Some dogs hate it when you keep them locked inside the house. They frequently peek outside the window and get out as the door opens. It may seem interesting and entertaining initially, but it can later become a big issue for you.
Your pet should feel calm and relaxed when inside the home. Besides, he should enjoy your company whenever you take him out for a walk. You won’t like to run behind him if he suddenly runs away!
The dog might get injured or captured by the animal shelter. So, how to train your dog not to run away? Let’s find out!
Why Does the Dog Want to Run Away?
Puppies can’t go too far. It seems funny when they start running, and you get ample time to control their movement. This issue occurs when you adopt an adult dog. They grew somewhere else, and a new environment can make such dogs anxious.
Some dogs run away due to distractions around the house. There might be some other pets in your neighborhood or certain smells that attract your pet. It won’t feel good whenever you unlock the door; the dog starts moving outside. So, follow the tips this post shares to control your pet’s desire to break the barrier and run away!
Take Your Pet for a Walk Twice or Thrice a Day
Some dogs are more interested in roaming freely outside than playing inside. You cannot change that behavior overnight. If you forcefully confine the pet, he will run away with the first chance he gets.
Take your dog for a walk to suppress his urge to run away. Keep your dog’s favorite treats in your pocket and use a retractable leash. If you are afraid the pet will run away as you open the door, feed a few treats and pet him. The dog will feel comfortable around you and avoid running.
Follow these tips to get started:
· Choose a quiet open field area to train the pet. You can take him to a nearby park where the dog can run and play to soothe his excitement.
· When the pet starts running, use the “Come Back” or “Come” command to draw the pet’s attention. Keep feeding treats whenever the pet comes to you.
· Keep trying, and do not give too much room to run. If the pet doesn’t come to you, get near him and feed the treat after using the command.
This procedure will help your pet understand the meaning of the “Come” command. He will soon start responding positively to more treats.
Control the Pet’s Movement on the Gate
The dog knows that the gate is the only thing between him and the free world outside. He won’t miss any opportunity to walk out whenever someone opens the door. Many pet owners keep their dogs leashed because they don’t want them to run away.
Leashing won’t solve this issue. In fact, it will assure your pet that he is doing the right thing! You can avoid such troubles by training the pet regularly.
Train your pet to sit, stand up, and stay on your command. He won’t learn those commands in a day, but some delicious treats will make the job easier. Train for a few days and then follow the below-explained steps:
· Leash the dog before you go out of the house
· Ask your pet to sit and stay until you open the door
· Suppose the pup does not stay at his place; feed him a treat and make him sit there with the command.
· Now, open the door and lead the way outside.
That should become a daily routine to ensure the dog doesn’t frantically run outside whenever you open the gate. The pet will learn that he can’t get outside until you go out first. It will be a huge relief and a great achievement for overly energetic dogs.
Do Not Change the Walking Schedule Time and Again
Your pet deserves some outdoor playtime. It will keep the pet physically fit and allow him to defecate conveniently. Some busy individuals may not get enough free time to enjoy long walking sessions with their dogs. That doesn’t mean you should only leave the pet in the backyard!
Choose morning and evening time to go out on a walk. You can use it to train the pet and play with him for a while. Start training with a standard leash, and train the “Come Back” command to control your puppy’s movement better.
Your dog will get familiar with the daily walking schedule. He will demand the walking session if you forget about it. Regular walking will keep the pet under control, and he will spend his indoor time calmly.
Create a Comforting Environment Inside the Home
Your dog might be trying to escape because the indoor atmosphere is uncomfortable. Is that the reason?
You should provide the dog with a comforting bed. Place some entertaining toys on the bed so the dog can play there for a while.
Do not allow anyone to treat the dog harshly. Scolding can severely affect the pet’s behavior. It can make training difficult, and the dog will never feel comfortable around you.
Keep the house clean, play with the pet whenever you get time, and do not let children mistreat the dog because he will hurt them! The dog must know that he is safe inside the house and all his needs are met. You can do it by feeding the dog timely, offering exciting toys, and keeping the pet comfortable.
Conclusion
Dogs are much easier to train than other animals. Proper training with positive reinforcement techniques helps pet owners get positive outcomes much faster. Avoid harsh behavior, and you will see quick improvements.
You can also hire a professional dog trainer, but it won’t strengthen your bond with the pooch. So, use your free time to train the pet and control his desire to run away. Your pet will never leave your side once the training completes!