could consider a "jackal fencing" which is basically an overlap of 45 degrees, inwards; it's very hard for a dog to escape as it not only has to get up, but also backwards, before it goes over.

Good luck
Lindsay
x

Hi - and thanks very much for your replies to my first post. We're looking into dog proof (non electric) fencing and getting some quotes. I definitely don't like the electric collar/fence option. I think the pup would have a heart attack .. she's easily spooked! Anyway, I appreciate your feedback on this.

Sarah

You know I completely understand your fear, we have Weimaraners and they jump like gazelles.  The only way we kept them in was to raise the gate, and also make is solid so they cant see anything interesting towards my front door. As if something like a cat or squirrel is the other side they will try and test the fence to get through to it.  I would suggest you raise the fence. I know how expensive it is, as we are about to fence in some paddocks, and we have to make it more dog proof. 
Rachel