Help me keep her safe
 

My husband is disabled and Brissy (11 weeks) has figured it out. He is an above the knee amputee and doesn't move too fast. He is real good about being careful bringing her in and out; however, yesterday she slipped out the garage and dashed down the street. We live on a corner in a subdivision that is also on the Gulf of Mexico.:eek::eek: The seawall and water is 30 feet from my back door. Thankfully we had these guys here doing some work and they grabbed her.
So my question is does anyone use any kind of invisible fence? Can they even be used on little furbabys. I'd like something for 'just in case' she gets loose. Is the transmitting collar to big or other size concerns? We would never just let her out. We just need something for my husband to feel that she is not in danger while he is her caregiver. Thanks in advance for all your knowledge. Leslie.:confuse2: :confused:

You Just need to look into the different makers of the invisible fence. I think some of them you can get a cat collar that would be smaller

Hi ya, I haven't got an instant cure - I don't know the first thing about invisible fences. I strongly recommend that you teach Brissy to "wait". It's never too young to start training. Get your husband to do it so that she'll respond to him as well.

Start out by getting her in a "sit" or "down". Say "wait" then a second later say a release word - whatever you like, just be consistent, always use the same word - reward her with a treat (just a tiny little tidbit - a piece of treat maybe a 1/4 of a finger nail size - you only need a little cos you'll be rewarding lots!).

Do this 5-6 times in a session. Everytime the ads come on TV have another wee session. Slowly work up the time length. You'll know if you're going too fast because she'll start breaking her "wait". If that happens go back to a slightly shorter wait period. Once she'll hold for a few seconds take a step away from her. use your release word and then when she comes to you treat her. Build up your distance and time length et voila! You then use this command anywhere anytime - unlike an invisible fence. Once Brissy's solid in it you won't need to treat her either.

Try doing it a little bit on walks and at the park - don't expect the same distance and time length as you get at home straight away - that'll take time.

Your husband should also train Brissy to come to her name for him. If she gets out don't growl out her name - or chase her - be fun and exciting and pretty soon she'll be wondering where everyone is and why she's the only one outside. To get one of my two back if they stage a rare escape I shout "bye bye" go inside and slam the door - usually there's a pretty sorry looking dog on the other side of the door when I reopen it.

In the meantime could Brissy be shut in a room before your husband heads out the door? Very low-tech I know but possibly the safest option.

Sorry this is such a long post I hope it helps tho!

PS I say use the "wait" command because in obedience training there are two hold commands "stay" and "wait". In stay you always return to the dog and in wait you call the dog to you.

We are working on training. She sits and lays down except when she is really excited. I'm getting us treat pouches today so that we have her liver pinches ready at all times. I work the 12 hour shifts so I really don't know how much my husband is working with her. I should have him work with her while I'm home to see what he does. I know we will be fine but I am so cautious and apprehensive about anything happening to her. Thanks so much for taking the time to post such valuable information. Leslie.:thumbs up :exclaim: :exclaim: :exclaim:

I have a little expen set up of my sliding glass door that I can let the dogs out of and they can't get away, It;s only 2 ft tall but it keeps them feom running. I am always with them but they are so quick.

I second both of the above suggestions, and would recommend that he put a leash on her before opening any doors that go outside. He can keep a leash on her around the house, too, so long as he's supervising her constantly (so she doesn't get tangled on anything). Keeping leashes by all doors would be good, in addition to babygates and training.

I would definitely recommend an x-pen set up so she can't escape inadvertantly. It also might help your hubby feel more secure. Your little Brissy is adorable!!!

I bought a house with a metal "forever fence" and my yorkies just slide right through. I thought about an invisible fence but am afraid they are too small and would get hurt. So, I went to Home Depot and found a mesh fencing, about 3ft high and tied it around. You cannot see it from the street and it keeps them safe. Although mine are trained, they slip up sometimes so I'd look for something just to be sure.