Why do dogs run away?
Do you struggle with a dog that runs away, that does not come back when called, that bolts out the door when given the chance, or that runs away when you accidentally drop the leash? You are not alone! Many dog owners struggle to keep their canine companions from running away.
In order to stop our dogs from running away from us, we must first understand the reason our dogs WANT to run away from us. Understanding their motives and behavior can be key in keeping your dog safe, and happy. It is always important to be sure that all of your dog’s needs are being met before addressing any problem behavior, such as running away.
Top 3 Reasons You Dog Is Running Away From You
There are many reasons your dog could be running away from you. However, often, dogs simply run from you because their basic needs are not being met. For example, if your dog is exhibiting an unwanted behavior like running away, it could be due to:
Excess Energy: This can look like excessive running or “zoomies”, as well as bolting/ yanking you out of the door, and not being able to calm down long enough to take direction. - Be sure that your dog is getting plenty of appropriate exercise before each training session or structured walk, in order to set your dog up for maximum success!
Mental Stimulation: They are not getting enough mental stimulation through the day to keep them content, so the outside world suddenly has MUCH more value than you. This can look like aggressive pulling at the end of the leash and yanking you in every direction and bolting. - Try giving your dog a few short training sessions, or even some mentally stimulating brain games such as towel treats, or puzzle toys during the day.
Low Engagement: If your dog is not getting enough engagement with you in different situations, they may not know what to do, or how to properly engage with you the moment the door opens. - You can change this by beginning to build up value in yourself, and in your command words during moments of engagement with your pup. For example, try rewarding your dog with high value treats whenever they look up at you. Remember to mark the moment in time with a “Yes” in order to clearly communicate with your dog that they have done something good! Over time, looking up at you and listening will become a natural, and highly valuable thing to do.
After you are sure that all of your dog's needs are being met, if your dog is still running away from you, it is time to go back to the basics. Put a leash or a house line on your dog/ puppy at all times until you are confident that they know how to behave with and without it. You may need to keep the leash on for a few days, or even weeks, but it is crucial that your dog learns how to stick around you, and behave appropriately.
*Note - only take off the leash if you look down one day, and suddenly realize that you can’t remember the last time you used the leash for a redirection.
Obedience and Running Away
A great way to refocus your dog is to teach them how to sit under no distractions. Having a rock solid sit can actually keep your dog from running away by keeping their attention and focus on you. If your dog already knows how to sit for a treat, you can move to the next step. Be sure to start inside, with no distractions around, and a leash and long line securely in place on your dog.
**Note - Do not EVER practice this exercise without a long line or other kind of security system in place to keep your dog safe until they have completely mastered door manners.
Make your dog sit before you open the door, reward and start opening the door, continue to open the door until the dog stands up, if the dog stands up say “no”, and redirect back into a sit. Once you place your dog back into position, repeat the process, rewarding only when the sit is held. Don’t forget to use their release word to let them go!
My Dog Runs Away And Won’t Come When Called
Engagement is key in pack communication. If your dog does put their nose on the ground, and continuously runs away from you, something is not right as members of the pack constantly seek direction from the pack leaders. There are many things that could be causing this, such as:
Lack of engagement - where the dog doesn’t know how to properly engage with you under distraction.
You have no value - you have not properly built up value in yourself with your dog.
You have not established a reward system - you have not taught your dog that good things will happen to them if they stay with you or come to you.
My Dog Thinks Running Away Is A Game
Another common reason dogs run away, is because they mistakenly believe you are playing a game with them. This can be caused anytime you chase a dog, like when he/she takes off running toward a busy road. Instead of yelling and chasing your dog, and risk them running further into the road, try calling to them and running in the opposite direction. Due to the dog’s overwhelming prey drive, watching you run away from them after getting their attention will most likely cause them to chase you. This is exactly what we want! Instead of the game being to chase them, suddenly the game becomes “chase me” and they will!
Remember! The game is NEVER to chase THEM, it is ALWAYS chase ME!
Fun times to practice “Chase Me”:
When playing outside with a toy
When your dog gets distracted by things at a distance - this can be a great refocusing activity for you and your dog
When you are practicing commands like “come” or “bring it” - backing up can be a good prompt to get your dog to follow you.
FAQ
How to find a dog that ran away
Although there is not much you can do once your dog has already run away, aside from searching your neighborhood, there is a preventative measure you can take with your dog. Manufacturers make GPS dog collars that help you track your dog with your phone, so if ever your dog does run away, you’ll easily find their location. Fi collars is currently the best on the market. Find them HERE.
