Are you amazed at how your dog fence jumping fixes are mere road bumps to your pup? Perhaps a better use of words would be are you frustrated with your dog’s jumping abilities? Some dogs seem to be born with springs instead of legs.

While most adoption organizations and breeders will require a 6-foot fence if your rescue dog or new pup is considered at minimum medium or large, but sometimes that just isn’t enough. Can you relate?

For instance, my family had a Border Collie named Punky who was famous for jumping fences. She regularly jumped a 6-foot fence made of cinder block from a standing position. Mom had to prove it to animal control one day, which apparently was a new one for the agent.

So, what if your dog, is like Punky and LOVES to jump fences and escape too? What can you do? Let’s dive in, or better yet, jump into this topic and find some great answers.

*Updated: April 4, 2024

Budget tip:

Keeping your dog safe in your backyard is a priority. If you find you need to shore up your fence because your dog is easily jumping over your 6-foot fence, you can do it within a tight budget. 

For example, if your dog is only jumping from one area, try planting thick dog-friendly shrubs. Or for more insurance, install DIY coyote rollers which won't allow most dogs to jump over a fence. Most of the time you'll be able to come up with a simple solution that doesn't cost much but will keep your dog safely within your yard. 

That's definitely a budget-wise tip for you and your dog.

Can a dog jump a 4 ft fence?

Depending on the breed of dog a 4 ft fence may not even be a challenge. I know shocking, right? I wish I could jump that high.

My pup thinks there’s a game called “dog fence jumping”. Why?  

I always think it’s best to get the cause of any issue, and that includes dog behavior issues. There could be a multitude of reasons why your dog might jump your fence. However, the most common reasons for your dog jumping a fence will be:

1. Bored

This would definitely be the reason Punky jumped the fence. She always needed to be doing something. Border Collies are notorious for being high-energy dogs and needing a job. I don’t think my mom knew that when she brought Punky home with an infant already in the house.

2. Protecting or territorial 

Your dog may be trying to protect you or his or her territory.

3. Hunting

If your dog is highly motivated by prey and sees or smells something on the other side of the fence, your dog may be likely to attempt to jump.

4. Curiosity

Some dogs, I swear, are part cat and are curious about what’s on the other side of the fence. They may walk on the other side multiple times a day, but they just want to check it out. I have a friend, whose dog I call “catdog” because she is technical a dog, but acts more like a cat. I’m not sure how this happens. Although, it seems to be more prevalent in smaller dogs.

5. Mating

If you haven’t spayed or neutered your dog, then fence jumping might be due to wanting to find a mate. A simple and easy correction for this behavior will be to spay or neuter your dog. You can find a low-cost spay-neuter clinic near you by searching the Petsmart Charities online.

6. Dog breeds

Yep, unfortunately, certain dog breeds are more prone to jumping fences than others. If you have a German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, or like Punky a Border Collie you have a natural-born fence jumper.

You’ll also need to know your dog’s abilities and limitations. Such as large dogs (like Great Danes) and older dogs may not create a huge jumping fence issue.

However, a newly adopted young Border Collie has a high risk of jumping over your fence. Although, they are also wonderful at agility training. So, if you have a jumping dog breed, you’ll want to find your dog a job. That could include therapy dog training.

7. Separation anxiety

If your dog only exhibits a need to jump when he or she’s left alone in your yard, then it could be due to separation anxiety. There are tricks to address and calm a dog with separation anxiety.

How to keep my dog from jumping the fence? Show me DIY Solutions.

You’ll want to observe your dog without your pup watching. Of course, you don’t want your dog to escape in the process. One way to do this is to put a harness on your dog and attach a long 15-30′ leash. You’ll want to have someone firmly hold the end leash, but allow your dog to roam as freely as possible. One trick is to act as if you’re ignoring your dog. But always have eyes and if possible a video camera on your dog.

At some point, your dog will most likely attempt to escape over the fence. Naturally, stop your dog before he or she jumps, but don’t injure your dog either. You may even want to have another person on the outside of the fence as additional help in case your dog does jump with the leash attached.

