Printable Version of Topic

Click here to view this topic in its original format

914World.com _ 914World Garage _ OT - Just adopted a new dog

Posted by: fatlando Aug 17 2005, 09:31 AM

We adopted Harley, a 2 year old lab mix as a companion for our 1 year old choclate lab Emily, and has been a dream. He's bonded with all of us and seems like he's been with us for years.

The only drawback is he digs under the fence and goes to other peoples yards.

any ideas???

Posted by: tat2dphreak Aug 17 2005, 09:35 AM

is he fixed? dogs that aren't fixed will always find a way to go looking for poon.

Posted by: bondo Aug 17 2005, 09:37 AM

Heh, I used to have a lab mix.. they sure are runners. Mind didn't dig tho.. she'd jump right over a 6' fence. Ended up having to get an electric fence.

Posted by: fatlando Aug 17 2005, 09:37 AM

QUOTE (tat2dphreak @ Aug 17 2005, 07:35 AM)
is he fixed? dogs that aren't fixed will always find a way to go looking for poon.

that's the strange thing...he's fixed...but he just loves doing the great escape?
and when he gets to the other yards, he just lies down and chills. little weirdo!

Posted by: rhodyguy Aug 17 2005, 09:38 AM

he's prob does it when you leave him alone right? anxiety or boredom. pm sent.

k

Posted by: Jaiden Aug 17 2005, 09:39 AM

Since this dog has already learned the behavior you probably will not be able to stop him from digging while you are not around.

What you can do is make it less appealing to dig.
1. Make sure his claws are cut as close to the quick as possible so digging will rough up the pads on his paws. he won't want to dig as much.
2. Put chicken wire at the base of the fence and dig down about a foot to bury it. he ill dig but hit the chicken wire and not be able to push through.
3. Hidden fence system so that he cannot make it to the fence in the first place.

Of all 3 the hidden fence works the best since he cannot get "under it"

Here's a pic of one of mine.
Australlian cattle dog "sulley"

Attached image(s)

Posted by: tat2dphreak Aug 17 2005, 09:44 AM

ok, can't speak for all dogs but it worked with one of our dogs when I was growing up... buy him a cheap swimming pool (he might chew it up, so one of the cheap plastic kid pools is fine... and fill it with water... Labs LOVE water and often will just LAY in it...

but I do agree... a hidden perimeter fence with a collar on him is the best bet...

we had a lot of Blue Lacys and they ALL LOVE to dig... we were on hard clay cliche ground though and they wouldn't make it far... but sometimes would just dig a hole to put his nose in... looking for cooler air

never could break them from it though

Posted by: fatlando Aug 17 2005, 10:01 AM

thanx for all the info peeps. i'll send a picture of these 2 chuckleheads when i get home.

on a sad note, i had to bury my wife and sons pet rats yesterday as it seems they were scared to death.

one was cowering in the corner and the other was hiding under the running wheel. I've heard that rodents can die by being scared so it was weird seeing it. i think a raccoon or possom was was the cause.

both my wife and son were wailing as i gently picked them up, put them in a makeshift coffin and buried them.

I dread the day when my dogs and cat pass on...

fat lando

Posted by: Lou W Aug 17 2005, 10:14 AM

My Lab liked to dig too, I figured it out that he was just looking for a nice cool spot. Electric fence will help keep him in. If you bury his where he digs out of the yard, he'll never dig there again.

Posted by: meares Aug 17 2005, 12:11 PM

chicken wire at the base of the fence works well......how about yelling "STOP!!!!" or "NO!!!" that usually works as well....it should since he's a lab, they usually listen

Posted by: DipShit Aug 17 2005, 12:18 PM

QUOTE (Lou W @ Aug 17 2005, 08:14 AM)
If you bury his where he digs out of the yard, he'll never dig there again.

bury his in hole! It worked for me.

Posted by: rhodyguy Aug 17 2005, 12:50 PM

a loud startling sound like ball bearings being shaken in a metal can is very effective. "no" can be a confusing command for a dog. it's a very commonly used word. a stern "LEAVE IT!!", leading the dog away, and briefly entertaining him should work better. consistancy is crutial!! put him outside and watch him. he will look to start digging. catch him in the act, shake the can and use the "LEAVE IT!!" routine. "punnishing" is bad form. esp after the fact. you don't want the dog to fear you. you want to be the "alpha" of the pack. you'll wind up with a trench of dog crap around the perimeter of your yard. nothing nicer when you're planting perenials.

k

Posted by: Always Looking Aug 17 2005, 12:58 PM

Sprinkle some cayanne pepper in the area around the fence. seriously.