11 Ways Of Training A Dog Not To Run Away
There are different ways of training a dog not to run away from home which I will be discussing in this post, so keep reading.
Whatever trick your dog employs to get away, it’s not anything to chuckle about since he might get harmed, killed, or taken away by animal control and put in a shelter.
It is important to understand what type of relationship you have with your dog as this will go a long to determining if your dog can run away or not.
Reasons why dogs run away from home
The following are some of the most common reasons why dogs run away from home:
- The dog may not have been treated well when they were away from home.
- They may be feeling insecure or scared.
- They may be reacting to a change in their environment.
- The dog may be trying to find a new home.
- They may be looking for a warm place to sleep.
- They may be trying to find food or a way to get back home.
- The dog may be trying to find a friend.
- They may be trying to find a way to get away from a dangerous situation.
- Separation anxiety.
- For mating purposes.
As you can see from the list above there are many different reasons why dogs may want to run away from home.
Irrespective of any reason a dog would run away from home, there are still ways to train a dog not to run away from home.
Recommended post: 15 Most Important Dog Care Tips.
Ways Of Training A Dog Not To Run Away
The following are some common ways of training a dog not to run away from home:
Make sure you reward the dog when they stay alone
Start by rewarding the dog when they stay where you have asked them to stay.
Dogs have a natural instinct to stay with their pack, which is why it is so important to reward them when they stay alone.
This can be done by giving them treats, playing with them, or simply being there for them when they need it.
Rewarding your dog when they stay alone at home will reinforce the behavior of not running away when you are not home.
Train your dog with a recall command
Make sure that you have a good recall command that the dog knows.
One of the most important skills your dog can learn is a recall command. This command can be used to bring your dog back to you when they are out of your sight or off-leash.
The best way to train your dog to recall is to start early and provide consistent reinforcement.
To start training, be sure to have a couple of treats in hand. When your dog begins to wander off, toss a treat their way.
Once your dog starts to respond to the recall command, you can gradually increase the distance between you and the dog.
Always keep the treats and positive reinforcement close by to keep the training session fun and exciting for your dog.
Add value when your dog stays close to you
When your dog stays close to you, it adds value to your relationship with your dog, and make sure you make it fun for them to hang around you.
It means that you are a desirable member of the family and that your dog trusts you to keep him safe.
In return, you should provide your dog with plenty of positive reinforcement, such as petting, verbal praise, and treats.
You should also train your dog using positive reinforcement techniques so that he learns to stay close to you without having to be forcibly restrained.
Socialize your dog with other pets and humans
Socializing your dog is a crucial part of their development and will help your dog find value in living with you.
Without socialization, a dog can become shy and isolated, making it difficult for them to form relationships with people and other animals.
There are a few things you can do to socialize with your dog. First, take them on walks.
This is a great way to expose them to different people, places, and animals.
Try to find a dog-friendly park or walk near a busy street. If you can, take them on short trips to a local pet store or grocery store.
Another way to socialize with your dog is to play with them. This can be done in a number of ways.
Train your dog with clickers and whistles
Train your dog with clickers and whistles. Clicker training is a great way to motivate your dog and teach them new tricks.
You can use a clicker to reward your dog when they perform the desired action, such as sit, stay, or come.
You can also use a whistle to cue your dog when you want them to perform a specific behavior.
Whistles can be used for obedience commands, fetching, and other activities.
If you train your dog with whistles you can always recall them at any point or any time when they are outside.
Train your dog to answer when called
One of the best ways to keep your dog safe is to keep him trained. When you call your dog, make sure he knows what to do.
Many times, all you need to do is say his name and he will come running. If your dog is not responding, you can try saying his name followed by a cue like sit, stay, or come.
When your dog still does not respond, you may need to use a leash and cue like “stay” to get him to stay put.
If he still does not respond, you can try using a verbal command like “come” and then following with the cue.
Provide a stress-free environment for your dog
Providing a stress-free environment for your dog is crucial if you want them to live a long, healthy life.
Crate training is a great way to help your dog feel comfortable and secure in their surroundings.
When your dog is crated, they are less likely to feel the need to bark or run around, which can reduce stress in your home.
Make sure your dog has plenty of toys and exercise. Playing with your dog is one of the best ways to reduce stress in their lives.
A regular walk can also help them to expend energy and reduce their likelihood of running away from home.
Train your dog to remain within the fence
Train your dog to remain within the fence. This is a very important skill to have if you live in an area where there is a fence.
If your dog is not trained to stay within the fence, then it could get into trouble.
They may be able to jump the fence, or they may be able to run away and get lost.
If this happens, it will be very difficult to find them. By training your dog to stay within the fence, you can help to keep them safe and healthy.
Train your dog to walk off leash
When you first get your dog, he or she will be excited to run and play.
However, as your dog gets older, you may want to start training him or her to walk on a leash.
There are a few things you’ll need before you start training your dog to walk off-leash.
First, you’ll need a leash. You can buy a leash at a pet store, or you can get a leash made specifically for off-leash walking.
You’ll also need a dog training collar or harness. These can be bought at a pet store or online.
First and foremost, it’s important that you have a good relationship with your dog.
This means that you have to be consistent in your training and be patient with them.
If your dog is constantly pulling on the leash, it can be difficult to get them to walk off-leash.
Start by teaching them to “sit.” Once your dog is sitting, slowly bring the leash out, and then slowly let it go.
Repeat this exercise several times, and then slowly move the leash further and further away from your dog.
Start proper crate training sessions
There are many benefits to starting proper dog crate training sessions from the very beginning.
In the early stages, your dog will be more likely to associate the crate with positive experiences, such as being rewarded for good behavior.
This will help to build their trust in the crate and make it easier for you to manage their behavior when they’re inside it.
Another reason to start crate training early is that it can help to curb destructive behavior.
If your dog is already good at following basic commands inside the house, starting them off slowly with crate training will help to prevent them from becoming destructive when they’re out of the house.
Finally, crate training can be a great way to help prevent your dog from running away from home.
Try hiring a professional dog trainer to help you
When looking for a professional dog trainer, be sure to consider the qualifications of the trainer.
Look for trainers with degrees in canine behavior or training, as well as experience working with dogs of all ages and breeds.
Another factor to consider when hiring a professional dog trainer is the type of training that the trainer offers.
If you’re looking for obedience training, for example, be sure to ask about the trainer’s experience training dogs for shows or competitions.
If you have a dog that is aggressive or difficult to train, you’ll want to look for a trainer who specializes in working with difficult dogs.
Finally, be sure to ask the trainer about fees and what to expect.
Dangers of dogs running away from home
The following are some potential risks of dogs running away from home:
- The dog may become lost and may be taken in by a cruel person or animal.
- The dog may be attacked by another animal or person.
- A runaway dog may be injured or killed by an animal or person.
- The dog may become sick or injured and be unable to find food or shelter.
- The dog may become homesick and become depressed or addicted to wandering.