When a dog runs away it can get bitten by another dog, hit by a car, or picked up by animal control officers so it's important to keep your pooch's wanderlust under control. Here are some tips for preventing this undesirable dog behavior if your dog runs away.
Understanding The Behavior
There is a variety of reasons why your dog may have transformed into a canine Houdini.
The urge to reproduce: Most male dogs, even those that have been neutered, will want to roam at the first whiff of female estrogen floating on a breeze.
They're bored: Dogs are born and bred to work and today's cushy lifestyle offers precious few opportunities for them to flex their productivity muscles. If you leave your dog outside for hours on end and there's any chance for escape, he'll find it.
They're predators: Even the fanciest veterinarian-approved dog food or the tastiest table scraps won't suppress the irresistible urge to hunt and trap prey in some dogs. The thrill of the hunt and reward of the capture can turn your contented canine into a prisoner bent on escaping.
Dogs just wanna have fun: Dogs are social animals and most don't enjoy being alone for long periods of time. A dog that gets lots of attention is a happy dog that won't be as likely to want to run away.
Prevention
Neutering: Although it may not take the wanderlust out of your dog completely, it should take it down a few notches. Besides, there are enough unwanted puppies in the world.
Adequate confinement: This may seem obvious, but many people underestimate their dogs' intelligence and physical abilities. Construct a tall, sturdy fence and make sure your dog cannot dig himself out underneath it. Take note that electric fences are not as effective because they don't keep other animals out and they can actually make your pet more protective of his territory, leading to increased aggression.
Come on, get happy: If your pet is happy where he is, he's less likely to run away. Be sure he's got plenty of room to play, interesting things to play with and chew on, adequate food and water and shelter against sun, wind and rain.
Doing these things will help to prevent a dog who might run away.
