Even the most diligent dog owner, at some point, may have a runaway dog. Whether your dog bolts out the front door, manages to slip his leash, or otherwise gets away from you – not having control of your dog can be a scary feeling. A well trained dog is the best anecdote to this problem.
Your dog should have learned the “come” command early on. If your dog understands and obeys this important command, you can keep him much safer and losing your dog is less of a possibility. However, even a properly trained dog may get spooked or confused. Depending on the situation, your dog may run because he is fearful, but he may also just be acting playful. Here are some tips to safely regain control of your dog, no matter why he ran in the first place.
Two Kinds of Runaway Dog
First and foremost, it is important to point out that if your dog is loose and not responding to your commands, you should never chase him. Your dog will either see your actions as aggressive, or they may think you are playing a game. Either way, they are likely to keep avoiding you. You should also avoid yelling at the dog. Keep your voice happy and cheerful, so as to let the dog know that returning to you is a safe option.
When the Dog is Scared
- If your dog is running from something that scared him, or if he is currently afraid – such as during a thunder storm – you want to remain calm in your reaction.
- Try to guide your dog to a contained area if possible, such as a fenced in yard. Kneel down or sit on the ground so that you do not look threatening, and speak to them in a cheerful tone. Bring a favorite toy, or a kennel if your small dog is comfortable in that environment and would see it as a safe space.
- If your dog likes riding in the car, pull up close, open the door and step away. They are trying to avoid being caught, but may happily jump into the car if they think they are going on a joyride.
When the Dog is Being Playful
- Maintain a happy and upbeat voice. Sound like you are participating in their game.
- Turn away from the dog and run in the direction you want him to go; he may think chasing you is a game. Get to an area that can be closed off and enlist the help of someone else to close the gate or shut the door.
- The car ride trick may work for a playful dog as well, so give it a try!
- If you have a friend or neighbor with a dog your dog likes to play with, ask them to bring the dog out.
Once You Catch Your Runaway Dog
- Don’t yell at your dog or act angry. Make his return a cause for celebration and reward.
- Tell him he is a good boy, and even give him a treat.
- You want him to remember that even if he runs, coming back to you gets him a treat.
Final Thoughts: If your dog is prone to running away, try to identify what is causing the behavior, and be proactive. If your dog runs away when strangers are in the house, for instance, be sure to kennel him before anyone comes through the front door. Make sure that your dog has a collar with tags clearly outlining where he belongs and how to contact you, and consider a microchip.
As we stated, the best thing you can do to make sure your dog doesn’t run is to effectively train him to listen and respond to commands. Do you need help with obedience training? Call Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training for information on our Bradenton area classes.
