How to Catch a Runaway Puppy

Most puppies take a long time to learn the boundaries of their yard and some never learn. For this reason, it’s a good idea to keep your puppy tethered or in a fenced-in area when she is outside alone, until she has learned where she can and can’t wander. But it’s inevitable that you will occasionally let your puppy outside (thinking she’ll go potty and come right back in) but then she gets distracted and runs off. What’s the best way to get her back? Here are some ideas.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A leash
• Tasty doggy treats, broken into bite-size fragments

1. Keep your puppy on a tether or inside a fenced-in area when he is outside, until he has been trained not to leave your yard. This will help you minimize the number of times you’ll need to use this method.

2. Call after her in a bright, positive voice if your puppy chases after some distraction such as a passer-by or another dog. Do not yell or scold, as that will only excite the puppy more and will not encourage her to come back to you.

3. Fasten the leash on his collar, give him a treat and praise him if your dog returns to you at this point.

4. Walk calmly after her if the puppy does not return, calling her name in a cheerful voice. Do not run (unless the puppy is in imminent danger) as that will only serve to spook or excite the puppy.

5. Kindly ask the person whom your puppy is chasing after to stand still until you have caught up to them. Hold a treat down at your puppy’s face level and cheerfully call him.

6. Close your fist for a moment until you are able to grab her collar and fasten the leash on it when your puppy comes to get the treat. Then open your hand and allow her to have the treat.

7. Gently scold the puppy as you bring him inside. Giving him a brief “time out” in his crate is also advisable.