[ambro]

So, quick backstory, my aunt found this stray dog and brought him to us. We assumed he was 3 or 4. He's definately akita, maybe a lab mix. [He loves water.] His name is Rocky. We had problems with him staying in the yard, and finally we found a new home for him. We called the new owners tonight to check in and see how he's doing and they're having the same problem with him, roaming.

Of course the first "duh" moment should have been when he was found roaming, but we did a lot to keep him in our fence. At first we didn't have a fence, as our previous dog had been just fine staying by our sides, but he began to chew at the lead and his collar, eventually getting off and out. So we installed a fence, and he figured out he could get under by just pushing himself under the fence. So we put metal bars at the bottom of the fence to keep him in, and he learned how to dig out. We got an invisible fence collar, and he ignored it.

So now the new owners have a back den area thats screened in and he finds any hole he can, makes it bigger, and get out. Then he does the same thing all over again. Most of the neighbors around us were very nice, but their neighbors 2 doors down from them said if they see him out roaming again, they'll call the animal shelter.

Is there anything we can do to keep him in, other than ONLY taking him out on a leash? He's a really good dog otherwise, its just that he loves to explore and be on his own. Its not a lack of stimulation, they have 6 cats, 2 other dogs and 3 kids.

Note; This is a very stubborn dog. If you're trying to use treats and toys, he doesn't like them at all. His favorite game is "chase," not "fetch" or "chew."

[blackgavotte]

This guy has already learned the pleasures of the open field, and you have to be very persistent now to keep him in. A fence has to have no holes or weakspots first off. I mean none.. It has to be about 6 feet high, for his size, and if he is a really athletic dog you may also then have to make a kind of " stalag " situation where there is also a top section, sort of arbor I am wanting to call it, going back into the yard , so if he does scale to the top of the fence, he still can't get over, because he hits up against that upper level. That would have to extend about two feet or so if he is really, really determined. I know, by now you're gasping already at the thought of the cost and complexity.

The other thing is, a lot of dogs will dig out. To stop that, what works best is stucco wire stapled or hooked to the fence, about 1 foot up, extended at the ground level to about 2 feet, because usually that will keep them from tunneling out under. They feel the wire and most dogs don't connect that if they start digging 2 ' away they can still get out. Most.

Another alternative would be , a safe tie out in the yard, making sure he can't get wrapped nor strangled, nor hang himself, don't leave him enough length that he can get to the fence and start going over, then get caught up and killed. I am quite paranoid about tying dogs up, period, but if there is no money for the fence fixes it could be something for them to consider if they want him to have some outdoor time at least, while they are home to keep an eye and an ear on him, its better than allowing him to roam.

Another option would be, have a proper dog run built, concrete and chain link, with a covered top of chain link also, so he cannot scale that and still get out. I know this sounds extreme, but dogs like this who are used to roaming, really need serious fixes. Speaking of fixes... is he neutered? That can sometimes help quell the fires of roaming, especially if he is going in search of the ladies. It sure can't hurt.

I personally like solid wood fences for dogs, the dogs are quieter that way and not as likely to see something they want to get out for. I make sure my fences have the boards going vertically with the posts on the outside of the fence so there is no way a climber can hook his toes in between boards and help pull himself up and over. Even then I use the wire also, to be sure I've covered all bases as best I can.

[ambro]

Wow, thank you very much.

I've never seen him try to scale a fence as much as dig under, but I'll definately have to email your advice over to the new owners. I do believe he is neutered.

It all sounds so easy, although you're right about it sounding expensive. I hope the new owners don't want to give him back, he was a great dog but he just didn't suit our family, and we certainly couldn't handle him.

[blackgavotte]

Yes, actually digging under is a lot easier to fix, its those dogs who are really athletic and tall enough to go over tall fences that are a real problem. Do check the fence for any signs of daylight at the bottom, fix all holes and weak spots very well, and then do the wire thing, I bet that will solve the problem.

Another way to make sure he stays away from those edges of the fence, is put his feces close to the fence too, he won't want to dig in that, but the stucco wire is a more permanent and immediate solution. good luck.

[tirluc]

you said that it's not from lack of stimulation b/c of all the other animals and the kids but is he really getting the physical and mental stimulation that he needs?.....what type of training and playing time are they spending w/ him?...are they just putting him in the yard and expecting him to entertain himself?.....dogs are going to go where the most "fun" is and if they're not giving him reason to believe that home is more fun than the rest of the neighborhood, he's gonna go looking for it......a dog this size also needs alot of physical work....can they go biking or jogging w/ him to tired him out?

good luck.....