How Do You Keep Your Dog From Running Away?

Dogs are a lot like children they can be adorable at times, but they can also be a real pain to deal with. 

Dogs are wonderful companions, loyal and loving, but they can also run away from home when they get bored or excited. 

Some dogs tend to run away more than others; however, if your dog has an inclination toward running away and you want to keep them safe while they’re out of your sight then there are some things that you can do to ensure that they don’t get into too much trouble while out roaming around town.

How To Keep Your Dog From Running Away From You
Takeaways
Dogs can be trained to stay in the yard through consistent training and reinforcement.
Acting quickly and calmly is important if your dog escapes from home. Utilize resources and spread the word to increase the chances of finding your dog.
Certain breeds may have a higher instinctual drive to roam, so providing appropriate training and supervision is essential.
Secure leashes, proper fitting collars or harnesses, and consistent leash training can help prevent dogs from running away during walks.
GPS tracking devices can be helpful for dogs prone to running away, allowing you to track their location in real-time. Choose a suitable device for your dog’s needs.

Keep Your Dog On A Leash

The best way to prevent your dog from running away is to keep it on a leash. A good rule of thumb is that if you’re walking your dog in public, they should be on a leash at all times. If you are not supervising your pet, try to keep them on a leash as well. 

Dogs can get into trouble very quickly when they are left alone in places like parks or open lawns, and even if there aren’t other people around, it takes only one person walking their own pet for the two animals to meet up and create an unpleasant situation for everyone involved.

Your dog may just want some extra freedom in their lives but also need some rules set down so that both parties know what is expected of each other!

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Microchip Your Dog

One of the best ways to keep your dog from running away is by microchipping it. Microchipping is a process in which a tiny device is implanted under your dog’s skin, usually on its neck or between its shoulder blades. 

The idea behind this method is that if your dog does run off and end up at an animal shelter or vet clinic, then someone with access to the national registry of microchips will be able to scan it and read the information contained within.

If you have a microchip implanted in your dog, there are several benefits:

  • It’s permanent and can’t be removed—once it’s in place, it stays there for life!
  • You can be identified as the owner of record for your pet even if you move across states or countries (only one chip per person/pet).
  • If your pet gets lost but has not been spayed (neutered), then you won’t have any issues because all people who scan animals must report back to local officials which animals they’ve found so they can be reunited with their owners.
BenefitDescription
Permanent identificationMicrochipping provides a permanent way to identify your dog, ensuring they can be easily reunited with you if lost.
Increased chances of finding your lost dogMicrochipped dogs have a higher likelihood of being returned to their owners compared to those without a microchip.
Quick and painless procedureMicrochipping is a simple and relatively painless procedure that can be performed by a veterinarian.
Reliable identificationUnlike collars or tags that can be lost or removed, a microchip remains with your dog throughout their life.
Universal recognitionMicrochips are universally recognized and can be scanned by shelters, veterinarians, and animal control to retrieve your contact information.
Peace of mindKnowing that your dog is microchipped provides peace of mind, knowing you have taken an extra step to ensure their safety and return if lost.

Take Your Dog To Obedience Training Classes

Taking your dog to obedience training classes can help you learn how to communicate with your pet. Your dog will learn to obey commands, and this will increase the bond between you and him or her. 

It can also help curb bad behavior and make it easier for you to get your dog to listen when you ask them not to do something.

Train Your Dog To Respond To Recall Commands

Recall is the command you use to tell your dog to come back. If your dog doesn’t respond right away, try saying their name and then “come.” 

If they still don’t respond, try walking toward them while repeatedly saying “come.”

Once you’ve got that down, teach your pooch to respond when called at home before taking it on the road. 

Train in a quiet area without distractions so that the training sticks longer when there are other things going on around you and your pup. 

Start by saying “come” then treat them when they come over. Work up from there by increasing distance between you two until finally telling them “come!” from across the room or even several rooms away!

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Be Aware Of Triggers That Cause Your Dog To Run Away

Triggers can be anything from a person or animal to a loud noise. If you know what triggers your dog, it makes it easier to prevent them from running away.

The first step is to make sure that they have proper ID on their collar at all times. This will make it easier for people who find them to contact you so you can retrieve your dog.

Try not leaving your dog unattended in an area where they can run out of control without supervision as well as when walking them on a leash around other animals and humans that might scare them into running off again!

TriggerImpact
Loud NoisesStartling sounds such as fireworks or thunderstorms can cause dogs to become scared and run away.
Open Doors/GatesDogs may escape when doors or gates are left open, providing an opportunity for them to explore or chase after something.
Unfamiliar EnvironmentsBeing in unfamiliar surroundings can disorient dogs, leading them to run away in search of familiar territory.
Fear or AnxietyDogs experiencing fear or anxiety may attempt to escape from perceived threats or stressful situations.
Sudden MovementsDogs may react impulsively to sudden movements or fast-paced activities, triggering their instinct to chase and run.

Keep Your Dog’s Food And Water Bowls Full

One of the most effective ways to keep your dog from running away is by making sure they have a full bowl of food and water at all times.

