Escaping dog

[lunaraine]

Hi, my dog persistently escapes. We have tried all manner of things to stop him getting out over the hedge he uses.

we always go out looking for him, but rarely find him first time. Yesterday, I was told, via the postman(!), that I am about to be in trouble as someone has been filming him defecating in their garden, also there are others that are annoyed about his visits.

I cannot blame anyone, however, not one single person has gotten in contact with us about it at all. So we don't even know where he goes, although now it seems it would be the same places. He has a tag, and in all likelihood the people he's annoyed know exactly whose dog he is (this is small town Cornwall!) but again no one has said anything to us. yet we have put the word out that his escaping is driving us nuts etc.

What is likely to happen? He is not vicious, just a collie who thinks it is his right to roam as he pleases, and we really have tried all manner of things.

Thank you

[northernmonkey]

Maybe 6ft fence would be something which isn't an option, not affordable or not something which would be suitable. There is no doubt quite a few suitable solutions which would be also quite cheap. Maybe going to somewhere like b&q/garden centre for some fencing which you think would be suitable ect because I wouldn't expect you need above 3/4ft ( but thats only rough guess ) I don't know of anything more to suggest that could help you sorry!!

As for issue regarding your neighbours garden, you might wish to consider 1 of these options?

- Knocking on neighbours door and discussing the matter. For example appologising and saying it wont happen again (it may be something your reluctant to do for whatever reason but if this caught on camera, it's possible there could be grounds for a complaint to the Council which could fine you but thats something I hope gets avoided.

If you don't wish to do the above, then don't let your dog in this garden especially and just hope nothing comes of it.

People may critise me for what I've said however don't need the negative comments, just positive suggestions and advice or so I think!!

It's clear you are trying to find a way in preventing further incidents and finding solution to stop your dog from wondering, theres 101 things about should or shouldnt be allowed but depending on your area, it might be that if dogs are found/seen wondering on the streets without any owner ect local dog wardens take them to somewhere such as local police station and if owner comes forward or can be contacted then a fee is charged before allowed to get dog back which is again different from everyones point of view.


Good luck

[pink-kittens]

how about a long chain/lead and fixing it in to ytour garden so he cannot get out?
You haven't tried all manner of things to stop him escaping really, have you?
And for the record, Collies are vicious as are all other dogs if agitated enough

[bednobs]

err keepong him on a lead? keeping him indoors?

[flip_flop]

When I was a kid we had a rogue labrador who would bolt at any opportunity and would be gone for hours, and on one memorable occassion went for a week.

The vet suggested chopping his nuts off.

After hits nuts were gone he was a completely different dog and was happy with his garden and regular walks.

So, my advice, if your dog still has his nuts, get 'em gone!

[Twenty20]

Why do you expect people to get in contact with you because your dog is roaming loose? You know your dog escapes and it's your responsibility to make sure it doesn't.

Keep it in the house, or keep it on a lead, or get a high fence. In other words, control your animal.

A dog like yours, running loose, got into our garden and killed one of our children's pets recently. People should be responsible for the animals they own.

[Nosha123]

lunaraine - you do need to take some drastic action.. I'm sure your pet is well loved... and imagine how awful you would feel if he got run over one day.. sdly dogs dont tend to use the green cross code when crossing a road!

Also - if the Dog Warden got hold of him - or council you could get a heavy fine. If he injured a child - he could be put down....

Its just not worth it...

You need to fence him in somehow... to prevent him escaping - or dont let him out in the garden on his own.

Does he get walked? Are the walks long enough for him? Maybe he isnt getting enough exercise from you - so gets bored at home and jumps!

You need to do something before an accident happens!!

[wolf63]

We had a dog that used to climb a 8 foot fence to get out so you need to put a fence up that your dog will not be able to scale. It is amazing how crafty they can be when freedom is on the other side of the fence.

Our dog used to go to the local primary school to help the kiddies eat their packed lunches. This was back in the 1980s.

Even if he is a really nice dog who loves everybody he will be able to get himself into some sort of bother without really trying.

Good luck.

[paddywak]

If you don't want to or can't afford to fence all the garden how about just fencing an area to make a pen where he can have an area outside but he can't escape, with a kennel to shelter if he wants to

[rockyracoon]

My dog ate the garden fence to get out (3 times), he used to go straight round to my mums and knock on the front door. We had to put a strong wire mesh all round the fence to stop the sod doing it.

[Lindylou]

We used to have a dog like this one (deceased now, old age..) I used to threaten to change his name to Houdini. Whatever we did, in our very large garden, i.e. fences, gates, etc etc. didn't work. He (the dog, that is) was walked am and pm. For at least a mile each time. In the end, the entire village used to give him treats and then tell him to go 'home'. Which, to be fair most of the time, he did! Used to sleep in the middle of the road and the (local) traffic would have to avoid him. He never changed. Once or twice he stayed out all night (visiting ladies?) and when I came down in the early morning, I'd find him asleep in the porch. When he eventually had to be put down after suffering a stroke, everyone in the village appeared to be sorry. He was a real character. A lovely, friendly dog. Though, if you didn't like dogs, probably a real nuisance. I still miss him, even after all these years.

[lunaraine]

Thank you for all your responses, although some really were rather unfriendly and unhelpful, I was not looking for the anti-dog brigade. (incidentally, i meant HE is not viscous, I have three children with whom he is wonderful and also a cat. I was not commenting on all border collies, my eldest was bitten by one years ago). Our own councils states that you are to contact the owners BEFORE the dog warden. Sorry for seeming defensive, but people can get really quite unpleasant when it comes to dogs if they don't like them.

A fence of any sort does not really work as he 'scales' the fence and hedge to escape and it tops 6 foot now. Also, our hedge is also the hedge of two other peoples gardens, so if we take it down, we are directly affecting them also.
I have tried tying him, but it is not a massive garden and to give him enough length meant that he got through that hedge and thus stuck next door. He has already been 'done'. *sigh*.

Thank you for the helpful replies, I shall look at moving where he can be tied to and also into building some kind of kennel thing. For the moment, we have put a strong metal mesh over the corner he gets out (like a roof) and so far he has not escaped. Not even on bin night! So we shall see how that goes too.

And to the haters, sometimes, when someone is anxious about something and asking for help, maybe it is not best to tear them down some more. Just don't respond, it is not helpful. I am an empathetic enough person to imagine how this must feel for the people he is 'visiting'. I came here for help, not to be judged.