Jumping On/Over Things, HELP

princess · 03-10-2008, 11:51 PM

I've got a 2.5 y/o Cocker Spaniel mix, female, spayed, nice temperament, sweet dog. She is both inside and outside. Outside when weather is good and while we're home. Otherwise, she's inside. Okay, so a few months back, I discovered my dog missing having jumped over my 6 foot fence. So, outside is full time is NOT an option (no, i cannot raise the fence due to costs, needing neighbor's approval, no can do). I cannot have her in the house unsupervised either (I don't want stuff chewed up or scratched up). Now I have her in the garage when we're not home and recently another jumping-related problem has arisen.

She now jumps into and on top of the cars, leaving scratch marks from her paws. Since I can't be in the garage with her, I have no way of knowing when she's done it and no way to train her that I know of. I cannot section off the garage as I'm just not willing to do anymore modifications. She's costs me quite a bit of $$ already.

Obviously, I can't have her scratching my cars and am so frustrated I'm ready to take her back to the shelter. She's a very sweet dog, but this was the last straw. Unless there is some great resolution, she goes to the shelter in a few days.

Any ideas? Help. Thanks.

Cheetah · 03-10-2008, 11:55 PM

Crate train her. With proper training, a crate is a dog's den, and it keeps them out of trouble when you're not around. Or, you could shut her in a safe room (bathroom or something).

What kinds of toys does she have to chew on? How much exercise and mental stimulation does she get each day?

Kuma'sMom · 03-10-2008, 11:56 PM

Why don't you crate train her?

briteday · 03-11-2008, 12:04 AM

Crate train.

Patt · 03-11-2008, 12:22 AM

ITA, crate training is a good idea. There has to be a way to work this out, returning to the shelter is not an option. What about training her not to jump the fence? They usually do this because they are bored or have a fear of being alone. Possibly she has a little separation anxiety which you can work on.

Here's a couple of more ideas for consideration.

Install a 45-degree inward extension to the top of your existing fence. Most home improvement stores can help you with this. She would not be able to climb over! I tried to find a picture of one but can't locate it. I've also read if you attach bamboo fencing to the existing fence it will be difficult for the dog to climb because it is slick.

Or...... you could try a "hot wire" on top the existing fence for around $40-50 Call a farm supply store for advice on installing. We've used hot wires on fences for our horses. It would also be a good deterrent for burglars.

princess · 03-11-2008, 12:32 AM

She is crate trained. I can't keep her in the crate all day though. She's got toys to play with and I play with her daily, walks 2-3x/week. I can't do more since I dont have the time. I'd love to play and walk her more, but that's my schedule. However, more activity may or may not help, but this issue is still the jumping which I can't control when I'm not around to see it, like in the garage.

I tried installing an inground electric fence/collar combo, but couldn't get it to work and don't like the idea of an electric shock (yes, i weighed all the pros of dead/missing dog vs. shock and learning not to go near the fence). I also thought about the 90 degree extension block at the top of the fence to keep her from jumping out, but that will still cost too much $$$ since I have about 400 foot of fence to cover.

I'm thinking its also her breeding instinct that makes her love to jump. She jumped inside the car when I had the windows open. Okay, so I closed them. But then I caught her on the hood. Damn, scratch marks all over the hood! Where she got the idea to jump on the hood, I have no idea. So until I can do something better, she's outside at night, in the garage when we're not home and the car is gone.

I dont really want to surrender her. My daughter and I love her very much, but this is too much. I think we need a breed that is not quite so jump-happy, smaller size (less than 20 pounds, my dog is 26), slower, more mellow.

I don't know.

Cheetah · 03-11-2008, 12:38 AM

Shut her in a dog-proofed room then, or get an exercise pen with a top. It's much safer to keep her inside the house when you're not around. So many pets get shot, poisoned, stolen etc. out of back yards. Plus, she can just jump the fence if you keep her out there now.

Exercise pen tops:
http://www.petmarket.com/general-exp...48l-p-239.html
http://www.amazon.com/MidWest-Gold-E.../dp/B0006IC7SO
http://www.mypethouses.com/product.3...se_pen_top.php

princess · 03-11-2008, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cheetah

Shut her in a dog-proofed room then, or get an exercise pen with a top. It's much safer to keep her inside the house when you're not around. So many pets get shot, poisoned, stolen etc. out of back yards. Plus, she can just jump the fence if you keep her out there now.

Exercise pen tops:
http://www.petmarket.com/general-exp...48l-p-239.html
http://www.amazon.com/MidWest-Gold-E.../dp/B0006IC7SO
http://www.mypethouses.com/product.3...se_pen_top.php

Yeah, I know I'm taking a chance having her outside right now. But I refuse to let her scratch my cars again! It's bad enough already!!! Maybe the pet run is the next best thing, but I'd rather get a different type of dog than resort to that. More $$, and I simply cannot spend more on her. In other words, I'm running out of reasons to keep her and more reasons of simply getting a dog breed more suited to our lifestyle. We've changed ours enough.

