I got that phone call at work we all dread today, "Bodhi is loose and running around on your deck!"
Luckily, my neighbor was able to corral him and bring him to his house until I arrived.
My neighbor took his dog onto the deck with him.
Bodhi wanted to play and he grabbed him.
Several speed records were broken along the way as I drove home with my heart thumping, not knowing if he was still out.

We live in the country. Bodhi is in what I thought was an impregnable kennel when we aren't home.
It's six and a half feet high, covered and cemented.
The gate is locked.
He escaped by pulling the gate inward from the bottom and torquing on the latch until it popped.


Does anybody have a suggestion on how to remedy this?
I could nail 2X4's along the inside of the gate, but then the gate would only open outward.
And he's more liable to bolt with the gate opening that way.

I would be totally in tears if that happened to me!! Thank goodness that your neighbor was home and got him!!! If you don't mind me asking, why don't you leave Bodhi in the house when you're out? I know that outdoor kennels can be totally secure, but that just makes me nervous

I've had probably 20 of those calls in my time.

When I had similar setup I put two more latches on that got a 'biner lock with a rock choc on both sides. The bottom two latches I put under the halfway height and the upper latch was about 75% up from the bottom. This was enough leverage to keep the malamute from bulldozing it open. I also used what was basically a quick draw to latch the gate to an anchor on the side. Just with knotted nylon and screw clips from Ace Hardware. Still a pain in the ass process, but you could control the opening at least.

Melissa, he's outside because he's used to it.
He came from a kennel where he was outside.
He grows a winter coat out there and I think he likes looking at the deer and rabbits.
He has been destructive inside when we've left him unless he's in his crate.
I'm going to have to keep him in the crate until I get the kennel fixed.
Or take him in my car to work.

Harrise, that's a good idea to put in two more latches.
Then he couldn't torque on it.

it's amazing what power a 42 lb dog has!

I am still shaken by Bodhi's escape.
My neighbor said the good thing is that he knows where he lives and stayed on the deck.
We live on the side of a hill.
His kennel is under the house looking down on a meadow and then deep woods.
When we went out for a walk tonight, the coyotes were vocalizing a lot in the woods.
I just think about if he had gone down to join them...

It looks like you have a little Houdini .
Do not think about what if he had decided to join the coyotes, it would have been good for him

Chalk blocks are a good suggestion. You might also try a cable lock as well through the latch and then laced through the fence so it can't be as easily pried opened.

I would try to extend the "U" that goes around the gate or maybe flatting the ends and putting a long long or something there to encase the gate. Do you see what I am thinking? Also, if you find a different way to set it up, let me know because I am preparing to build a good size kennel for Cali at my place to please my landlord so I can hopefully keep her or at least extend her allowable stay till I do find her a great home.

The problem is that the latch attaches to the wall, not another pole.

In my last house's kennel, the gate attached to a pole.
I could wrap a chain around both poles and cinch it up with a lock.

This is what the current setup looks like:


I went to a fence store today. They said they experience with this and suggested two latches, one at the top and one at the bottom of the gate. I am thinking of using three, as harisse suggested. Unfortunately, they don't have any in stock and will have to order. So Bodhi will be in his crate in my car this week at work. Glad it's winter, because I couldn't do this when it's hot.

Okay, more latches works, have to consider that when I get mine built here this month.

Oh wow! I'm so glad he's okay! What a great neighbor you have!

I think 3 latches is a good idea. Believe or not, Hailey and Koda do the same thing to their crates! My cousin calls Hailey, "Hailey Houdini" because she manages to pull the sides of the crate IN on herself (it's a metal collapsible one) and crawl out of it so that when she crawls out, the crate pops back together. It's insane! So we solved the problem by adding caribiners to the crate and latching each door in 3 places. Crazy huskies!

While reading that I remember a trick we used way back when, took bread twisty ties on stuff like that also to keep them closed, works well on tents when camping - depends on those around you if they would be needed.