First Things First: Don’t Chase
It may go against every instinct you have, but it’s important not to chase a dog running away. With very few exceptions, most of us can’t outrun our four-legged friends. If your dog is afraid, you won’t catch him, and if he thinks he’s playing a game, you’ll only make things worse. “Chasing is never a good idea,” says Dr. Ellen Lindell, a Connecticut-based veterinary behaviorist.
Instead, Dr. Lindell recommends turning the game of chase around and convincing your dog to run after you. “Getting the dog to chase you can be fun for the dog,” she says. “Try running with a toy or treat, or even getting into your car if your dog likes to travel.”
Why Does My Puppy Run Away From Me?
Sometimes it’s hard to understand why our pups run away from us. It’s frustrating and sometimes difficult not to take it personally.
But if you’re taking the time to read this, you obviously care about your puppy. And you’ve treated your puppy well. He gets walks, plays fun fetch games, and gets yummy treats.
Check out this interesting article on teaching your dog how to come when called.
Puppies treated this well don’t run away because they don’t like you. But there are many different reasons puppies run away from us.
Your Dog’s Habit
This one is related to the above. If your dog is used to having a lot of freedom to run around and do what she wants, and suddenly that freedom is taken away, there’s a good chance that she’s going to try to roam just because it’s what she’s always done. This can be quite common if there’s a sudden change of environment, like a move from a rural area to a busy metropolis, or if there’s a change in household dynamic, such as marriage, divorce, or a new baby.
Tip: It’s going to take training to curb this behavior. You need to teach your dog not to take off just because she can. It will likely take some time and effort, along with some kind of positive reinforcement to get her to change. If you continue to have trouble, it may be necessary to work with a trainer.
Puppy Training Session: Stop Running Away and Stopping Other Unwanted Habits
Is your dog an escape artist? If you have a dog that keeps running away, there are many reasons for this behavior. Discover how to stop your dog from running away in this article.
When your dog escapes the back yard or dashes out the door, itâs frustrating for you and unsafe for your dog. A runaway dog could be hit by a car, be injured by another dog, or hurt someone. Almost every dog runs off once in a while, but if your dog keeps running away on a daily or weekly basis, itâs time to figure out how to keep your dog safe inside your yard or home. While you’re here – learn how to keep outdoor dogs safe.