It can be incredibly frustrating when your pet escapes the yard. You’ve put in all this time and effort to keep them safe, but they still manage to find a way out! Pets like being outdoors to play, but it’s not safe for them to wander off. They can get injured or killed by vehicles, wildlife, or other dangers. That’s why it’s important to keep your yard as escape-proof as possible.
If you’re tired of trying to figure out how to keep pets from escaping your yard, try these helpful tips that will help you keep them safe.
Install a sturdy fence
Installing a fence is an important step in keeping your pet safe. A decorative, industrial metal fence is a good option, as it will keep them from escaping while still looking nice. They also often have ornamental features that make gaps even narrower, making it less likely for a pet to slip through.
Ensure the fence is sturdy and tall enough to keep your pet from jumping over it. And if your pet is incredibly determined to get out, consider burying a portion of the fence underground to deter them.
Install a camera to monitor your pet outside the house
Installing a camera to monitor your pet can be a great way to keep them safe. By checking what they’re doing outside, you can better determine if they’re in danger or not. If you see that they’re about to wander off into traffic, you can quickly run outside and get them before anything bad happens.
Cameras also make it easy to keep track of your pet’s activity. If you see that they’re spending a lot of time in one spot, you can investigate why this is and see if there’s something dangerous happening there that you need to be aware of.
Having a camera monitoring your pet is a great way to keep them safe and ensure their well-being while you’re away from home.
Use landscaping to deter them from escaping
One easy way to keep your pet from escaping your yard is to use landscaping to deter them. You can use bushes, trees, and other plants to create a natural barrier that will make it difficult for them to get out. This is an excellent option if your pet is determined to get out and you don’t have the time or resources to install a fence.
Make sure to choose sturdy plants and won’t be easily knocked over by your pet. And be sure to keep the landscaping well-maintained to remain an effective barrier.
For example, you could install a wall of shrubs around the perimeter of your yard. This will be more effective than just one or two plants, so you won’t have to worry about your pet getting out.
Check for loose boards and holes in an existing fence
If you have an existing fence, it’s important to check for loose boards and holes. These can provide easy access for your pet to escape from the yard.
You can check for loose boards by manually shaking them or using a hammer to tap on them. If they move or make a noise, they’re likely too loose and need to be fixed.
Holes can be harder to detect, but you can look for them by closely inspecting the fence. If you see any spots that look like pets could easily penetrate them, then you’ll need to fix them.
You can fix loose boards and holes by using nails, screws, or sealant. A wire mesh can also help. Be sure to use a strong material to hold the fence together and keep your pet from getting out.
Learn how to train your pet to stay in the yard
If you have a particularly stubborn pet who doesn’t listen well, training them could be a good option. It will take time and effort on your part, but it can be a great way to keep your pet safe without going through the trouble of installing a fence or checking for escape routes.
Some training methods include:
- Positive reinforcement: if you reward your pet when they stay in the yard, they’ll be more likely to repeat this action. Eventually, the behavior will stick, and it should become easier over time. Interacting with them can also help since pets are social creatures who want your attention and affection.
- Negative reinforcement: if you give your pet a negative stimulus when they leave the yard, they’ll be more likely to avoid doing this in the future. For example, some people use water to stop their pets from wandering off.
With both methods, consistency is key. For it to be effective, you’ll need to train your pet every time they’re in the yard. This is important since it won’t be very helpful if they only stay in the yard sometimes.
So, these are some of the ways that you can keep your pet from escaping your yard. It’s important to be proactive and take steps to prevent this from happening since it can be dangerous for your pet. By using one or more of these methods, you can ensure their safety and keep them from wandering off.
