Huskies are notorious for being escape artists. They are very good at jumping fences, and many homeowners find themselves constantly dealing with the issue of their dog getting out. In this blog post, we will provide tips and solutions for how to stop husky from jumping fence. We will also provide information on what to do if your husky does manage to get out.
Husky as an Escape Artist
Huskies are bred to be working dogs. They were originally used for sledding and are still used for that purpose today. Huskies were also used as hunting dogs, bred to have a lot of energy and stamina. This high energy level is one of the reasons why huskies are so good at jumping fences. They simply have a lot of energy, and they are very athletic.
While jumping fences may be fun for huskies, it can be a major problem for their owners. Huskies that get out of the yard can cause property damage and get lost or hurt. It is vital to find a way to stop your husky from jumping fences to keep them safe.
Causes of Husky Fence Jumping
The initial step in addressing any challenge is to identify the source of the problem. In this case, you need to figure out why your husky is jumping the fence. There are a few common reasons why huskies jump fences:
- Boredom: If your husky is bored, they may start jumping the fence to find something to do. Huskies are very active dogs, and they need a lot of exercises. If you do not give your husky enough exercise, they may start finding ways to entertain themselves, such as escaping from the fence.
- Lack of socialization: Huskies that do not have enough contact with other people and animals can become anxious and stressed. It can lead to them trying to escape the yard to find social interaction.
- Loneliness: If your husky is left alone in the yard for long periods, they may start to feel lonely and isolated. It can lead to them jumping fences to find companionship.
- Excitement: If something exciting is happening outside the fence, such as a squirrel or another dog, your husky may jump the fence to get to it.
- Predatory Instincts: Huskies are also known for having strong predatory instincts. If they see something moving on the other side of the fence, such as a cat or a small animal, they may instinctively jump the fence to chase it.
- Curiosity: Huskies are also very curious by nature. If they see something on the other side of the fence, they may want to investigate it. It can lead them to jump the fence to get a closer look.
- Fear: Sometimes, huskies may jump the fence because they are afraid. If they are not used to loud noises, such as thunderstorms, they may become scared and try to escape the yard.
How to Stop Husky from Jumping Fence: The Basic Solutions
You can try several techniques to prevent your husky from jumping the fence. You may try one or all of them until you find the one that works best for your dog.
Before constructing any type of barrier, it is important to try some basic solutions. These solutions may not work for all huskies, but they are definitely worth a try.
Provide More Exercise
One of the best ways to stop your husky from jumping the fence is to give them more exercise. As we mentioned before, huskies are bred to be working dogs. They have a lot of energy and must expend it in some way. If you do not provide your husky with enough exercise, they will likely find ways to burn off that energy on their own – like jumping fences.
Try to exercise your husky for at least 1 hour daily. Strolling, running, fetching, and everything else that keeps your husky active is acceptable. The more you exhaust, the less likely it will want to escape the fence.
Change Their Diet
Another way to stop your husky from escaping is to change its diet. Huskies that are well-nourished are less likely to want to escape. Make sure you feed your husky high-quality food designed for working dogs. You may also want to supplement their food with various vitamins and minerals.
Various dietary supplements are easily accessible on the market and claim to help with fence jumping. Some of these include omega-three fatty acids and calming herbs. Before providing your husky with supplements, you should consult your animal doctor first.
Have Your Husky Spayed and Neutered
If your husky is not spayed or neutered, it may contribute to their fence jumping behavior. Dogs not spayed or neutered often have a higher desire to roam. They may also be more likely to mark their territory by urinating on fences.
Having your husky spayed or neutered will not guarantee that they will stop jumping fences, but it may help to reduce the urge.
Make Your Yard Comfortable and Inviting
If your husky is constantly trying to escape, it may be because they are not comfortable in your yard. Ensure that your yard is where they want to be by providing them with plenty of toys, shade, and water. Consider adding some dog-friendly plants to your yard to make it more appealing.
If your husky has a lot of energy, you may want to consider adding a sandbox or some other type of activity center. It will give them a place to burn off that energy without trying to escape.
