Dogs and compost heaps -help!

[cmcanallen]

Ok, so I have tried everything. I'm at my wits end sitting in the emergency vet clinic with my chihuahua who I think had a blockage. She got into the compost heap again!

I can't keep her out. Everything from old leftovers, cardboard, any paper stuff from the house, grass clippings, branches, ect goes in a 15*15 foot area that I have chainlink buried 1ft below ground and going up 4ft. The gate is the only place that there's any break and I buried hardware cloth below that. I bury all food stuffs 2ft down to avoid attracting skunks and racoons. She still gets in and eats the food.

Any recommendations on how to keep her out?

 

[yomama]

Maybe you could get an outside dog run with a dog house, food ECT. for her outside.

 

[res]

Little dogs can get through some amazingly small spaces when they want to. If there is a will, there is a way.

You need to walk around the perimeter of the compost area and look for any tiny gaps - up high, down low, in the middle. Close those off however you can.

Your dog may also be able to climb over the chain link. Even if you haven't seen her do it.... Not sure how you'll want to prevent that. Normally, I'd say to string some low-powered electric fence around the perimeter. There are extension insulators that will lock into the mesh "gaps" of chain link. But, if she's a tiny dog, I am not sure electric fence is a totally safe option...

How big is your yard? Do you have enough room to set up an "alarm" around the compost heap so that she gets the cr*p scared outta her and doesn't want to go near it? I've seen motion-sensor audible alarms in some catalogs. But if your yard isn't large enough for it...

You *could* keep her on a leash whenever she's out there, or commit yourself to watching her whenever she's out there. It's not always convenient, but.... (I personally have a 6lb Chihuahua that can only be outdoors on a leash - she can never run free. Even in a dog park - she WILL find an escape route. I won't even board her for fear that she will escape the boarding exercise yard.)

 

[Peaches Lee]

Take her on leashed walks.

 

[cmcanallen]

Unfortuantely, a leash is not an option. I voice train my dogs and have never had a problem with them not obeying. she is actually terrified of the harness/leash and will not move if I put them on her. She listens when I call, just waits until my back is turned and digs. I found the 2ft deep hole she had put under the fencing. Looks like I'll be putting rocks and gravel around the fence line.

 

[rikithemonk]

You have to teach the dog limits. I understand that it can be harder with a tiny dog because you dont want to hurt it. And this has always been the chihuahuas fatal curse. When a large dog nips a child, or jumps on a visitor, owners have no problem really swatting the dog. When the tiny chihuahuas does it, he is never treated to the same response or intensity. The result is well known. Hundreds of these tiny dogs go to dog pounds every year due to behavioral problems. Often these dogs are so far out of control that the pounds have no choice than to put the dog to sleep. Your basically asking the forum for advice on how to child proof the house. While this is a good short term solution, there has to come a time where little Jimmy, has to learn that he must not stick the butter knife in the electrical outlet.

Riki

 

[fowl farm]

I would highly suggest leash training her. The benefits to a walk are unbelievable and it doesn't count if it's on your land.