Furry Escape Artist… Gotta Love Them! So, so much!!!
Home-Escape Prevention Tips for the Fur-babies Who Cause Us Worry
So, you’ve decided to become a furry parent, and found yourself with an escape artist? Congrats! You’re one of many loving parents wondering “why doesn’t my fur-baby want to be with me?”
Animals like being outside, take them on a harness (don’t worry if they initially pretend to lay down and die, especially cats, they’ll get over it), and see how much they love the fresh air swirling around them, sunshine on their backs, and grass under their paws and in their mouths (not too much!). However, outdoor playtime should always be supervised (that’s a topic for another day), and never by means of escape. Stay tuned for some tips and tricks to keep your furry bundle of joy from hitting the mean streets (yes, I am talking like an 80’s street tough in a movie)!
Option 1; Baby Gates:
~ Front doors swing inward, so for this option to work, you would always need a gate on the outside of your home… not aesthetically pleasing without a screen door, but this is about safety. However, this option would keep runners from running out the door, as it’s a lot harder to quickly jump a gate through a cracked door.
~ You can also keep your pupper behind a gate somewhere in the home. This gives them the freedom to roam a bit, have an open space available, but not be able to dart to the door (does not work for cats).
~ Third variation; placing an exercise pen just outside your front door, or surrounding the door from the inside. Inside this provides space for you to comfortably exit, your dog (depending on size and jumping ability) will not be able to enter the space and surround the door.
Cats will be able to enter this area, however, you will be able to exit, without worrying about a quick escape from your kitty (remember hurdles in school? Imagine running then suddenly encountering a hurdle, it delays you, same concept for our feisty felines). Make sure to spot where they are in the room FIRST! Unseen cats are magicians, and can sneak out like *snaps!*.
When placed outside, the pen provides an emergency stop (hurdle concept again), should your furry child suddenly run out the door.
Option 2; Treat, Toy, or Laser Pointer Distraction:
Parents of tiny humans carry around diaper bags, and later as they get older, snack, toys, etc. In my experience watching furry-kiddos, many enjoy greeting me at the door, as well as seeing me off as I make my exit, often blocking the door for both occasions (because why not? Ha!).
~ Cats love toys and treats just as dogs do, however baby gates will not work on a leaping kitty who is waiting for you to come in… they’ve already heard you pull up (they've jumped the hurdle), and training them to wait by the door? Cats are far smarter than they receive credit for, and they can be trained, but I wish you well if you care to attempt that. Haha!
I prefer carrying a laser pointer keychain, or their fave little toys with me to toss from the door as I’m entering and leaving the home. Cats will often go chase the desired object, leaving time for me to sneak In / Out without worry of an escape! * treats work great as well, but I do not use these due to possible allergies. With your own dogs and cats, definitely have at it! *
~ Regarding dogs, all of the above applies as well, except laser pointers. Dogs love rewards, balls, treats, chew toys, etc. are just a few examples! You can train your dog to stay away from the door as you enter and exit of course, but we’re not writing about that today, we’re talking about the fur-kiddos who lovingly just don’t get it! Keep a bucket of toys by your front door (inside, outside, or in your car), and treats in your car (sealed), and you’ll be all set as you enter or exit your home!
Final Reminders:
Never swing the door open all the way, a cracked door is a cautious door, and that’s what we like with fur-kids who dash!
When answering the door, step outside to speak (closing the door behind you), block the cracked door with your legs (still risky), or use an item kept by the door, such as a baby gate (safest for you and them!). Slim runners (small dogs and cats) will look for cracked doors! “Freeeeedom!!!”
Always know where the runner is before opening the door… and I mean ALWAYS! Behind a baby gate for dogs / pen for a cat, or just spotting them will help.
Screen doors aren’t reliable; they open on accident, and worst case scenario, screens can be broken out of.
Fosters and newly adopted Rescue fur-kids are not attached / “loyal” to us in any way when they first arrive (in most cases), and it may be awhile (they have to get to know us, and we them, plus possible decompression period to relax). They may want to run out the door to seek those they used to know, or a familiar place. This is very normal, and they will need an extra eye kept on them for some time (everyone is different).
A HUGE, HUGE tip, invaluable!!! Make sure the entire family is on board with whatever you decide works best for your family! I see so many lost fur-baby posts saying kids were going in / out of the house, someone left the door open (a sign on the door saying “keep closed, a fur-kid lives here” may be needed), etc. Practice with the kids, show them how to set up the gate, explain why it’s SO important, and why we have to keep our furry family member safe inside the house, as well as what could happen should they escape.
Hopefully this helps, and here’s hoping for fewer and fewer lost fur-kids!
Thank you,
Ashley J. Hughes
