Our sweet 18 week old Jethro has learned that he can now jump over our retaining wall. We live in Pittsburgh, which is in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. You'd be luck to find any flat land. There is a fence in our yard, but it is insufficient and no fence company will install a new fence until spring, before any of you jump to conclusions we purchased our home in August in the current condition knowing we would need to replace the fence, Jethro joined us in November and thus no new fence yet. Beyond the retaining wall is a flimsy chicken wire style fence at the top of the hill signifying the property line. It unfortunately doesn't enclose our yard, and gives access to the front yard and the woods at the back of our yard. The neighbors behind us refused to join their fence to the current fence and left a 3ft gap. So far it hasn't been an issue because of the retaining wall that encloses a portion of the yard from gate to gate allowing for a flat area to entertain. When he was small enough he could barely see over it, now at 18 weeks and becoming more aware of his abilities he has finally figured out he can get a running start and jump over it and race to the top of the hill. He finds it fun and hilarious to give mom a heart attack. Also thankfully he is still young enough that he doesn't want to stray too far from mom and gets scared when he can't see me. I hate having to take him outside on a leash every time he needs to go out, because he loves to just sit in the yard. We have about 2 months before a fence can be installed and I am looking for suggestions as to what tie out stakes and long leads do you have experience with and recommend.

Again, this is not a permanent fix, just to get us through until the new fence can be installed, and yes Jethro gets plenty of exercise with a 2+ mile walk a day and trips to the dog park regularly so him being on a tie while going to the bathroom or just enjoying the snow outside is not going to harm him for two months, and will make all of us a lot happier to not have any unwanted escapes. Thanks in advance!

I have never needed any stronger stake than the green hood stake that is carried at Walmart.



I have put two dogs on one of those stakes when at family picnics without issue. Now, if you are wanting something super heavy that is near permanent look into Hurricane stakes. They really dig in and stick...forever.

What about invisible fence around the existing fence..never mind, he's only 4 months old.

You could potentially look into adding an extra layer of height to the top of the existing wall as well. Not real sure how your yard is set up but if you can drive metal stakes down the back side of the wall you can buy roll wire and attach to the stakes to make the barrier taller.

Since we are upgrading the fence around the property, spending more money to add height to the retaining wall would be pointless to then take down in a few months, not to mention an eyesore to our yard, but good suggestion if we were too long out in getting the fence!