I know this part is a bit of a recon mission. However, the knowledge you’ll gain is very important. You’ll want to note how your dog tries to jump out, such as:

• Is there something that your dog jumps on and then tries to jump over your fence?
• Or does your dog simply attempt to jump from a standing position and hoist him or herself over your fence?
• Is there one spot your dog goes to jump your fence?
• Do you notice your dog sniffing before jumping over your fence? (This could be an indication of hunting).

Simply put you need to know how your dog jumps your fence, so you can correct it and prevent it from happening in the future.

Can a dog jump a 6 ft fence?

Many dogs can easily leap over a 4 ft fence in a blink of an eye. Some can even leap over a 6 ft fence. Especially, those dogs that are high energy or trained for agility, such as border collies.

How to keep dog from jumping fence?

Once you know why and how your dog is jumping out of your fence, then you can get to work. There are a few tricks to solve your dog fence jumping issue. They will mostly be easy and inexpensive, my favorite kind of fixes.

1. Exercise your dog

If you discover your dog is jumping your fence out of boredom, try exercising your dog more. This might mean more or longer visits to the dog park. Or you may need to call in a dog walker or even take your dog to a doggie daycare if you find you don’t have enough time in your day to exercise your dog thoroughly.

Or you can ask a friend to exercise your dog when they exercise theirs and you do the same. Basically, trade off your dog exercising, which can work very well as long as the dogs get along.

Do you like to go hiking with your dog, but hate the sap he gets stuck in his/her fur? In this article, I share easy tips to remove sap from fur.

2. Mental stimulation

Give your dog more mental stimulation, which can include a dog mental game. This can be very effective as long as your dog likes toys.

Have you ever tried a mealtime dog game? My dog loves these types of brain games. Plus they’re free! In this article, I discuss, four of Heny’s favorites.

3. Make your backyard more dog-friendly

Perhaps you created your yard and forgot about your dog. If so, you can add a dog digging zone, dog toys, agility games, a motion water drinking fountain, and even a dog path. These items will all help to encourage your dog to stay in your yard.

Not sure how to create a digging zone? In this article, I reveal how to do it.

4. Remove enabling areas

If your dog is jumping on something like a table and then onto your fence, simply move the table away from the fence a bit. By doing this you will not enable your dog to jump over the fence so easily.

However, you may find your dog discovers another area to jump your fence. You’ll need to watch your dog again after removing the enabling item(s) to make sure your dog doesn’t find a new way over your fence.

5. Install plant barriers

Your dog might be getting within 1-3′ of your fence in one area and then jumping. If this is the case, then you can plant dog-friendly but thick plants that won’t allow your dog to jump from that location.

Of course, this may move your dog’s jumping to a different location. If this becomes the case, you may need to line the inside of your fence with thick bushes, such as:

• bamboo
• rhododendron
• boxwood
• juniper

6. Install a dog peek-a-boo window in your fence

This can work wonders for dogs jumping over fences due to curiosity about what’s on the other side of the fence. Of course, cutting a peek-boo dog window works best in a wooden fence. Yep, you can do this as an easy DIY project as well. Below is a simple video tutorial.

However, it can also increase the amount of barking you hear from your dog because your dog will see more people and animals which could encourage barking.

7. Create an enclosed dog run

This will allow your dog to run in a certain area of your backyard, but keep your pup safe and prevent any fence jumping. Additionally, by only enclosing a small dog run, the costs are not as much as the entire backyard.

8. Extend the height of your fence

Yes, this one does take a bit of skill. However, it’s not terribly difficult. Although, if you aren’t comfortable with tools, you can hire a handyman, or hopefully you know someone handy who can do this one for you. And yes, you can make an existing chain link fence taller.

But first, when thinking about creating a taller fence line there are three viable options:

Option 1. Awning effect

Basically, the idea with this option is to create a type of awning effect on the top of your existing fence facing in toward your yard at a 45-degree angle. The tools you need are fairly simple.

Below is a basic DIY on how to install a chicken wire fence awning over the top of your existing fence. But don’t worry you can make that look pretty with some dog-friendly climbing vines, such as:

• Crossvine
• Purple passionflower
• Mustang grape

Option 2. Cat fencing

This option doesn’t allow for either a dog or cat to jump over your yard fence. A cat fence is a plastic net that hangs much like an awning over your existing fence and prevents jumping.

