As dog owners, we want to make sure that our furry friends are safe at all times and that they don’t escape from the yard and run away. Especially when we are not around to keep an eye on them.
This is easier said than done when it comes to Jack Russells because they are known to be escape artists. They are also very agile and they can jump high, which means that they can clear a fence that is not high enough to keep them in a yard.
They also like to dig and can dig their way out of a yard that is not properly secured.
So, how do you keep a Jack Russell in your yard?
Join me as I take a look.
How Do You Keep A Jack Russell In Your Yard?
There are various ways to make sure that your Jack Russell stays put in your yard. Some of these options might work better for you, especially if there are certain rules and restrictions in place as far as your yard is concerned.
Let’s have a look at them.
1.) Make Use Of A Dog Playpen
I’m a big fan of dog playpens because they give me the opportunity to secure a play area for my Jack Russells in any yard and because these playpens are easy to transport, I can take them with me when I’m taking a road trip with my Jack Russells.
Playpens are very useful if securing your entire yard is not an option for you, because they allow you to designate a certain area inside your yard that is safe and secure for your Jack Russells to play in.
2.) Install An Invisible Fence
An invisible fence is also a great option to keep your pup inside the yard, especially if you are unable to secure your entire yard by means of a regular fence or wall.
An invisible fence involves installing a device inside your home that creates a virtual perimeter inside your yard. It comes with a collar that your dog needs to wear when he is outside in the yard, and when he crosses the virtual perimeter, the collar will alert your pup by means of static correction.
Obviously, this does involve training your Jack Russell and in time, he will learn not to go outside of the virtual perimeter.
3.) Install A Regular Fence or Wall
If you are able to install a regular fence or wall on your property, then it is also a great way to keep your Jack Russell in your yard. Please note though that you need to make sure that your Jack Russell can’t jump over the fence, or dig his way out underneath the fence.
I have a brick wall around my backyard and it has been working great for keeping my pups safe and secure. Because it is a solid wall, it keeps them from spotting the neighbors cat and barking at it.
4.) Make Use Of A Leash Or Harness
If none of the options above will work for you, then you can make use of a leash or harness whenever you want to take your Jack Russell out in a yard that is not secure. I prefer to use a harness because a leash tends to choke my pups.
This obviously means that you need to be with your pup when he is outside and that you can’t leave him alone to roam free because he might run off.
How High Should A Fence Be For A Jack Russell?
You might not be aware of this, but a Jack Russell can jump as high as 5 feet. A puppy or a senior Jack Russell might not be able to jump this high, but a Jack Russell in his prime can definitely reach that height. I, therefore, recommend that you install a fence that is higher than 5 feet to make sure your Jack Russell does not jump over it.
If you’re keeping chickens in your yard, and you are scared that your Jack Russell might pester them, then I would advise you to install a fence that is higher than 5 feet to keep your pup away from him.
Can Jack Russells Be Kept Outside In The Yard?
Yes, Jack Russells can be kept outside in the yard provided that the yard is properly secured so that they don’t run away. It is, however, not recommended to leave a Jack Russell outside for hours at a time because he will get anxious when he is alone for a long time. It is also not recommended that you leave your Jack Russell outside during winter because he will get cold.
Do Jack Russells Like To Dig?
Yes, Jack Russells like to dig and they will dig because they are bored, looking for attention, scared, or hunting a small animal. When they’re young, they’ll often dig as a form of exercise because they were never taught there are better ways to burn energy than to dig. It is thanks to their natural energy and desire to hunt that they are great hunting dogs and working dogs in general.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a few things that you can do to keep your Jack Russell in your yard.
You can make use of a dog playpen, an invisible fence, or you can install a regular fence or wall provided it is higher than 5 feet. If you are unable to secure your yard with a fence or wall, then a dog playpen or an invisible fence will be the best options to consider. If all else fails, then you can take your Jack Russell outside in the yard by having him on a leash or in a harness.
Jack Russells love to be outside and they love to play and run around in the yard. This gives them the opportunity to get rid of all that pent-up energy, and at the same time, they get much-needed exercise. Having a yard that is safe and secure means that your pup can do all of this whenever he wants, and it also gives you the peace of mind that your furry friend is safe and secure.