Remove the Temptation
Sometimes, huskies may jump fences because they see something on the other side they want. If this is the situation, you must eliminate whatever is causing the temptation. Some things that may attract your husky include small animals, other dogs, and interesting smells.
Try to remove these temptations from the other side of the fence. If you cannot remove them, you may need to consider adding a taller fence. You may also create a physical barrier, such as a chicken wire fence, to prevent them from approaching the property’s boundary.
Get Rid of Any Gaps
If there are any gaps in your fence, your husky may be able to squeeze through them. Check your fence for any gaps and repair them if necessary. It is especially important if you have a privacy fence or chain-link fence.
Additionally, you can install a trim piece around the bottom of the fence. It will make it more difficult for your husky to squeeze under the fence.
Provide a Distraction
If your husky is constantly trying to escape, you may want to provide them with a distraction. It can be anything that keeps its attention and forgets about trying to jump the fence. Some good options include a Kong toy filled with treats, a puzzle toy, or even a simple chew bone.
You may also consider playing fetch with your husky in the yard. It will give them something to do other than trying to escape.
Use a Shock Collar
A shock collar is another solution that you may want to consider. A shock collar is a type of collar that gives your dog a mild electric shock when it attempts to jump the fence. The shock is not harmful but enough to startle and deter your husky from jumping.
There is a wide variety of shock collars available on the market; therefore, you will need to look for one that is created especially for dogs that climb over fences. You may also want to speak with a trainer before using a shock collar.
Try a Kennel Run
If you have the space, another solution is to build a kennel run. A kennel run is a fenced-in area where your husky can play and exercise. It can be an effective solution, but the kennel run must be large enough for your husky. It should have enough room to move around and play without feeling cramped.
The kennel run should also have a cover to provide your husky with shade. Huskies can get overheated easily, so it is important to make sure that they have a cool place to rest.
Basic Obedience Training
If your husky is constantly trying to escape, you may want to consider basic obedience training. This type of training will teach your husky commands such as “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” These commands can help keep your husky under control.
You can do the obedience training at home or with a professional trainer. Many resources are available online and in pet stores, if you decide to train your husky at home. When training your husky, patience and consistency are essential components.
Use a Leash
When everything else fails, you might have no choice but to use a leash. It is not ideal, but it may be the only way to stop your husky from jumping the fence. If you choose to use a leash, you should make sure it is long enough for your husky to move around and get some exercise but short enough that they cannot reach the fence.
You should only use a leash as a last resort, as it can be very restrictive for your husky. If you use a leash, ensure you still provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
The Husky Fence Solutions
If nothing of the basic solutions works for you, there are some more drastic measures you can take to stop your husky from jumping fences. It may be the last resort for some people, but it may be the only way to keep your husky safe.
Some of these solutions include:
Taller Fence
One way to stop your husky from jumping the fence is to put up a taller fence. It will make it more challenging for them to jump over the fence. If you have a privacy fence, you may want to consider adding an extension to the top of the fence.
You can use lattice, chicken wire, or a fence topper. Be sure to use something safe for your husky. Barbed wire is not a good option, as it can be dangerous for your dog.
Adding a Second Fence
Putting up a second fence is still another alternative. This barrier should be roughly two feet apart from the first. It will create a barrier that your husky will have to jump over to get to the other side.
It is an effective solution, but it can be expensive and time-consuming. If you choose this option, use a safe fence for your husky.
Use Rollers and Pipings
You can also use rollers and pipings to deter your husky from the jumping fence. It is a more extreme solution, but it may be the only way to stop your husky from getting out.
You will need to secure a roller or pipe to the very top of the fence to achieve this. The roller or piping should be at least six feet long. When your husky attempts to jump the fence, it will hit the roller and will only roll back down.
This solution can be dangerous, so use a safe roller or piping for your husky. Be sure to test it out before using it on your fence.
Smart Landscaping
You can also benefit from landscaping. If you have a problem with your husky getting out, you may consider planting some bushes or trees next to the fence.
Use thick plants that have lots of leaves.
It will make it difficult for your husky to get through. You can also use tall plants to block your husky’s view of the other side of the fence. If they can’t see what’s on the other side, they may be less likely to try and jump over the fence.
