how to keep dog from wandering

Kickapoo · #1 04/05/06, 11:46 AM

I asked this in the pet forum and got no response, so I'll try here...

We just recently moved into our place in the country and a friend gave us a Corgy (sheparding dog that looks like Lassie cut off at the knees) as sort of a housewarming gift. She's a great dog except that she keeps wandering off across the road to our neighbor's yard where there's small children to play with and a compost pile -- yum! Since we're new to both living in the countryside and owning a dog, we don't know the best way to keep her on our property. For right now we're tying her to a long rope, but surely there's a better way. Any suggestions? She's about 6 years old and is very mellow. Thanks in advance.

mem · #2 04/05/06, 11:49 AM

Build a fence. If you dont like the looks of a fence to keep your dog in, the underground fencing systems work very well, provided that your dog is properly trained to it.

Maura · #3 04/05/06, 11:53 AM

You can probably train her to stay out of the road, but the temptation of the children is so great, I think you need another approach. Take her out on the leash and walk her along the side of the road. Every time she steps a foot on the road, pull her off and say, "road". As she comes off the road, praise and treat. Clicker works great for this. Repeat over and over again. Do not let her outside unless she is on a leash. I think she will pick up on this fairly quickly. Play with her in the yard, on leash (use a longer leash, like ten feet, then use a twenty foot) and whenever she gets near the road, tell her "road" and praise her wildly when she moves away from the road. Expect this to take a couple of weeks.

Next, train her to sit at the shoulder of the road, then cross the road with you at heel, then release her. So, you decide when she can go over and play with the children. You can phone in advance, bring the dog over, and have the children bring the dog back home (if they are old enough). She is never allowed across the road unless you bring her.

You must work with her and reward her long after you think she's trained.

hollym · #4 04/05/06, 12:34 PM

I'd fence her, but I am very paranoid about losing a dog. Corgis are short, it shouldn't take a really high fence to keep her home.

I have two Corgi crosses, and they are the funniest little things! They do love kids, though, and are just so curious and playful. She is probably just not able to resist the temptation of hanging out with her new found friends.

Hope you find a way to keep her safe!

hollym

HilltopDaisy · #5 04/05/06, 01:00 PM

I would definitely urge you to put up a fence, even if it's just a big kennel to keep her in when you aren't outside with her. How bad will you feel when she gets hit by a car? Please don't let that happen.

BaronsMom · #6 04/05/06, 01:42 PM

Fence. I would never tie a dog - can lead to aggression.

TedH71 · #7 04/05/06, 01:55 PM

I honestly don't think chaining a dog leads to aggression..it's the neglect that does it. If the dog is kept in the house and chained during the day then I see no problems with it. I've kept quite a few dogs on chains mainly because they were fence diggers or fence fighters or fence jumpers...take your pick. If a dog is chained 24/7 with no socialization then the dog slowly goes insane or so, that's what I believe.

BaronsMom · #8 04/05/06, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TedH71

I honestly don't think chaining a dog leads to aggression..it's the neglect that does it. If the dog is kept in the house and chained during the day then I see no problems with it. I've kept quite a few dogs on chains mainly because they were fence diggers or fence fighters or fence jumpers...take your pick. If a dog is chained 24/7 with no socialization then the dog slowly goes insane or so, that's what I believe.

A real fence that allows the dog to move around without being tied is best for your dog’s supervised times outdoors. Tie outs should only be used minimally and when you are out in the yard with the dog supervising. Most people put the dog on the chain and leave it out while they go back in the house.

Great article on how tie outs should be used and why...and what can go wrong.

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Con...106&A=1829&S=0

Beltane · #9 04/05/06, 02:19 PM

I would have to agree with others that mentioned a fence. With our greyhounds, they are too fast to be chained up or linked to 'dog run'. As someone mentioned, you probably wouldn't need a fence that would be very high.

BeckyW · #10 04/05/06, 03:35 PM

We used to raise American Eskimos. May I make another suggestion, aside from the fence which is a given. Your dog is lonely. Get her a friend - I would suggest another Corgi or other mellow breed. Dogs are pack animals - very social in nature, not loners. A six yr old Corgi is not an old dog and will still play. I believe you'll find when you have two dogs, they are happy to stay home and have fun together. And surprisingly, two dogs isn't any more work than one.
BW

Kickapoo · #11 04/05/06, 04:07 PM

Thanks for all the good ideas. I think we will first try to train her not to cross the road as Maura suggested. This would be ideal. Our house isn't even finished yet, so it would be a long while before we built any fences. It's possible too that she would like a little friend, but her previous owner did tell us that she's happier when she's the only dog around (they had three). She does get plenty of attention from our kids so I'm not worried about that. Thanks again!