Dog Running Away
There may be several reasons why a dog runs away:
(1) It's lonely
(2) It's seeking companionship
(3) It's frustrated
(4) It's got pent up energy
(5) It's a natural tendency in the breed
(6) It's frightened
Some dogs, such as the Siberian husky, for example, have a natural tendency to wander.
Dogs that like to venture away from their home are known for their ingenuity for finding a way to escape.
They might dig under the fence, jump the fence, and even open gates that are not securely locked.
How to train your dog to stop running away:
If your dog is digging under the fence, consider using chicken wire buried in the ground near the fence line.
Your dog's urge to run away may not only be to seek companionship, but it may also be hormonal. If your dog is a male dog, it may be searching for a female in heat. Seek your vet's advice in this case.
If your dog is lonely, consider getting another compatible dog or have someone stay with him to keep him company.
It might also be a good idea to have someone check up on your dog and exercise him or play with him during the day if he's left alone for extended periods of time.
If your dog is bored then tire him out with lots of exercise to burn off excess energy. Also give your dog toys and safe chews to distract him and keep him entertained.
Sometimes a dog will run away simply because it's frightened. It might be because of a loud noise - like a thunderstorm or fireworks. In these situations, it's adviseable to keep your dog indoors or train it to go to a safe place in your house or yard to lessen its anxiety.
