Deciding to adopt a dog was one of the best decisions you’ve ever made. I always knew that something was missing in my life and figured it out when I saw an adorable Golden Retriever puppy at the pet adoption center.
However, even though I’m totally head over heels for my new pup, he can’t go everywhere with me- not because he doesn’t want to but because we live in a home with 4-foot tall fences!
That is a major cause we always remain worried that our dog may jump over that fence.
So, let’s answer thoroughly Can a Dog Jump a 4 Foot Fence?
- Will My Dog Jump a 4 Foot Fence?
- Medium to Large Dog Breeds that Hold Records for Highest Jumps
- Fence Based on Breed Not Size,
- Fence Types Suitable for Jumping Dogs
- Investigate Escape Routes
- Get Rid of Helpers
- Restrict the View
- Banish Boredom
- Refuge, Not Jail
- Dog Breeds That Can Jump Over 6 Foot Fences or Obstacles
- FAQ's
- Related Posts
Please also visit our recent articles on the best car door protector for dogs and best wet dog food for sensitive stomach available on the separate page.
Will My Dog Jump a 4 Foot Fence?
The Short and Honest Answer: Yes, your dog can jump a 4-foot fence.
Most dogs can easily jump up to 4 feet or higher, depending on their breed and size.
Even though many dogs will refrain from jumping such a small fence for fear of hurting themselves, some dogs (like my new puppy) will do almost anything to get out and explore.
This is especially true for dogs that are very territorial or like to bark a lot; both of these traits will make them want to leave their territory as soon as possible.
Medium to Large Dog Breeds that Hold Records for Highest Jumps
- Irish Wolfhound
- Great Dane
- Scottish Deerhound
- Borzoi
- American Fox Hound
- Dogue de Bordeaux
- English Pointer
- Australian Cattle Dog
- Pharaoh Hound
- Saluki
- Ibizan Hound
Fence Based on Breed Not Size,
The first thing you’ll need to do is examine your dog’s breed and try to find a parallel jump record for that type of dog.
Once you have the breed in mind, you can start assessing what fence types will be best suited for that dog’s size.
Most dogs from these breeds are powerful and muscular, so it’s best to have various types of fences available for your dog to stay safe and within the boundaries.
For breeds like this, you’ll need:
- Short fences- 4 feet or less in height
- Medium fences- between 4 and 6 feet tall
- Tall fences- over 6 feet tall
In some cases, even if you do everything right, your pup may jump the fence anyway.
If this happens- don’t be too alarmed. Most of the time, a dog jumps a fence because they are just letting off some steam and getting some exercise in.
However, if your dog gets out and starts running all over the neighborhood, there is a chance that it will get hurt.
If you live in an area where it’s illegal to have a 4-foot fence or your homeowner association doesn’t allow fences that short, you should definitely consider fencing higher than 4 feet tall.
Fence Types Suitable for Jumping Dogs
- PVC Fences
- Iron Wire Mesh
- Wood Made Fence
- Checkerboard garden fencing
If you have a high jump dog, it is essential not to overlook that your dog needs to be active and safe.
Dog toys like this Hugglehounds Fido Flyer Dog Toy are great ways to keep your pup calm and focused on something other than jumping over the fence.
If your dog loves to run, jump and play ball, then this is the toy you need. This will help your dogs get rid of excess energy so that they are calmer indoors.
Investigate Escape Routes
It is important to note that there may be more than one way your dog can escape by jumping the fence.
If this is the case, you’ll need to invest in a solid fence all around and also do some research on how they’re getting out.
But before that, you need to investigate the escaping routes to use a sturdy solution there; that will not allow the dog to jump over it and fall in front of him.
Get Rid of Helpers
If there are other ways your dog can escape, you will need to go further.
You’ll need to try and find out if there is a neighborhood dog that always helps him jump the fence for fun or maybe even another animal of some kind.
In this case, it’s best that you either get rid of those critters or enclose your dog in the backyard more often.
Restrict the View
If your dog jumps the fence because he knows that a lot is going on in the neighborhood, then you need to take steps to restrict his view.
By doing this, you’re effectively compromising your dog’s safety, but it will be worth it if you get your pup back safe and sound from his escapades.
Banish Boredom
In most cases, dogs jump because they are bored and have nothing to do.
So the best thing you can do is make sure your dog has a lot of playtimes and that there are always a couple of toys around to keep them entertained.
Refuge, Not Jail
By restricting your dog’s movements, you’re just making him feel like a prisoner.
In this situation, you should give him a safe place to retreat to have somewhere to go when he gets really excited instead of jumping the fence.
Dog Breeds That Can Jump Over 6 Foot Fences or Obstacles
Alaskan Malamute
This is a powerful and muscular breed. Therefore, they require lots of exercises and mental stimulation so that they won’t get bored easily.
They will need a tall fence or maybe even an electric one that he can’t get through if you plan on letting him stay outside when you’re not home.
Border Collie
Border collies are very high-energy dogs, so they need to be able to play often.
They can jump tall fences if they’re motivated by something on the other side. So having a tall fence is not enough unless it’s an electric one that he won’t get through.
Bullmastiff
This breed of dog is huge with a strong build.
They are mainly used as security dogs to make a great watchdog and guardian of your house.
Their primary instinct in the wild would be to protect their homes from strangers, but he can still feel this way about his environment since he’s domesticated now.