Some pet owners have even trained dog-friendly vines to grow over the cat extension fence to add more decorative appeal to their backyard. You can ask at your local nursery for climbing vines that grow in your area. Then check to make sure they are pet-friendly by to the ASPCA plant site here.

Option 3. Privacy fence

And the final option to create a higher fence line is with a privacy fence. Confused? The privacy fence goes over the top of your existing fence. For example, a tall bamboo privacy fence over the top of your existing fence in one area may curtail your dog from jumping. While also adding to your yard appeal.

Of course, the option you choose will depend on your dog’s jumping habits, dog breed, and abilities.

9. Install coyote rollers

The installation of coyote rollers can quickly stop your dog from trying to jump your fence. Additionally, outside animals and even a neighbor’s dog will not be able to jump into your yard.

Basically, the idea is that you install one or some dog owners find it more beneficial to install two coyote rollers to the top of your fence line. These rollers are relatively inexpensive and made from PVC pipe and wire.

Additionally, a coyote roller can be installed to chain link fences with the proper tools.

Moreover, a coyote roller extends the fence height while also ensuring that your dog and predators can’t use the top of the fence to grab onto and propel over the fence.

Note: Most dogs and coyotes use the top rail of a fence to grab and leverage the rest of their bodies over the fence. However, if your dog doesn’t jump in this manner, then a coyote roller will probably not work. 

While there are commercial coyote rollers on the market you can purchase, you can also easily make your own with just a few supplies. Here’s a link to how to create and install your own coyote roller.

10. Secondary fence

This option can be a bit pricy depending on what products you select. However, if you only install a second fence in your problem jumping area it might be within your budget. The idea with a secondary fence is that you install another fence 2-3′ in front of your existing one.

Additionally, this new fence can be shorter and more decorative than your current fence, which may be more cost-effective. I’ve seen these secondary fences even created with pallets, which would be really inexpensive.

Basically, how a second fence works is that when your dog goes to jump it, he or she won’t have the room needed to jump the next fence. Although, if your dog jumps from a standing position, a secondary fence may not work. You’ll discover this while watching your dog jump in your discovery period. Here’s a video on how to create your own secondary pallet wooden fence.

11. Train your dog not to jump

Ok, I hear you what you’re saying, “yeah right, and I’ll teach him to drive me to work too.” Well, if you can find the source or reason for jumping, and fix that issue, then in theory you should be able to train your pup to not jump over the physical fence.

Thus, it will be the same method as you use for sitting or staying. Same as you train your dog positively to sit, you’ll train your dog positively to stay away from the fence line.

Remember positive reinforcement with lots of treats when your dog responds as you desire. If you have an incredibly determined dog and he or she is still escaping your yard, then I encourage you to talk with your dog trainer for additional dog training assistance. Or consult an animal behaviorist for more guidance.

Do you want to train your dog, but simply don’t have the time or think you have the money? In this article, I share how to do it on your schedule and for free.

12. Don’t leave your dog unattended in your yard

After all these steps, you may discover, much like my mom did with Punky, that your dog simply needs supervision. That’s okay if that’s the case. Do what you can with exercise and mental stimulation, but always recognize your dog’s limitations.

For example, your dog may simply always be looking for something bigger and more exciting to do regardless of what you put in front of him or her. These are the high-energy, job-driven dogs, like Border Collies.

However, that doesn’t mean that a Border Collie can’t make a wonderful family dog. I have two different friends who each have rescued two Border Collies. Both sets of these dog parents have learned that their dogs need jobs, but they also need supervision. One set of Border Collies goes to work with their human mom. While the other set of Border Collies keeps two acres clear of all critters.

Perhaps in these cases, it also helped for them to have two dogs. Interestingly neither have had any issues with their Border Collies jumping over fences.

A word on both electric fences as well as invisible fences

You might be wondering about installing an electric fence or even an invisible fence to keep your dog in your yard. Both types of these fences will provide a shock to your dog if a certain line is crossed. An invisible fence requires your dog to wear a shock collar, which provides an electric shock to your dog.

