Hi, I have mixed breed dogs, sisters, that I cannot keep in the yard. They are 21 months old and middle size. The most serious problem I am having is they climb the 5 foot high chain link fence. I have had to start keeping them chained up all the time to keep them in the yard. I can't afford an invisible fence, or anything other physical solution I can think of. I have come to the conclusion that I will just have to get rid of them if I can't break this habit. They shed a tremendous amount and so I can't keep them inside. Not to mention the fact that they still have accidents when they are inside. I'm fresh out of ideas. I hope you can help me. Sincerely, Stilalady

Hi Stilalady,
I feel your pain - Happy is sharing a yard with a Houdini-like "climbing" dog. I think we finally solved our problem with a single strand of barbed wire strung up five inches above the fence. For some dogs even the invisible fence will not stop them, though. Some friends tried bending the top foot of fence inward so they would have to climb upside down to top the fence. It worked with her poodles (some of them!). A lot of trainers claim to be able to train them not to leave; some work, some don't. If you do go that route, see if you can get a written guarantee from the trainer. I don't know of any solutions that are 100% effective for every dog - sometimes it takes a bit of trial and error. Good luck!

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