Help! My Dog Can Jump Our Fence! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“Recently, my dog realized he could jump over the fence in our backyard. He only does this at night when he knows we aren’t watching. He doesn’t go far and comes back when we call him, but short of building a higher fence or never leaving him outdoors unsupervised, we can’t think of anything to stop this behavior. He’s a rescue that loves to roam. We’ve had him for 3 years and this only started 3 weeks ago. Help!” – Kacey
Quick Info
Kacey, you are right, being outdoors unsupervised is far from ideal for a dog as there are many dangers and potential threats, plus you might get into trouble with your neighbors. The safest options would be to bring your dog inside at night or build him a secure kennel in your backyard. A dog that is running out of control in the street will be at a high risk of accident or getting lost.
If those aren’t possible, unfortunately, making your fence taller or more secure is probably the best solution. There are several different things you can try to prevent your dog from climbing a fence, like adding some shrubs or fence extenders. First, I recommend trying some of the fence dog-proofing methods.
Besides the regular yard wooden fences or chain link fences, simple-to-install customizable mesh fences are an option as well. Some other DIY projects can be done with bamboo, branches, etc. A taller physical fence to contain your dog inside ensures they remain safely where you want them to be. Again, I would also consider bringing him inside at night or making a dog kennel for him to be safely secured at night.
You may also want to consider the reasons why your dog may have started to escape your yard. Sometimes dogs will start to roam if exposed to strong biological stimuli, for example, an intact male detecting a female in heat. If your dog is intact, you could consider neutering him to remove this escape motivation. Or a dog with a high prey drive might break the fence to go chase a squirrel. If you think your dog might be escaping out of boredom, ensure that you are providing plenty of stimulation during the day, like long walks, play sessions, and puzzles or other interactive toys. You will also want to make sure your dog has access to plenty of fresh water and comfortable bedding.
As you see, you do have several options. I would recommend you first find a way to make that fence taller, but also wanted to explain other options you might come across.
Dr. Paola