The Great Escape
December 2, 2003
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Posted by Aubrey Turner
I put the dog outside when I left this morning. She had food, water, a bed, and a large enclosed patio and the yard to play in. When I returned this evening she was sitting on the bed watching the door. I let her in and took her for a walk. When we returned my neighbor across the street was waiting at the door. He told me that the dog had gotten out twice during the day, and had been found near the highway. Fortunately a woman found her, called the vet listed on her tag and got my address. She, along with my neighbor, put the dog back in the yard and moved a big planter in front of the gate so she couldn’t get out (she’d dug a small hole under the gate where there was a small gap). I’d leaned an extra section of wood fencing in front of the gate, but she’d managed to worm her way behind it.
I guess we’re just very lucky that she made it back. She could have easily gotten killed on 377, which is a very busy four-lane road. For the time being I’m going to leave her inside (she’s hasn’t had any accidents so far, so she should be OK). Later, I’m going to replace the gate and put down a layer of bricks under it to prevent any digging.
Categories: It's A Dog's Life
We’re going through the same thing. We have 2 Greyhounds, a male, 77 pounds, and a female, 64 pounds. We have a horse property with 3 fenced padocks and a fenced riding arena. The male has found a way out of all of them. Yesterday I saw it happen. He wiggles his way under the bottom board, about 10-12” above the ground. I couldn’t believe it. It would be hundreds of feet of fencing to add another bottom board, so I’m not sure what plan B is, I guess just walking them on leashes or staying out when they’re in the enclosures. Our road is a fairly busy 2 lane county highway so there is danger for them. If they start chasing something that’s their only focus. Fortunately my wife or both of us are always at home so whatever we do is not a big deal.
I wonder if those electronic containment fences would work? The only thing that bugs me about them is that they use a shock collar, but as long as it’s not too much voltage I guess it’s OK.
Here’s an example:
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=86008
If nothing else, it’d probably be less expensive than adding another board at the bottom.
I have used the electronic fences just to keep the dog away from the fence so she can not dig out or squirm under. Works really well. I set it to about the shortest distance of about 3 feet. There is however a path just next to the fence, about 3 feet from it. She did get smart enough to know that she had about 1 second after the first beep before she would get shocked to get out of the area. She would push this constantly to the point of draining the battery. Then she was free to go. So replace the batteries often.