Are you concerned about your dog vaulting your fence to go adventuring in the wilds of your neighborhood? Learn how to keep your pet safely and happily within and retain your peace of mind.
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Will My Dog Jump a 4 Foot Fence?
If you have a medium to a large-sized dog then, yes, your dog can jump a 4-foot fence. Border Collies, Rottweilers, Labradors, American Pitbulls, and German Shepherds can all easily jump a 4-foot fence. To prevent this you can either train your dog to stay in the yard, add attachments to increase the height of your fence, or install an invisible fence wire along the top of your fence.
Here’s a list of the highest jumping dogs by breed.
Medium to Large Dog Breeds that Hold Records for Highest Jumps
- Border Collies
- Australian Cattle Dogs
- Kelpies
- German Shepherds
- Rottweilers
Chances are, even if you haven’t had to search for an escaped pet, your dog has tried to jump your fence. To ensure your dog’s safety and peace of mind, it’s best to take steps to avoid their escape before it has a chance to happen.
Can a Pitbull Jump a 4 Foot Fence?
Yes, an american Pitbull can jump over a 4 foot fence. Most medium to large sized dogs can jump a fence of this height. A Pitbull can even use their claws and the fence as leverage to make it over the fence easier. If you have a pitbull and you are worried they may jump the fence you should train them to stay in the yard and possibly consider adding fence extensions.
Fence Based on Breed
It’s important to consider the size and personality of your dog when deciding on a fence. A toy breed, for example, typically won’t require as great a fence height or strength as a Saint Bernard, but a 6-foot fence should be your starting point.
The height of a pet fence is only one consideration, as well. Dogs need space to play and exercise, making it important to fence in as large an area as you can manage.
If you are getting a dog as a puppy, remember that they will grow, and construct your fenced space according to their fully grown size. The basic area for any dog should be at least ten feet by ten feet to ensure that your pet doesn’t feel too cooped up, which will make it less likely that they attempt to break out.
Fence Types
Different fence varieties might fit your and your pet’s needs in different ways. Weigh the pros and cons before choosing a method.
Chainlink
- Pro: inexpensive and durable
- Con: see-through and climbable for some dogs
Wooden
- Pro: long-lasting and blocks vision
- Con: large or very determined pets can move boards
Concrete
- Pro: strong and provides no gaps
- Con: expensive
Vinyl
- Pro: durable and high security
- Con: moderately expensive
Wireless
- Pro: easy to install
- Con: excitable pets can still run through and other animals can get in easily
Investigate Escape Routes
Figure out how your pet is getting out of the enclosure you’ve created. Whether they are jumping or climbing over it or digging underneath, there are solutions.
Dogs that jump or climb can be thwarted by installing chicken wire at the top of the fence. With a staple gun, attach and bend the chicken wire back toward you to create a barrier that can’t simply be scaled.
If your dog digs underneath, consider attaching and burying chicken wire along the bottom edge of your fence. This will create a barrier that your pet can’t get past when digging.
Get Rid of Helpers
Dogs will utilize just about anything to help them escape. Stacked firewood becomes a staircase, garbage bins turn into step stools, and trees become ladders to an innovative pet.
Explore your fenced space from a pet’s perspective. Anything that could be used to escape the area, remove it.
Restrict the View
For particularly stubborn fence jumpers, you might have to consider cutting off their view of the world outside of your fenced-in area. Other pets, wild animals, and people stopping to say hello to them can lure them out.
There are a variety of ways you can limit the view from your fence. Chain link can be blocked with plastic slats woven through, or reed fencing can be used to line the inside of any type of fence.
Banish Boredom
Pets left often in fenced areas can grow bored. Make sure to give them as much attention as you can spare, and set aside time every day to spend with them.
Take the time to play with, exercise, or train your dog each day. Keep in mind that they miss you and look forward to activities with you!
Refuge, Not Jail
Your dog should never feel that they’ve been imprisoned by the fence. Provide pets with an area that they want to be inside and you’re giving them a better chance of behaving, lowering the likelihood of attempted escapes.
Try providing your pet with a new toy when you have to leave them fenced in for a long period of time. Hiding treats or adding them to a treat-dispensing toy can help to entertain them, as well.
Dog Breeds That Can Jump Over 6 Foot Fences or Obstacles
- Wolfhounds
- Borzois
- Ibizans
- Greyhounds
The Guinness world record for jumping height is held by a Greyhound named Feather. Watch her jump in the video below.
FAQ
Are Vinyl Fences Strong Enough for Dogs?
High-quality vinyl fences are strong enough to withstand most things that a dog can throw at it, as long as you have enough height installed to keep your pet from jumping over the top. Vinyl will resist clawing, chewing, and pushing far better than more fragile fences.
Can a German Shepherd Jump a 4 Foot Fence?
A 4-foot fence is typically only sufficient for very small dog breeds. Anything larger, and it’s safest to install a 6-foot fence to keep them safely inside.
My name is Ken and I’m one of the staff writers at Petloverguy.com. I’ve cared for pets most of my life starting with hamsters, turtles, and snakes. Then moving up to parakeets, guinea pigs, and even ducks.
I currently live with two yorkies and a chihuahua mix.
