Assuming your dog gets enough exercise daily and gets out to explore the world, one of the easiest solutions is to make the fence higher-at least to 6 feet. 

Is your dog getting enough exercise-2 walks a day for at least 30 minutes each, laying down to rest when you return?  Are you getting your dog out to explore the world enough?  Dogs who do not get enough exercise often jump the fence because they are bored and need to get out and explore.  For a short-term solution-If your dog is getting sufficient daily exercise then the rest of the time they can be indoors with you or supervised while they are outside until you have time to establish clear rules for your dog. 

Dogs that are left outside alone a lot without sufficient exercise can often find almost any way of getting out or causing destruction if they can’t get out.  So even if you raise the height of the fence but do not meet their physical energy needs you won’t solve your problem.

There are a lot of options to raise the height of your fence-head down to your local hardware store and discuss the options and costs.  If your fencing area is too large you can also consider creating a smaller dog run area that has a higher fence of at least 6 feet within your fenced in yard. 

If your dog does jump the fence then do not punish them when they return.  Your dog doesn’t know that jumping the fence is a bad thing and all you are doing is punishing them for “returning” in their mind. 

You can “train” a dog not to jump but it takes work and consistency.  Good, positive obedience training is really the key to getting your dog to understand what is acceptable and what isn’t.  If you have trained your dog well you can have good timing to let them know NOT to jump the fence.  But your obedience training needs to be consistent and effective so your dog trusts you and believes you know what you are doing so they tend to listen and follow the behavior you prefer.  I have a great online program that can teach you how to do this well: http://webdogtrainer.com/join.php

Here are some guidelines to follow other then increasing the height of your fence:

1. Exercise your dog daily!  A good dog is a tired dog.
2. Spend quality time with your dog; do not leave them alone outside.  Supervise while they are outside.
3. Neuter or spay your dog to prevent them from wanting to escape to breed.
4. If you need to be gone for long periods of time consider a doggy day care or a dog walker.
5. Obedience train your dog through a positive program so you can more effectively teach your “rules” to your dog.

You should be able to resolve this problem using these suggestions.  Good luck!  Let me know how it goes!

Julie