I'm thinking she could be more happy in an environment where she can run freely and jump as high as she wants. I can't provide that in my home. I feel bad enough that she has to stay in the garage all day and not see the sun.

Aussiefan · 03-11-2008, 12:55 AM

Sounds like she would make a great agility dog! Have you thought about taking agility classes?

Do you have anyone you trust like a good neighbor that could come over to let her out of her crate once or twice a day for exercise and pottying? Doggy day care? Is your work dog friendly where you could take her, and have her crated when your busy, but could let out on your breaks and lunch? Does your dog have any jobs? You can walk a dog for miles, and still have a restless dog, there minds need to be stimulated. Even teaching stupid pet tricks to your dog will really help, working with them a lot will really help calm a dog, and they will be less likely to get into trouble like climbing fences. Build some jumps and give her a release with her jumping.

Good luck, keep us updated

Patt · 03-11-2008, 01:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by princess

Maybe the pet run is the next best thing, but I'd rather get a different type of dog than resort to that. More $$, and I simply cannot spend more on her. In other words, I'm running out of reasons to keep her and more reasons of simply getting a dog breed more suited to our lifestyle. We've changed ours enough.

Perhaps a dog is not really the pet for you. Small dogs have problems too.

poodleholic · 03-11-2008, 01:34 AM

Quote:

She is crate trained. I can't keep her in the crate all day though. She's got toys to play with and I play with her daily, walks 2-3x/week. I can't do more since I dont have the time. I'd love to play and walk her more, but that's my schedule. However, more activity may or may not help, but this issue is still the jumping which I can't control when I'm not around to see it, like in the garage.

Your dog will likely be happier in the crate while you're gone than stuck out in the garage. Outside is too risky, for obvious reasons, and for many one may not be aware of.

Keep in mind that dogs often sleep as much as 16 hours a day. It's thoughtful of you to provide your dog with toys to play with, but, when owners are not home, many dogs ignore the toys and just sleep.

I wanted to see what mine do when I'm gone, so set up video to record. Hah! Except for a walk to the water bowl and a stretch, they slept (and my dogs are very active, athletic dogs)!

princess · 03-11-2008, 01:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aussiefan

Sounds like she would make a great agility dog! Have you thought about taking agility classes?

Do you have anyone you trust like a good neighbor that could come over to let her out of her crate once or twice a day for exercise and pottying? Doggy day care? Is your work dog friendly where you could take her, and have her crated when your busy, but could let out on your breaks and lunch? Does your dog have any jobs? You can walk a dog for miles, and still have a restless dog, there minds need to be stimulated. Even teaching stupid pet tricks to your dog will really help, working with them a lot will really help calm a dog, and they will be less likely to get into trouble like climbing fences. Build some jumps and give her a release with her jumping.

Good luck, keep us updated

You mean, train her to jump more? How does this work to help my situation? I'm willing to try it if the results are highly likely to help in my situation. I'd hate to put in more $$$ and time and not have guaranteed results.

As for the other suggestions, neighbors...no, doggy day care...$$$$...so no, dog at work...no (but would be fun if I could). I agree, more exercise won't solve her motivation to jump. If I could figure out her motivation to jump on the hood, that might help, but unless I watch her, I'll never figure it out. And of course, if I'm in there with her, she won't jump, she'll stay with me.

I'm thinking maybe a fenced pet run on the side of the house. It'll have to be outside though, but at least she'll for sure be unable to get out. I'd have to put chicken wire on the dirt.

I need something fast though is the problem.

Patt. I actually thought about just not having a dog too. When I said a small dog, at least one that can't jump on top of my cars, about 3 feet up.

Can anyone think of a motivation for jumping on the hood? Warmth maybe. But it was warm today, so I don't think so.

Quote:

Originally Posted by poodleholic

Your dog will likely be happier in the crate while you're gone than stuck out in the garage. Outside is too risky, for obvious reasons, and for many one may not be aware of.

Keep in mind that dogs often sleep as much as 16 hours a day. It's thoughtful of you to provide your dog with toys to play with, but, when owners are not home, many dogs ignore the toys and just sleep.

I wanted to see what mine do when I'm gone, so set up video to record. Hah! Except for a walk to the water bowl and a stretch, they slept (and my dogs are very active, athletic dogs)!

Funny. I actually thought of setting up a video.

Again, crate won't work. On occassion I'm gone for 14 hours. I can't leave her in there that long and don't want to chance her pooping/peeing in there.

