Dogs Who Run Away – Causes and Solutions
Different types of escape-prone dogs
There are different types of escape artists. The notorious ones who are creative in their escapes. They can dig, climb, squeeze through - sometimes it seems like they can even fly over barricades if needed to reach the outside world. A fence is no obstacle; the demolition permit is signed with a paw print, and a latched gate is skillfully manipulated with the expertise of a bank robber. Then there are dogs who venture through an open gate out of curiosity to "just have a look". They are rarely a problem, so let's focus on the dogs who have something in common with Steve McQueen in "The Great Escape". Those with strong motivation to reach something or someone outside. They're rarely a problem, so let's focus on the yokels who have things in common with Steve McQueen in The Great Escape - those with a strong motivation to get to something or someone outside.
Dogs jumping and chewing their way out: causes and solutions
Imagine a dog with separation anxiety who desperately want to get be with their dog parent who has left, or a dog with with a strong prey drive and wooden slats standing between them and the neighboring rabbits. Or the guard dog who runs along the fence to scare off passersby, or the male dog who detects a female Cocker Spaniel in heat. The driving force compels them to resort to extreme measures to get out - they jump from great heights and chew holes in garden fences without self-preservation. Of course, if the property lacks a fence, the trouble might be easily solved because dogs will venture out if the desire and opportunity exist. The romanticized image of a dog on the front steps, gazing out over an unfenced landscape, is lovely, but let's face it - that's not applicable to dogs in densely populated areas. And it's your responsibility as a dog owner to have a secure fence, for the safety of your dog and the surroundings. If your dog, despite a sturdy fence, spends outdoor time practicing their Houdini skills, you should ponder their motivation.
How to solve the dilemma of runaway dogs?
Managing your dog's separation anxiety
Let's go back to our fictional dogs. The dog who doesn't want to be without his/her human companion needs to be trained to be independent and treated for separation anxiety.
If hunting is the reason
For the dog with a strong prey drive and rabbits nearby, anti-hunting training can help, combined with socialization with other animals than dogs, increased exercise, and! substantial amounts of hunting substitutes (tracking and searching).
Training for guard dogs
Dogs whose guarding instinct makes them want to demolish the fence need to change their feelings towards passersby. Training where people walk by and toss in treats can change their perception. The guard dog will usually welcome rather than scare them off afterward. Some dogs need to learn to alert and then release the guard by consistently bringing them inside the house after a rewarded barking episode.
Control of the dog's mating drive
A dog who escapes to find a mate needs to be supervised during the female's heat cycle. However, if multiple females in the area are in heat one after another, our Casanova can suffer greatly from the situation. Hormone-balancing supplements or chemical castration can be considered as a start before contemplating surgery. Read more: Dog sex drive - behaviors and solutions. The point is, if the escapee's motives are ignored, the desire to cross the border will remain, even if you dig a moat around the property and fill it with bath water and cuddly children.
Teach your dog to respect the property line
The next step is to explain that the property boundary is crossed together and after saying "Go ahead!" Have a designated spot where you enter and exit the yard, such as the gate opening. Emphasize the purpose of the spot through consistent action: ask the dog to sit, scan the street, say "Go ahead!" and point out as a clear instructions. Once the dog understands, practice stability. Have the dog sit and step over the boundary without saying "Go Ahead!" If the dog follows, shrug your shoulders, but hold onto the leash and start again. After a few attempts, when the dog remains sitting, reward with "Go ahead!" Challenge them - roll a ball, have someone with a dog walk by etc. Make sure the initial temptation for the dog to resist is easy so they can make the right choice. The goal is not frustration; the goal is understanding the boundary, a safe parameter between the yard and the outside world. ㅤ
Sufficient exercise and stimulation for your dog
It's nice to be able to open the patio door and let the dog out, to avoid using a leash every time they want to run around or take care of their business. But if the yard is used as a play area at the expense of walks, the dog may yearn for the world outside.·The amount of exercise and mental stimulation needed depends on the breed and the dog's life stage. Give your dog what she/he needs, whether it's eight miles or a couple of walks around the block a day. If you have an active breed, set your alarm clock an hour earlier than those who have a lap dog. That's just the way it is. And breed-appropriate outlets are not sporadic efforts but a daily necessity.
Monitor your escape-prone dog
Now it's time to evaluate the dog's outdoor activities in the yard. A restless dog without supervision or interaction will entertain themselves. Once the yard has been explored, the outside world becomes enticing. Do not let an escape-prone dog out alone - accompany them.·Engage in something fun, kick a ball, observe the surroundings together, cuddle for a while. If you want to turn your back to water the flower beds, first eliminate the dog's chance to jump over the fence during that time. Eliminating undesirable behavior is part of the solution; use a harness and a long leash!
Durable fencing solutions for escape-prone dogs
For the same reasons, it's important to secure the fence. A dog that repeatedly succeeds becomes a persistent escape king or queen. A successful adventure motivates more escapades. Therefore, avoid half-hearted solutions to repair damaged fences. Skip the duck tape repairs with compost screens and zip ties. There is a risk of injury in a hedge with wedged debris that can be forced through.·Choose a garden net or fence made of thick wire, preferably galvanized and welded. Choose the size of the mesh according to the paw size - your dog should not get caught in the net. Keep in mind that diamond-shaped meshes form pockets at the base where a climber can get stuck if a paw squeezes through.·If you opt for a wooden fence, the dog should not be able to fit their head between the slats. For added difficulty in climbing, choose horizontal bars on the outside. If you have a bouncy dog, choose the height of the fence based on their jumping ability, and don't forget to account for expected snow height if needed. Avoid placing stone blocks, picnic tables, doghouses, etc., near the fence as they can be used as launching points.
Secured fences for digging dogs
If you need to fence along uneven ground, choose a fence with crimped horizontal wire at the bottom, which can be easily adapted to the terrain. Make sure the net is tightly attached when securing it. Weave a steel pipe between the mesh on the short side and fasten it to a car or ATV to straighten the net before attaching it to the posts. The important thing is that the net doesn't give way, especially if you have a dog who loves to dig. In such cases, choose extra tall netting and bury a section or let it lie along the lawn. Create "tent pegs" from bent reinforcing bars and drive them into the ground like beads so the dog can't dig under or tear up the fence. Let the grass grow over them and secure the net to the ground. Does it sound complicated? It's understandable to sigh heavily at escape artists; they are demanding and worrisome. Take some time to feel down about it - it's okay - then roll up your sleeves and tackle the problem. Accept the situation, identify the cause, and take action. Clarify the property boundaries, make interactions on the lawn exciting, and secure the fence to ensure that the adventurous one stays at home.
Final tips to reduce escape propensity
Get into the habit of walking outside your home area before sleeping in the yard; this will reduce the likelihood of escape.
Written by: Caroline Alupo
Caroline Alupo is Petli's co-founder. She has a master's degree in ethology and is also a trained dog trainer and dog psychologist. She has 19 years of experience as a professional dog trainer. Read more about Caroline here.
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