My dog escapes the yard. Is a training collar best for containment?

One option that can work for dogs who like to escape are under ground electric fences. You can purchase one and install it yourself and go through the training or the companies offer an instillation and training service. The dog needs to wear a special collar that detects the fence and will administer a correction if the dog gets too close. Most dogs will respect this system although some dogs will not. I recommend to do some research about these systems and see if they area good match for you. It is very difficult to train a dog not to escape and I don’t know many people who are successful at that. Otherwise never leave Miley unsupervised in the yard as this will elimate her ability to get out. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I like this idea. Electronic fences can be a great solution. The caveats: some dogs will get so excited by something (bird, squirrel, etc) that they ignore the shocks and keep right on going. Use the collars EXACTLY as recommended. I have seen plenty of horrible neck wounds from collars left on too long. Best of luck to you and the dogs!

Yes, unfortunately a shock collar is cruel and should not be used on a dog. Some humane alternatives are boundary training or teaching Piper to come, without fail, every time you call her so that she remains in your yard. Another possibility is to explain your situation to your neighbors and ask that they not throw food into their yard. If they are doing it to feed squirrels, possums, etc., that is their right and there's not much you can do about it. If it's any other reason, you might try asking them to load the food up with sriracha, tabasco or other unpleasant flavor to deter Piper from going after it. If you have some friends in the subdivision who are not near your neighbor, how about asking if you can use their yard? Good luck with this. If you need further info, you can click on the prompt to initiate a consult.

This is a very frustrating behavior to have to deal with. Sometimes invisible fence works. Other times a tie-down or run system is effective. Another solution is do you have a trainer work with you and your dogs in your home to address this issue. Punishment is a tricky method as it has to be done immediately after the behavior in order to be effective as well as it could backfire and cause aggression.

Hello, potty to hear about your pup. Theres likely no specific reason as to why she is wanting to be outside. She is likely leaving out of curiosity and stimulation, not necessarily to mate, but also due to different smells and other animals. Your dog likely enjoys her time outside her house and wants to continue to explore, this could be hazardous to her of course so your concern is understandable. There are multiple products to prevent this behaviors such as a shock fence, however these may also cause some pain and discomfort. You can try to fulfill her curiosity with longer more frequent walks then at home keep the doors close so that she does not leave. Hope this helps and best of luck.

I would recommend only letting her in the back yard when you can supervise her and stop the behaviors. Some people use an extended leash to prevent dogs from getting out HOWEVER that carries some very serious risks such as strangulation if she gets wrapped around something or jumps over a fence, so I don't like that idea. It may also be worthwhile to work with a good trainer or even veterinary behaviorist to find some alternative behaviors to teach her.

Underground fences can be an effective, safe option to keep dogs contained. You do have to be aware that it is not 100% effective for all dogs. Some dogs, if they get very zeroed in on something they want to chase, will run right through it even though they are getting zapped. It looks like your dogs are neutered, and that is key. If they are not neutered, and they catch wind of a female dog in heat, they are not going to let the underground fence stop them. In terms of "affordable," it depends on how big of an area you're talking about and on what your idea of "affordable" is. Depending on where you are at and what you are looking for in terms of confined area, this could range from a few hundred dollars to thousands. Get a few different quotes, and ask your vet if they know of someone near you who installs them. When used properly, (such as an underground fence), shock collars have no recognized long term negative effects. If you were to learn that one of your dogs had an arrhythmia or other heart condition, or had a seizure condition, I would avoid shock collars altogether. Other than that, I think they are fine (again, when used appropriately). Keep in mind that even when dogs have a confined outdoor space, they still benefit greatly from walks with their "people!" For exercise, bonding, and overall health, regular exercise for your dogs is important. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!