If ya live out in the country... I totally get where you're comin' from. Country folks are different when it comes to their dogs. We live on 3 acres with 90 acres of farmland behind us, including horses, pigs and chickens. My stepdad and mother had a dog (a cockapoo) that was always just a "farm dog" per say. She had free roam and was often let outside and she wouldn't wanna come back in... so they would just leave her outside when they went to dinner, etc. NOT my way of raising a dog and it was very aggravating, but it's just the way farmers do it. She was still very much a part of our family though... and she ended up getting hit by a car. It's just not a good situation when you're leaving your dog off leash unattended.
I agree with posters above ^^ that neutering (if he's not already) would help. Training!!! I can't say that enough. A trained dog is a happy dog. Just basic sits, stays, come and down would be super useful in your situation.
I allow Jackson some off leash time in our farmfields in the back, which are far from the road, but only during the day when I'm 100% watching him. He became a bit more daring after he turned a year old so he hasn't had the freedom. I've been working with him on a 50 foot training lead I got from eBay (It was, like, $15) but a simple rope from Lowe's or Home Depot would do. Keep him on a long leash so that he gets some room, but is still safe. With this leash, you can also practice the "come" command. Let him go out the full 50 feet and then say "come" and always give a good treat when they come back to you.
I do believe that invisible fencing has it's place and for some dogs, it may work. But often times w/ terriers... they see a rabbit and they're gone. They don't care what shocks them. And obviously, it's not working for you anymore.
Just remember... it's typically NOT the dog, but the HUMAN behind the dog. Clearly the dog has no boundaries, rules or limitations which needs to be enforced by the human. If you really want it to work, training, leadership and consistency will have to be put in place. If you really think you can't handle this dog, find a reputable rescue to take him... Animal Control may just put him to sleep.
Good luck. |