Use only plants that are safe for your husky. Avoid using plants that have poisonous berries or thorns. Before you plant any new bushes or trees, do your research to find out which plants are safe for your husky.
Invisible Fences
If you have tried all the other solutions and nothing has worked, you may want to consider an invisible fence. Invisible fences are a safe and effective way to keep your husky contained.
Invisible fences work by creating an invisible boundary around your property. Your husky will receive a mild shock when it attempts to cross the boundary. It will teach them to stay inside the boundary.
Invisible fences are a great solution, but they can be expensive. If you decide to go with an invisible fence, get one specifically designed for dogs. Before you buy an invisible fence, you should make it a point to read several reviews.
Use an L-Footer
An L-footer is a type of fencing placed around your property’s perimeter. This L-footer is beneficial if your husky is a digger. Additionally, it will make it harder for your husky to jump over the fence if you do this.
To create an L-footer, you will need to dig a trench around the perimeter of your property. The trench should be approximately six inches deep and 18 inches broad. After digging the groove, you need to place the fence in the trench.
What to Do if Your Husky Jumps the Fence
If your husky does manage to jump the fence, you must take action immediately. Don’t panic, but take the necessary steps to ensure your husky is safe. Here are the things that might help you:
- If you see your husky on the other side of the fence, do not approach them. It will just make it more probable for them to flee the scene. Instead, call your husky’s name in a calm and friendly voice. If they come to you, put them on a leash and take them inside.
- Show your husky that you are not happy with their behavior. Let them know they are not supposed to be on the other side of the fence. Be firm, but do not yell at them.
- If your husky has a microchip, make sure the information is current. You know they’ll be found and returned to you if they get lost.
- Call your local animal shelter and inform them that your husky is missing. They may have seen your dog and can help you to find them.
- Search your neighborhood for your husky. Speak with your neighbors to see if they have come across your husky. Leave flyers with your contact information in case someone finds your husky.
- If you can’t find your husky, you may consider hiring a professional dog tracker. A dog tracker can help you to find your husky even if they are miles away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is it possible to train a husky not to jump a fence?
Yes. It is possible to train a husky not to jump a fence. Huskies are clever canines that you can train to perform almost anything. However, training your Husky not to leap a fence may require effort and patience. Be consistent with the training; eventually, your husky will get the hang of it. If you have a problem with your husky jumping the fence, you may consider hiring a professional dog trainer. Even if it’s quite expensive, it is well worth it to ensure the well-being of your husky.
Q. How high of a fence does my husky need?
Huskies are known for being able to jump high, so you will need a fence that is at least six feet tall. You may need an even taller fence if you have a particularly large or athletic husky. Test your fence before leaving your husky alone in the yard. You don’t wish them to be able to escape by jumping over the fence.
Q. What is the best type of fence for a husky?
An invisible fence is the ideal form of fence for a husky. Invisible fences are safe and effective and can be customized to fit your property. You should consider installing an invisible fence if you have a large property. If you have a smaller property, you may want to consider a traditional wooden fence. Do your research before deciding the type of fence best for your husky.
Q. Do all huskies jump fences?
No, not all huskies jump fences. Some huskies are content to stay in their own yard and never attempt to jump the fence. However, other huskies are more adventurous and may try to jump the fence if they see something that interests them on the other side. If you have a husky that is prone to jumping fences, be sure to take precautions to keep them safe.
Q. Is jumping a high fence harmful for my husky?
Jumping a high fence can be harmful to your husky. If it lands wrong, it could injure itself. Additionally, if your husky jump a fence into a busy street, it could be hit by a car. Be sure to take precautions to keep your husky safe from harm. Consider training them not to jump the fence and always supervise when they are in the yard.
Final Thoughts
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for fence jumping. You may need to try a few different solutions before you find the one that works best for your husky. The essential factor is to remain consistent and patient. With a little time and effort, you should be able to stop your husky from jumping the fence.
Do you have any tips or solutions for stopping a husky from jumping fence? We would love to hear from you in the comments below.
