Stop Your Dog From Running Away

All dogs like to be mobile. A cage or a fence may help keep them in an enclosed area, but a dog does no consider the consequences of jumping the fence or opening the trap door to escape. If your dog has a way and wants out, it will get out, without thinking about how to get in or where it is going.

Dogs escape for a variety of reasons, but rarely is that reason unhappiness at home. Dogs always want to stay in packs, even if they do not like their packs, and unhappy dogs do not try to defect just because their unhappy.

No, dogs that run away often do so for a variety of other reasons. Some of these reasons include:

• Breeding – Dogs with greater amounts of the wolf gene often get the urge to roam.

• Breed – Herding dogs, as an example, instinctually need to chase things and will do so without considering the consequences.

• Boredom – If your dog is not getting any excitement and has a lot of energy, it may be tempted to explore.

• Sexual Desire – Unneutered or unspayed dogs instinctually go and look for mates. There is a reason that neutering is so important – a dog that still has the capabilities will find a way to mate if it can, no matter how much you watch it.

• Hunger/Predation – Dogs that are hungry or have predatory instincts will chase after small animals for food.

• New Owner – If you are not the first owner of a dog, there is always the chance that it does not consider you its pack and it is looking for a way home.

• Fear – Fear causes dogs to run, even if they do not know where they are running to.

• Looking for you – If your dog runs away while you are gone, chances are it is trying to find you.

There is always the chance that your dog simply leaves and gets lost. But in general you can stop your dog from running away with these easy steps:

• Neuter or Spay your dog so that they are not searching for a mate.

• Tie your dog up when outside – as long as you give your dog long walks, as you are supposed to do anyway, tying your dog up in not necessarily cruel, as long as you give it a lot of rope.

• Give your dog long walks and a lot of play – a tired dog has no reason to explore.

• Make sure your dog eats and is not seeking food.

• Only let your dog outside when you are there to watch it, so it has no reason to stray from you.

• Get higher fences for dogs that can jump, and make fences lower for dogs that dig.