I have 3 big dogs, and they’ve never left my yard until today. They tried to approach a neighbor’s dog. I stopped them, picked up the neighbor’s dog, and gave it back to its owner. I explained my dogs got out and that I didn’t want them hurting their dog. My yard is fenced, and the only time they are outside the fence is the short walk to our sunroom, which is less than a car’s length away. Today, during that short walk, they saw the other dog barking at them and ran over. What can I do to make sure this doesn’t happen again?
You should leash them on the way to the sunroom or enclose the path. Even if you train them, it will take time. You need to manage the situation for now.
It doesn’t really sound like they got out; it sounds like you allowed them to. If they don’t have strong recall, you need physical control. Either leash them when going to the sunroom or extend the fence.
@EdwardLiam3
Usually, their recall is good. They’ve never done this before. Typically, they stop at the road and come back, which is still in our yard. We have a side yard that isn’t fenced, but the main yard is. They usually go to the fenced area, come back, and head to their kennel. Today was different. My Dalmatian led the charge, and the others followed. I normally only have trouble with her hanging around the driveway looking for scraps.
@William
You keep saying “usually” and “never before,” but it only takes one time for something bad to happen; like getting hit by a car or biting someone’s pet.
Lilly said:
@William
You keep saying “usually” and “never before,” but it only takes one time for something bad to happen; like getting hit by a car or biting someone’s pet.
I completely agree. I’ve been bitten by a dog that had never done anything aggressive before, so I understand how things can happen suddenly. That’s why I’m planning to leash them from now on. I was asking here to see if there’s anything else I should do. I’m also worried about my kids or husband accidentally leaving the fence open. It hasn’t been an issue yet because I’ve always caught it in time, but I don’t want to take chances anymore.
@William
Install a self-closing hinge on your fence gate so it shuts automatically. That way, it’s less likely to be left open.
@William
An electric fence with collars could help as a backup if they get out of the main fenced area.
Leash them. It’s that simple. Their recall didn’t work, so they lose the freedom to roam. Go back to using a leash outside the fence.
It only takes one mistake for something terrible to happen. My neighbor lost her two labs after they got out and ran into another neighbor’s yard. That neighbor shot them because they were running at his Yorkie, even though they were friendly. It was heartbreaking, and I wouldn’t want that for you. Leash your dogs when they’re not fenced, and maybe add a lock to the fence to prevent accidents.
.@Penny
It’s a scary thought, but people can react harshly to loose dogs. Judges can even order a dog to be put down after certain incidents. Better safe than sorry.
@Penny
The man I talked to today didn’t seem too upset, but I’ve seen other neighbors’ big dogs go after their small dog because the owners didn’t restrain them. That’s why I immediately grabbed the small dog; I didn’t want anything bad to happen. It really shook me, and I’m definitely leashing my dogs from now on. I’m asking here because I don’t want to take any chances.
Leash them or build a fenced path to the yard from the sunroom. It’s not a training issue; they need to be restrained.
Use a leash. The short distance to the sunroom doesn’t matter; they weren’t under your control.
Leash them. It’s not complicated.
They should always be either leashed or in a fenced area. Period.
Leash them, especially since they seem interested in smaller dogs. It’s safer for everyone.