Patt · 03-11-2008, 01:55 AM

What about contacting a behaviorist, possibly they would have be able to help you with a jumping dog. 14 hours is a long time, she's probably bored.

princess · 03-11-2008, 02:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patt

What about contacting a behaviorist, possibly they would have be able to help you with a jumping dog. 14 hours is a long time, she's probably bored.

Actually the time she jumped on the car she was only alone for about 5 minutes, JUST after we came home...AND she had access to the outside. So, I doubt its boredom. I don't know, she just suddenly had the notion to jump on the hood. And I can see she tried a few times judging by the multiple scratch marks and loooong scratch marks as she kept slipping down the slope of the hood. DAMN IT!!!

14 hours is not the norm, only on occassion.

Again, maybe this is why I need to surrender her. I can't entertain her enough. Maybe she needs a more active family.

Chelsea and Oskar · 03-11-2008, 02:26 AM

What about putting towels and blankets on top of your car and tucking them into the doors/windows so your dog can't pull them off? Then the tops of the cars are protected.

Why can't you just move the cars out of the garage?

Maybe simple solutions like this until you can afford to fix your fence?

princess · 03-11-2008, 02:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelsea and Oskar

What about putting towels and blankets on top of your car and tucking them into the doors/windows so your dog can't pull them off? Then the tops of the cars are protected.

Why can't you just move the cars out of the garage?

Maybe simple solutions like this until you can afford to fix your fence?

Thanks, yeah, I just put some cardboard on the hood for now. I like my cars inside the garage, they get priority over my dog. I love my dog but not enough to put the cars outside lest they get broken into, weather-beaten, and my family wet in the rain.

As for the fence, then I'm back to the cost issue and the risk factors of having a dog unsupervised outside for several hours/day.

Anyone else have any reason they can think of her motivation to jump on the car or ever have this same problem?

Aussiefan · 03-11-2008, 02:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by princess

Thanks, yeah, I just put some cardboard on the hood for now. I like my cars inside the garage, they get priority over my dog. I love my dog but not enough to put the cars outside lest they get broken into, weather-beaten, and my family wet in the rain.

As for the fence, then I'm back to the cost issue and the risk factors of having a dog unsupervised outside for several hours/day.

Anyone else have any reason they can think of her motivation to jump on the car or ever have this same problem?

If your vehicles are taking priority over your dog, i think it would be a good thing to re-home her like you mentioned. Hope you didn't get upset with her after you found your car scratched, she would have no idea at that point why you were upset. Also, it wasn't the dogs fault your car got scratched, you know that...right? And i wouldn't put chicken wire on the dirt if you put up a pen, that would be an injury or death waiting to happen. Sorry if this seems harsh, but i think its a wise choice of yours to rehome. Just my opinion after reading your posts. Good luck.

Chelsea and Oskar · 03-11-2008, 02:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aussiefan

If your vehicles are taking priority over your dog, i think it would be a good thing to re-home her like you mentioned. And i wouldn't put chicken wire on the dirt if you put up a pen, that would be an injury or death waiting to happen.

Ouch. Yeah, I agree.
Do you own really expensive cars or something? Even still, they are just things that can be fixed and replaced.

I hope things work out best for your dog.

Patt · 03-11-2008, 02:46 AM

So sad, I'm out of ideas. I'm sure a behaviorist can tell you what makes her jump on the car. Hopefully another member has more ideas.

If you don't have the $$$ or motivation to train her or whatever it would take to help her through this behavior it would be in her best interest to re-home her. I would suggest a rescue instead of the shelter. She may be PTS if returned to the shelter.

princess · 03-11-2008, 03:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aussiefan

If your vehicles are taking priority over your dog, i think it would be a good thing to re-home her like you mentioned. Hope you didn't get upset with her after you found your car scratched, she would have no idea at that point why you were upset. Also, it wasn't the dogs fault your car got scratched, you know that...right? And i wouldn't put chicken wire on the dirt if you put up a pen, that would be an injury or death waiting to happen. Sorry if this seems harsh, but i think its a wise choice of yours to rehome. Just my opinion after reading your posts. Good luck.

Not sure what you mean not her fault the cars are scratched. I mean she has no idea of what happened, she just happily jumped up for reasons unknown to us.

Chicken wire on the dirt not good? Boards then? This will take some time to complete either way...and more $$$$ again. I've already spent about 2G's in the 5 months I've had her. I love my dog, but again, its money that could have been put into my kids college funds.

I'm running my head into the ground and its way past my bedtime. I dont want to give her up, but I may have to. Rescue instead of a shelter? That's a better idea, yes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelsea and Oskar

Ouch. Yeah, I agree.
Do you own really expensive cars or something? Even still, they are just things that can be fixed and replaced.

I hope things work out best for your dog.

How many hoods, doors, and quarter panels will I need to replace/repaint before she stops? Ah, sorry if I sound frustrated, I am.

Thanks for the encouraging words, though, on hoping for the best for us.