The first thing I’m going to say about this topic – is that there are breeds who are known for being escape artists, and one of the infamous ones is Yorkies.
So if you’re someone who wants to keep a Yorkie, make sure that your yard is sealed up tight – that there is no way that they can get out. Make sure you have proper fencing, and that there’s no way that they can slip or dig their way out of the yard.
Another tip: make sure that your yard is divided in two. Check that your dogs are secure when you go to the shops or to work. It might take you an extra 10 minutes to put your dogs at the back, take the car out, close the gate and let your dogs back in the front. But it’s worth it. This would fall into the category of being a responsible pet owner. And if you have a dog that jumps the fence? Take the time and the money to make your fence higher or get anti-jump rollers put all along your fence.
Let’s briefly talk about puppies. With puppies you need to be more vigilant – and take the time as well as spend the money to make your yard as secure as possible. If you have palisade, take the time and the money to put up something like chicken wire, or long planks between the open gaps in the palisade.
Addressing something else: if you have an escape artist, make sure that they’re getting daily exercise, that they get to exercise out their excess energy. Make sure to keep them occupied when they go out – this will probably also make them less likely to want to be an escape artist, because their attention is focused elsewhere.
One other point I want to make: sterilizing your animal can also help with those who like wandering around and escaping their yard.
The last option I’m going to mention – and this is only a last resort if you have tried everything possible to keep your dog in the yard and where nothing is working: running chain. Again, only use this as a last resort if you’ve tried everything else. There are some people who don’t agree with this method – and for some people, it’s the only option they have to keep their dog safe and from wandering around.
Last thing I want to say before I close off this blog post:
There are going to be people who don’t give any consideration for whether their dogs get out the yard or not. Here’s one thing I want to say: Though you might very well disagree heavily with those sort of people, and want to give them a good talking to – don’t be one of those who discuss such people with others; it’s not worth your time or the mental space you might want to give such people.
As always, please always practice responsible pet ownership.
Blog Post By Your Pet Caring Friend,
Carmen Harris.