Got an eighteen month old cross (ridgeback/alsatian). How can i keep stopping my dog escaping from the back garden when I am not in the house. Have extended the back fence so its seven foot, but yesterday he still managed to get out and the police called me out from where I work. They coming back next week to see what I done to keep my dog contained and also to caution me. I am at my wits end as I dont want to loose my dog.

Don't worry that much my friend. You won't lose your dog.

Thanks But cant help worrying, my dog does not like strangers and am worried that when he gets out he will bite someone. Yesterday when I got called out from work, I found three police cars, police van an RSPCA van and even a police helicopter!!! So you can imagine why I am worried

I'm going to assume this is an "outdoor dog"??

Ridgebacks are natural born travelers. Being cooped up outside is like dangling a piece of steak in front of a starving dog.

If it is in fact and outdoor dog, depending on the state, there are laws for proper kenneling/housing. And once again depending on state, Animal Control has the right to take your dog away after a certain amount of complaints & findings.

Dogs need to be taught boundaries; and by no means does an old gate teach this. My 4 pound Pom can jump over and clear a 4ft fence if she wanted, she doesn't because I taught her not to (only during Agility of course).

Make the area fun and desirable. But first and foremost purchase proper outdoor kenneling equipment. From there teach and correct the escaping behavior. Alaskins are escape artists.

18 months is a very very young adult... pretty much just leaving puppyhood. Don't be discouraged; be patient and work hard at it.

Well it would help if you gave him something to do, he probably jumps the fence looking for something to do. I use kongs with my dog. I stuff them with kibble and peanutbutter then i spread a layer of peanutbutter over the top hole and freeze to make it even harder to eat. You might want to look around for other things you can do to give your dog to do. Make sure he is getting enough exercise to, I know that ridgebacks are very active so he sould be getting longs walks everyday.
Good Luck!

Originally Posted by splottwomen

Got an eighteen month old cross (ridgeback/alsatian). How can i keep stopping my dog escaping from the back garden when I am not in the house. Have extended the back fence so its seven foot, but yesterday he still managed to get out and the police called me out from where I work. They coming back next week to see what I done to keep my dog contained and also to caution me. I am at my wits end as I dont want to loose my dog.

It may to your best interest to obtain an electronic collar with at least 1000 yard range. Something that not only sends a warning but a variable impulses that range from a level 1 to 15 or more and use on your dog when he makes attempts to get out of your yard. It takes some work, but well worth the effort.

I had to use it on one of my border collies because he jumped my fence all the time. So with a good week of doing and using the word "stop" he has not jump my fence in over a year. They do cost a few dollars, but well worth the investment. At lest the police will stop coming around