Run away puppy

[boxerluver04]

I have a 6 month old Boxer puppy who of course is my pride and joy! We are having "issues" with her jumping our fence. We are renting a house that has a large yard with a fence that is probably 4-5 feet tall. I don't like keeping her in the house when we are gone during the day because she has seperation anxiety and tears everything up. Plus I know she is happier outside. However, when we leave her outside she jumps the fence and off she goes. Our neighbor has a dog who is her best friend so she loves to get out and run around with him. But I am worried because we leave next to a busy street and I am worried that she is going to get run over. I don't want to chain her up because I don't think it is fair to her but I don't want her to get hit by a car. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated..

Thanks guys!

 

[gmacleod]

Well, certainly don't chain her up! That's just a recipe for coming home to a dead puppy (many many dogs have strangled themselves when tied to a stake). You should never do that.

Outside unsupervised isn't really a suitable place for boxers. They are inside dogs, and are particularly sensitive to temperature and weather. If you *must* leave her outdoors, then you need a secure dog run.

The best place for her is indoors. Either in a dog-proofed room, or else in a crate. That is where she is safest, most comfortable, and unable to be destructive.

 

[ulbsterx]

Before we brought Reznor home, we created an area in our den that we now call his "condo." We just purchased what's called an "exercise pen." The one we bought has twelve panels and is 48" high. We arranged it so he has his own little room where he can't hurt himself or anything in the house. His crate is also in there. It has worked well for us for the two years we've had him. If they don't have them at your local pet store, check DrsFosterSmith.com. They usually have better prices anyways. Just an idea!

 

[Boxer_21]

I agree with what's already been said. I've always been against leaving a dog outside unsupervised and I always will be against it. I just don't think it's in their best interest. To much can go wrong. As in your case, they can get out of the yard, they could get stolen, they could become very ill due to bad weather conditions or because they were stung by a bee (most boxers are allergic to bee stings), etc. I would definitely check into getting a dog run though if you're set on leaving your dog outside while you're away.

Another alternative that you might want to check into would be doggy daycare. I'm not sure how much it would cost in your area, but it couldn't hurt to check into it. At doggy daycare your dog will be able to socialize with other people and other dogs. Just do your homework and make sure that the daycare you choose (if you go this route) is reputable and safe. Do some surprise vists to check the conditions and ask for references from other the 'parents'.

Good luck,
- Mandy

 

[craZ4HERKIE]

I agree with everyone else....absolutely bring him in the house while you are gone!Either crate him, or give him a "safe area" in the house where he can't cause to much damage.Fill a Kong or two with treats...or leave him other "durable" toys...something he can't swallow or choke on, something so he can amuse himself.And if you can afford it...doggie daycare a few times a week, or hire a dogwalker to come by half-way through his day to come take him out....they will feed him, walk him...or just have play time.Whatever you choose for them to do.

But leaving an escape artist in the back yard is nothing but a recipe for disaster.Even if he wasn't an escapee, I still wouldn't leave him unattended in the back yard for 8 hrs! Boxers are very curious animals and the possibilities of what could happen to an unattended animal are too many!

I understand that you feel he would rather be outside....what dog wouldn't? But you chose him, and with the choice of having any pet...you have to make the choice of becoming a responsible owner also. And knowing that he escapes the yard while you're gone....he would NEVER have another opportunity!Believe me, I learned VERY well about an escape artist....I have a Siberian Husky....and there isn't a fence built that he can't go over or under. He will NEVER have another opportunity for that again...he's a blue-eyed devil! I had to go through an ordeal...and lost him for a couple of days...I realized he wasn't getting the same treatment from me as my boxer was. And when I got him back...he did dupe me a couple of times...but I realized the ONLY way he could be outside was with supervision...and that's what he got! Just remember, he'll have plenty of time to be outside when you come home....ya'll can have lots of play time together, and you can supervise him while he's outside. Otherwise, if you continue to allow him to be outside unattended, you may miss out on the chance to build a wonderful relationship with your boxer.

This is JMO...but I hope you make the right choice for your baby.Please keep us updated!