Meanwhile, an electric fence provides a shock to anyone or anything that touches it.

Here are my thoughts

Many years ago, when I was maybe seven, an old farmer said to me, “Always take care of your animals before you take care of yourself. If you wouldn’t drink the water, don’t give it to your animal.” He went on to say, “If their bowl is dirty, clean it. When they need something, do it. If you wouldn’t like it, then don’t do it to them.”

Those are certainly simple words and words I was mostly adhering to before he said them. Well, except I used to eat before my animals. But that quickly changed after his talk.

Anyhow, with regard to an electric fence and an invisible fence, I wouldn’t want to be shocked by either one. So, there’s no way I would let any animal I have be near one. I’ve been shocked a few times when changing electrical appliances and it was no fun! If you’re thinking about an electric fence, I’d encourage you first to touch one and then think about it again.

Remember that anyone or anything that touches that fence when it’s on will be shocked. And then that naturally leads to a liability issue if the fence doesn’t have the proper signage denoting that it’s electrified you could be liable if someone or something is injured.

Thus, an electric fence or even an invisible fence could be a cheap solution, but I would never support the use of either one.

FAQs

How to keep a dog from jumping a fence?

This could be a dog jumping outside your fence into your yard. Has this happened to you? If this is your worry, then try a deterrent such as coyote rollers.

How to stop a dog from jumping a 6ft fence?

Again, you’ll want to make sure you’re not enabling your dog with easy access or ways to jump over your fence. Then you’ll want to look at deterrents such as a coyote roller or even a cat awning.

How to stop husky from jumping fence?

Huskies are known as escape artists. Thus, you’ll want to make sure your yard is as secure as possible. Additionally, you won’t want to leave a husky alone in your yard, simply because they are so smart and will find ways to escape.

However, always make sure you don’t have items that encourage jumping such as tables by fences. Finally, training and deterrent tools like coyote rollers and cat awnings have been proven very successful, even for huskies.

How to keep dog from jumping 4 foot fence?

The methods you use to keep your dog contained within a 4-foot fenced yard will be the same as a 6-foot fence. However, whether you choose to install a 4-foot or 6-foot fence will be determined by your dog’s ability and breed. For instance, a small Yorkie doesn’t need a 6-foot tall fence and 4 foot one will be perfect.

However, a Husky will need at least a 6-foot-tall fence. Either way, you’ll want to consider items keeping the fence clear of items that can encourage jumping like benches. Additionally, if your dog in a 4-foot fence needs more encouragement to stay in the yard, you’ll want to consider training, coyote rollers, and even a cat awning.

How to keep dog from jumping chain link fence?

Admittedly, a chain link fence is a bit more difficult to deter dogs from jumping. A lot of dogs can climb chain link fences, especially if they see something on the other side they want to investigate.

Thus, the first step to to break the sight line. This will mean installing a sight barrier fence. It could even be a temporary type of fence. The idea is to not allow your dog to see outside your yard.

Next, you want to make sure your dog can’t get to the fence to scale it and leap out. This could mean installing bushes that will prevent your dog from getting close to the fence.

Finally, as an added measure, you’ll want to look at installing a deterrent to climbing such as coyote rollers or a cat awning. Taken as a totality these should keep your dog inside your chain-linked fence yard.

Want to learn how to install a temporary fence for cheap? In this article, I reveal some ideas I’m certain you’ve never thought about.

How high can a border collie jump?

Border collies are very athletic. I know my mom swore Punky could easily jump a 12-foot fence. I’ve seen some border leap and, honestly, I think Mom was probably right. Those dogs have springs in their legs.

How effective is an invisible fence?

Admittedly invisible fence can be very effective. However, it doesn’t prevent intruders. Additionally, if your dog is chased out of your yard, he/she won’t be able to come back because of the shock of the fence line. Personally, I think the cons of invisible fencing outweigh the pros. For me, I use a vibrating collar for my dog, Henry and he’s been well trained. It works very well for us.

