Our Little Escape Artist

This summer has been a nightmare as a pet owner.  Something has happened to our girl dog. Something has freaked her out and caused her to behave like a mad dog--a thunderstorm? New neighbor dogs? The many visitors we've had this summer? Bunnies, birdies, teenage dog hormones?  I really don't know. All I know, is that she has become quite the escape artist and doesn't like to be in her outdoor enclosure unless one of us is with her. Seriously?  Seperation anxiety?  Aren't we a little beyond this stage??!! Mind you, the dog pen is larger than most city yards, but she doesn't know this.  She's only lived in the country and loves access to the bigger yard, and more importantly, her human friends.

At first it started with pushing and maneuvering her way between the metal t-post and fencing that was not permanently secured to the house.  So we cemented in two wood posts.  But she didn't care. She decided that wasn't going to stop her, and she climbed the wire fencing instead.

Doesn't that look make you wonder if she's already plotting her next move?  I'm certain she was!

Next we added a little extra wire to that section, but then she decided to climb over the gates.  So we added some taller pickets to the other side.  Not too nice for the curb appeal factor, but we don't really have a curb anyway!

Yeah, that didn't work either, she just climbed the wire right next to it.

Then we added chicken wire to heighten the fence. It worked, but we didn't have enough and she climbed the one section we hadn't done within an hour of our leaving her back there the first time.  The craziest part was that she climbed out, helped my mom with a few yard tasks and then climbed back in. BIZARRE!

(I didn't take a picture of this stage, because I was just too exhausted from dealing with the craziness!)

Well, with all of these wacked up antics, we decided to pull out the big guns.  While we had initially borrowed an invisible fence from our brother and sister that are dog owners, I was having a soft heart and didn't want to hurt her.  Given that we had tried a variety of humane ways and she was still misbehaving I had a change of heart.  Now, I was all for this drastic measure.  My only concern was that Quinn, our boy dog, would chew the collar Lilly would be required to wear for the shock system to work.  He's been known to go for her neck when they are playing.  For some reason, he loves collars! Maybe his dog food doesn't have the nutritional value he is needing?!  Anyhoo, enter Craig's dad to the rescue! He just happened to have an electric fence system that he wasn't using it anymore.  This one doesn't require a collar, so I won't have to worry about Quinn destroying it.  While we didn't really want ours dogs to experience the pain of the electric fence, we needed to nip this problem in the bud. There safety is our primary concern and getting out could cause them much more harm.

Seriously,  I can't quite understand how she couldn't love this area.  A custom built dog house, lots of room to run.  Plenty of shade and sun.  What more could you ask for?  

Well, Lilly was certainly not a happy camper that first night.  She tried two different escape routes that landed her with the unexpected shock.  She was so freaked out that she climbed over the one gate we hadn't added extra pickets too.  I know what you're saying..."Of course, she did!  What would you expect at this point?  Why didn't you fix that problem before you put her back there?"  Well, I was impatient and didn't want to run to the Home Depot for the bazillionth time, my friends!  It's fixed now, so if she gets out, I just have to throw my hands up on this one!

It's been a few of days now, and while she was definitely not herself that first day, she is adjusting just fine.

I look at her and tell her that I tried to be nice, but she left us with no other options.  We want to keep her safe from the dangers that exist beyond our yard. But then I remember she's just a dog, and realize that her self gratifying spirit probably only cares about chasing rabbits and birds!

And maybe a good nap on my favorite chair!