Why German Shepherds Jump Over Fences: 5 Reasons & How to Stop It

It’s every dog parent’s worst nightmare: you discover your beloved pet has jumped over the fence and is now running wild through the neighborhood. You’re worried sick that they could be lost for good, or worse, possibly injured.

The first step to preventing potential escapes is understanding your German Shepherd’s reasoning for leaving the safety of their backyard.

Oftentimes, dogs will jump fences for five simple reasons:

They see a person or animal they want to meet, greet, or chase.
They’re bored and in need of a new adventure.
They have separation anxiety and go looking for you.
They are physically under-stimulated.
They’re scared and seeking immediate relief.

Now that you better understand your pet’s motivation to jump the fence, let’s explore some ways you can prevent them from doing it again.

The 5 Ways to Stop Your German Shepherd Jumping Over the Fence

1. Remove All Escape Aids

German Shepherds are super smart dogs, and sometimes, their intelligence can get the better of them. If your dog finds a box or tree that can help them clear the fence, they'll take full advantage of that aid. Be sure to walk the perimeter of your yard and look for anything that your pooch could use as a launch pad for scaling the fence. Keep an eye out for storage boxes, stumps, chairs, or even a small shed.

If your fence is on the smaller side, consider raising it. Fences should be at least 6 to 7 feet tall to sufficiently keep large dogs inside.

2. Board It Up

Sometimes, the way out is not over but through. Routinely inspect your fence for holes or broken boards. If you see any damage, repair it immediately. If your dog is digging under the fence, quickly fill in the hole to prevent potential escapes.

german shepherd looking outside the chain link fence — Image By: andr74b, Pixabay

3. Mental and Physical Stimulation

German Shepherds need plenty of physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. If your pet is lacking in either, they'll try and find their own fun, including jumping the fence. Exercise your dog for at least an hour per day. If you work a lot, hire a dog walker or enroll your pup in a doggy daycare. Provide them with interactive and challenging toys, such as puppy puzzles. If they have tons of engagement at home, your pet won’t go looking for it on the other side of the fence.

4. Block Their Views

If you have a chain-link fence, install panels to restrict your German Shepherd’s view. Sometimes your dog’s reason for jumping the fence is as simple as wanting to chase an animal or person on the other side. If you block the view, you’ll also block out any temptations.

wooden fence — Image Credit: Pexels, Pixabay

5. Make the Yard a Puppy Paradise

If you create a backyard oasis for your dog where they feel safe and satisfied, they'll likely never want to leave! Provide your dog with tons of chew toys and treats via a food dispensary, set up a kiddie pool on hot summer days, and build them shelter where they'll feel comfortable and secure.

Additional Tips

Other tips for preventing fence jumping include:

Investing in an overhead trolley exerciser to exercise your dog outside while prohibiting them from running freely
Knowing the body language that shows they're considering taking the leap, including crouching down their back end to get enough power to jump
Hiring a professional dog trainer to teach your dog not to jump over the fence
Hiring a dog sitter if you work long hours to prevent separation anxiety

Final Thoughts

As a responsible dog owner, you should always micro-chip your German Shepherd and ensure they arewearing a collar with ID tags. This will help them successfully find their way back to you should they escape.

To prevent your pet from scaling the fence, remove jumping aids, provide them with plenty of mental and physical stimulation, and block their views.

By providing your German Shepherd with a comfortable and satisfying backyard that is securely contained, they'll be less likely to try to jump the fence again!

See Also:

Featured Image Credit: Photodigitaal.nl, Shutterstock