Dog Gone, My Dog the Escape Artist

[smitty1962a]

I'm sure that many of you have dogs and right now I'm having a huge problem with mine. I have two, one is a male mixed beagle with some bassett and the other is a female beagle. Both of them have been neutered and spaded respectively. Both of them are the sweetest and most friendly dogs that you could ever hope for. However, its my beagle. If there were such a thing as reincarnation, I'd swear she'd had been Houdini in a previous life. Last summer almost drove me batty building a fence that she couldn't jump or climb over. I finally had to build an 8' fence for a dog that stands 12" high. Two days ago, she has started digging underneath the fence. Luckily, she comes to me when called except last night when she chased a rabbit. My question is this. How do I keep her from digging out from under the fence? I walk her daily, we play games (if the weather is bad, I pull the vehicles out of the garage and let them play in there or I bring them inside). Some people suggest chicken wire, electric fences, dog repellent, (which didn't work) If any of you have had the same problem and have found a solution to share, I would be very thankful.

Smitty

[Zuludawn]

I think spending more time with your dog and exercising it regularly is all you have to do, hard to go digging around when your wore out and spending more time with your master.

[MissDawn]

I have heard that sprinkling cayan pepper around the areas they dig at will help. Remember to repeat it if it rains. It is supposed to give their paws a burning feeling but is completely harmless to them.

[Wolfjk]

Hi Smitty,
Although your beagle had been spleyed, she might still come into season and and the urge to escape is very strong. Dogs are very clever and find a way out especially if there is male dog on the other side of the fence!
Cheers Wolfjk

[Zuludawn]

I still believe that interaction, exercise and time with the master will quell this; I have 3 dogs and they all went through this phase and wore my behind out until I returned the favor with long walks and playing.

[IrisRavenstar]

They have wonderful two-part tie-outs now that go around a post or tree, with one part circling the tree, and the other part a lead with a ring that goes on the circle part, allowing the dog to run freely around the tree or post without tangling. Better than risking the dog running under a car, for sure!

I've never had a fenced yard, so have found them invaluable.

[smitty1962a]

I appreciate everyone's good advice. Instead of one big walk, I think I'll break it down into two smaller ones in the morning and evening to get out of the main heat of the day. I like the idea of an outside lead during the day and there is a great spot underneath our apple tree. However, in our part of the country we have coyotes and they wouldn't be a match for them. So if you live in the contintental US, be mindful of this. Also, I can do more training and teaching with them to. Again, thank you all for your sensible advice. I have a good place to start.

[Zuludawn]

I would stay away from any leads, just had a case where a dog was killed by one, it happens. Do you really have to rely on this?