How to Train My Dog Not to Run Away

Dogs are naturally curious animals, and when they have the opportunity to go exploring, they often don't pass it up. If your dog tends to run away, you might already be at your wit's end, frustrated by the lack of control you have over your pet. Preventative measures such as electric fencing are often effective against this problem, but a better solution is to train your dog not to run away.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dog

1. Limit the amount of time your dog spends in the yard. Rather than letting him play for hours alone in a fenced area, take him for walks, and let him outside only to toilet. This tells him that the yard is not a playground, but a place to do his business.

2. Call your dog to the door as soon as he has finished his toilet. It's a good idea to get your pet in the habit of coming immediately inside if you want to train him not to run away.

3. Practice opening the gate to your yard repeatedly and commanding your dog to stay within the boundaries of the yard. This will teach him that just because the gate is open doesn't mean he has an open invitation to run free. Do this several times a week until he doesn't try to escape.

4. Repeat Step 3 with the front door of your home. Many dogs will try to slip between their owners' legs as soon as the door opens, heading for the street and the wild beyond. Train your dog that he shouldn't leave the house unless you've invited him to.

5. Instill obedience to important commands, such as "sit" and "stay." This way, if your dog does happen to escape the house, he will listen when you call an order. Practice those commands both inside the house and out.

6. Reward your dog for staying put when gates and front doors are open, and when he is not on a leash out of doors, but stays by your side. The purpose of this is to train your dog that staying with you is what you want.

Tips & Warnings

• Exercise your dog at least once a day. Sometimes, dogs run away because they want to stretch their legs and explore, which a walk on a leash can accomplish.
• Purchase ID tags for your dog just in case he should run away. You can also have your veterinarian insert a chip for identification.
• Keep your dog on a leash until you have trained him not to run away.