A clever Great Pyrenees has captured the hearts of internet users after outsmarting her owners not once—but twice—in a viral escape story that has earned over 3.2 million views on TikTok.
The text layered over the video, posted by Samantha Vicha (@samantha.vicha), said that the determined dog initially digging under a backyard fence, prompting a creative intervention from her owners. It added: “My husband spent [three] hours putting electric along the bottom of the fence line so she would stop digging under.”
Just two days later, the resourceful Pyrenees called Haleesi found an even more impressive escape route: she scaled up and hopped through a small gap above the electric line, completely bypassing the new barrier without breaking a sweat.
This escape artistry may come as no surprise to those familiar with the Great Pyrenees. The American Kennel Club (AKC) says these dogs were historically bred to guard livestock in mountainous terrain, often working alone and making decisions independently.
While the breed may not always leap to obey commands, early training and socialization can channel that intelligence into loyal companionship. The Great Pyrenees’ instinct to roam, guard, and find their own solutions is deeply embedded in their DNA.
TikTok Users Share Similar Tales
The viral video has resonated widely, with owners of Great Pyrenees and other dogs chiming in with their own stories of canine cunning.
“My female chewed my male’s electric collar off so they could both escape together,” one user posted. Another added: “My Great Pyrenees lives at the local Dollar General and sometimes visits me at my house.”
Others admired the dog’s ingenuity. “I mean it worked! I saw zero digging!” one user commented. Vicha responded: “That’s one way to look at it.”
Another fan simply said: “She’s a problem solver.”
7 Ways To Keep Your Dog in the Yard
Here are some clever ways from the AKC to keep your four-legged Houdini safely in the yard where they belong:
1. Extend Your Fence
Raising the fence height isn’t your only option. Instead, add a top extension that tilts inward. This visual and physical barrier discourages jumping and climbing.
- A lean-in is made by attaching farm wire or mesh at an inward angle from the top, forming an awning-like overhang that visually deters climbing.
- An L-footer works similarly but extends horizontally inward from the top of the fence. Both make it appear as if the fence continues over the yard, confusing and deterring escape attempts.
2. Eliminate Climbing Aids
Survey your yard and remove anything near the fence that could serve as a step up. This includes:
- Firewood stacks
- Garbage or recycling bins
- Patio furniture
- Playground equipment
- Large rocks or landscaping features
3. Install Coyote Rollers
These ingenious devices are long, spinning bars mounted to the fence top. When a dog (or coyote) tries to grab hold, the bar rotates—making it impossible to get traction. Originally designed to keep wildlife out, they are just as effective at keeping pets in. Full kits are available online and include brackets and end caps.
4. Use Landscaping as a Barrier
Plant thick shrubs or hedges inside the fence line. Not only do they add beauty and privacy, but they also increase the difficulty of getting close enough to jump.
5. Install a Bottom L-Footer
Prevent digging by attaching chicken wire, hardware cloth, or chain-link fencing at the base. Extend it out along the ground inside the yard (in an L-shape).
- For a neater appearance, you can bury it.
- Or, leave it exposed and weigh it down with mulch, stones, or planters.
6. Pour a Concrete Footer
For persistent diggers, a concrete barrier is the ultimate solution. Pour a strip along the entire fence perimeter and embed the bottom edge of the fence directly into it. This creates a solid, unbreachable base.
7. Block the View
Many dogs are triggered by what they see outside the fence. Reduce visual stimulation to help keep them inside.
- For chain-link fences, thread plastic slats through the mesh.
- Attach bamboo or reed fencing to any fence type using zip ties—it is affordable and effective.
- Plant fast-growing vines or climbing shrubs along the fence line (but protect them until they are established).
Newsweek is awaiting for @samantha.vicha to provide a comment.
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