When a dog is hungry, they will often search for food. This can lead to them escaping from their yard or home in order to find something to eat. 

However, if you make sure that your dog has plenty of food available to them at all times, then they won’t feel the need to get up and go looking elsewhere.

As an added benefit: if there’s always plenty of food in their bowl and they don’t have any reason not go outside or run away from home because everything seems fine there

Then this also means that there will be less chance of them getting hurt while trying out different things like crossing roads without being able to see where

Are you worried about your furry friend running away? Discover effective strategies and techniques in our comprehensive guide on how to keep your dog from running away to ensure their safety and your peace of mind.

Make Sure Your Fence Is In Good Repair

Make sure your fence is in good repair. This is an obvious one, but it’s worth mentioning because even if you have a great fence, it’s not going to do you much good if it’s broken down and your dog can squeeze through it. 

If you have a broken fence or gate, fix it immediately so that your dog won’t be tempted to run away and escape into the wilds of suburbia (or whatever).

Have an escape-proof gate. Since we’re on the subject of gates, we’ll add another suggestion make sure yours is difficult for your pup to get through. 

Ideally, this means having something like an electric fence around the entire perimeter of your yard or at least over any part where there are no walls or fences blocking their way out. 

Alternatively, opt for a metal mesh gate with small mesh spaces between individual pieces that make climbing through impossible unless they’re really determined like most people who’ve tried using netting instead of metal fencing themselves know!

BenefitDescription
Secure BoundaryA well-maintained fence provides a secure boundary, preventing dogs from escaping and keeping them safely contained within your property.
Deterrence for Stray AnimalsA sturdy fence acts as a deterrent, reducing the likelihood of stray animals entering your property and potentially causing conflicts with your dog.
Protection from External HazardsA properly maintained fence helps keep your dog safe by keeping them away from external hazards such as busy roads or neighboring properties.
Visual BarrierA well-kept fence serves as a visual barrier, reducing your dog’s exposure to distractions and potential triggers that may lead to running away.
Peace of MindKnowing that your fence is in good repair gives you peace of mind, allowing you to confidently let your dog enjoy outdoor activities within the confines of your property.

Get A Beeper Or Gps Collar For Your Dog

If you’re looking for a way to track your dog, there are two main options: beeper collars and GPS collars.

Beeper collars work by emitting a tone that can only be heard by the person holding the collar. The beep will go off when your dog gets within a certain distance of its owner or another designated person’s phone. 

You’ll need to pair the collar with their smartphone for this to work well, but if you want something that’ll last longer than a week before needing to charge it, this is probably best.

GPS collars can also help locate your missing dog if they get lost too far away from home (or run away). 

They come with a battery life of up to one year on average, so they don’t need charging as often as other models but it will cost more upfront since GPS tracking is such an advanced technology!

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Add A Visual Barrier To Keep Your Dog In The Yard, Such As Lattice Fencing

How do you keep your dog from running away? One way is to add a visual barrier to keep your dog in the yard. Lattice fencing is a great option for dogs who are afraid of loud noises, and it can be used both to keep dogs in or out!

If you have a dog that loves digging, lattice fencing may not be the best choice for keeping him out of trouble. 

If you want to use lattice as a visual barrier but also need something sturdy enough to withstand digging, consider building an enclosure with cedar posts spaced about two feet apart and then covering those posts with chicken wire.

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Conclusion

If you’re lucky, your dog will be able to run around the yard and it won’t be a problem. However, if your dog is like mine and likes to explore their surroundings, it’s important that they have some type of leash attached at all times. 

Whether it’s just a rope or chain tied around their neck or collar so they can’t get away from you when they see something interesting over the fence or through the bushes next door — whatever works best for your situation!

Further Reading

Here are some additional resources for further reading on preventing dogs from running away:

FAQs

How can I train my dog to stay in the yard?

Teaching your dog to stay in the yard requires consistent training and reinforcement. Start by creating a secure and suitable enclosure for your dog, then gradually introduce boundaries through positive reinforcement and training techniques.

What should I do if my dog escapes from home?

If your dog escapes from home, act quickly but calmly. Start by searching your immediate area and notifying neighbors. Utilize resources such as social media, local shelters, and online lost pet platforms to spread the word and increase the chances of finding your dog.

Are there specific breeds that are more prone to running away?

While individual dogs’ tendencies can vary, certain breeds may have a higher instinctual drive to explore or roam. Breeds such as hounds, terriers, and working breeds may have a stronger inclination to wander, so it’s important to provide them with appropriate training and supervision.

How can I prevent my dog from running away during walks?

To prevent your dog from running away during walks, ensure you have a secure leash and collar or harness that fits properly. Practice consistent leash training and use positive reinforcement techniques to reinforce good walking behavior. Consider using long training leads or retractable leashes in open areas for added safety.

Is it helpful to use GPS tracking devices for dogs that tend to run away?

GPS tracking devices can be a valuable tool for dogs prone to running away. These devices allow you to track your dog’s location in real-time, making it easier to locate them quickly if they escape. Remember to choose a reliable and suitable GPS tracking device that fits your dog’s size and needs.