Here’s where you can get a vibrating collar that is even better than Henry’s collar. When his current collar needs to be replaced, I’ll buy this one. Plus, it’s very affordable!

How tall should a fence be for a medium-sized dog?

Keep in mind that the size of the dog may not matter so much if you have items next to your fence that encourage your dog to jump such as a table or bench. This could be enticing for a large, medium, or small dog.

Also, if your dog can easily see out of your fence and there are things on the other side like bunnies or other dogs, then that could encourage any dog to jump.

Moreover, the type of fence may encourage your dog to jump. Such as a chain link fence will entice those dogs who like to climb. I was shocked to see Henry climb his playpen one day. He’s a rather small dog and the height of the pen is about 3.5′. Thus, while the size may not matter, you know your dog and his/her skills do matter. Additionally, keeping your yard safe is always critical.

How to keep a dog from jumping a block wall?

Punky used to jump my mom’s block wall from a standing position. Honestly, the key to these super leapers is to not leave them unattended and to install secondary fences so they can never really get that close to the wall.

How to stop dog from squeezing through a fence?

If your dog is squeezing through a hole in your fence, then you need to mend your fence. Additionally, I would recommend installing a deterrent so that your dog can’t get close enough to the fence to wiggle through it. In this case, you may want to look at a dog run. However, never leave your dog unattended for any amount of time. These types of dogs are very clever!

Are there items I can buy to stop dogs from jumping a fence?

Yes! While I like DIY, I also like being ready to go especially when you need something immediately. Or maybe you’re simply not as DIY willing or able, then a quick buy is a great option. Heck, I often buy something rather than purchase for ease or because it saves me time or energy. So, there is something to be said for those types of savings as well.

NOTE: You can purchase coyote rollers like this one, which is very highly rated.

Personally, I’ve been using a vibrating collar with Henry for years with great success.

Click here for a fabulous vibrating collar that I will buy when Henry’s current collar needs to be replaced.

Is there a cheap way to keep dog from jumping fence?

Honestly, the cheapest ways to keep your dog from jumping your fence will be:

• Exercise
• Mental stimulation
• Dog-friendly backyard
• Removing things that enable jumping
• Train your dog not to jump
• Don’t leave your dog unattended

However, as I stated above, my favorite, bar none is a vibrate collar. It’s helped me train my dog, Henry, as to where the property lines are and what’s good and bad behavior. Although, I still never leave him unattended or encourage bad behavior that would lead to an escape.

You can get a great vibrating collar here! This is the one I will buy next.

Related posts:

• How to Expand Your Dog’s Life With a Low Cost Spay Neuter Clinic
• Does Your Dog Meet The Therapy Dog Requirements?
• 6 Dog Park Etiquette and Unwritten Rules
• 10 Benefits of Daycare for Dogs
• 17 Things to Look for in a Good Dog Walker
• Great Exercises With Dogs
• Easy Hack To Remove Sap From Dog’s Fur
• Mind Games For Dogs Every Dog Loves!
• A Dog-Friendly Backyard On A Budget
• Easy Dog Yard Digging Solutions
• Is There Cheap Temporary Dog Fencing? Yes!

Summary of easy dog fence jumping solutions and how to stop a dog from jumping the fence

It can be scary and frustrating when your dog jumps your fence. However, there are generally good solutions to every problem. The first step is to know why and how your dog is jumping the fence. Once you know these answers you can select an appropriate remedy for keeping your dog in your yard.

While it may be as easy as providing your dog with more exercise or mental stimulation, it could also involve a bit of labor. Such as moving something that enables your dog to jump your fence like a table or even planting some thick brushes.

Therefore, if your dog is persistent in jumping you may even want to install a DIY coyote roller, which not only keeps your dog and cat safely in your yard but also keeps other animals from jumping into your yard.

I know my mom probably wishes she knew all these tricks for Punky. Honestly, I think Mom got a kick out of having the most famous dog in the neighborhood.

Do you have a dog that loves to jump fences? How do you stop your dog from jumping your fence?

The post Does Your Dog Love To Jump Your Fence? Easy and Affordable Solutions! first appeared on Tail Wag Wisdom.