You do everything for a being including training them, feeding them, playing with them but still.. they want to run away! This blog topic would not have come to my mind if my Peppu was not a runner and running away is a trait that she has acquired recently. I have been bringing her back from different places since the last 3 days and let me tell you, it's not easy to bring her back. I never had this issue with my older one.
Anyway, so I started reading about why dogs keep running away and how to stop them from doing so. While I have not reached the how part in my personal life, after writing this blog.. I will be working on how to train them to not run away and give my feedback based on experience.
Let's now dive into why they can possibly run away.
If you are staying in the same place or environment for several hours, it is natural to feel bored and want to change your surroundings. For humans, it is easy to go out or plan a vacation to have fun, but for dogs, it is much more difficult to go out whenever they wish. They can only go out when their owner takes them for a walk or for bathroom breaks using a leash and collar or a dog harness. Dogs cannot roam freely whenever they feel like it. This is one of the main reasons why dogs run away. There are several other reasons why dogs may run away from home:
Scared of Loud Noises: Many dogs are frightened by loud noises such as fireworks, bursting balloons, sirens, or thunderstorms. To cope with these environmental triggers, they may run away or hide. In my case, while Pepper is certainly scared of loud noises, this is not why she runs away.
Learned Behaviour: Sometimes, dog owners unknowingly teach their pets that running away is a fun game by chasing them during playtime. When a dog runs and the owner chases after them, it reinforces the behavior, and the dog begins to view running away as playful. This could be one reason why my dog is a runner.
Hunting Instincts: Sometimes dogs run away to chase something that they are hearing or seeing. This is also true in Pepper's case. If she sees a cat, she will forget where she is or what she has to do.. The only thing she will do in that moment is.. RUN! (and make me run!)
Mating: Dogs often run away from home when they are in heat and don’t have a partner to mate with. Their strong urge to find a mate can drive them away.
How To Stop Your Dog From Running Away
Here are a few effective tips to prevent your dog from running away:
Make Sure Your Dog’s Environment is Familiar: When you bring a new dog or puppy home, give them time to explore the space and make it their own. Let them smell the area and feel secure so they recognize it as their home.
Neutering and Spaying: Spaying or neutering your dog reduces their urge to mate, which can prevent them from running away in search of a partner. It also helps reduce the risk of unwanted puppies.
Ensure Your Dog Gets Enough Exercise: Some dogs run away simply because they have pent-up energy. Regular walks, play sessions, and outdoor activities can help release this energy and reduce the likelihood of them running off.
Allow Social Interaction: Dogs are social animals and enjoy interacting with other dogs and humans. Organize regular socialization opportunities for your dog but always use a leash when meeting new dogs to avoid potential fights.
Reinforce Positive Behavior: Teach your dog that coming back to you is rewarding. Praise and treat your dog when they return to you, and avoid punishing them for disobedience. This will encourage them to return rather than run away further.
What To Do When A Dog Runs Away
It’s a pet owner’s worst nightmare when their dog runs away. If this happens, it’s important to stay calm and follow these tips:
Don’t Chase Your Dog: Chasing your dog can make them think it’s a game, encouraging them to run further. Instead, make your dog chase you by running in the opposite direction with treats or their favorite toy. I suppose I need to stop doing this. I usually call out her friend's name and she comes back but she's not very far from realising that this is a trick that I use.
Call Them Calmly: Use a happy tone to call your dog back. Shouting or sounding angry may frighten them and cause them to stay away. This certainly hasn't worked with Pepper.
Use a Recall Word: Use a specific command like “Come” followed by your dog’s name, and reward them when they respond. This will help them associate the word with positive reinforcement. This method would ideally work only if your dog is trained properly.
Ensure Identification: Always use a collar with a name tag and consider microchipping your dog. This will make it easier to locate them if they do run away.
How To Train A Dog To Not Run Away
Training is key to preventing your dog from running away. One effective method is clicker training, which is based on positive reinforcement. Here’s how to do it:
Choose the Right Space: Start training in a controlled environment, such as a fenced yard, where you can easily manage your dog. Always use a leash during training.
Use a Long Line: Attach a long leash (15 feet or longer) to give your dog some freedom while still maintaining control.
Load the Clicker: Help your dog associate the clicker sound with a treat. Click and immediately reward them with a treat during play sessions.
Give a Command: Allow your dog to explore the space, then call their name and command them to come back.
Click and Treat: Once your dog follows the command, click the clicker to acknowledge the behavior and reward them with a treat.
Repeat: Practice this training in several sessions to reinforce the behavior.
Phase Out the Clicker: Gradually replace the clicker with verbal commands. Always reward your dog for following the command to ensure they maintain the behavior.
The above training is something that I am going to try and write about. If you also face this issue, I hope this blog helps you or you can reach out to our dog trainer to learn more tricks.