Your dog is a member of your family, so losing them or having them flee is similar to losing a child. When a dog escapes, its owners experience the same level of anxiety as a parent who has lost their child. Every owner whose dog has run away wonders: “What happened? What could they have done to stop their puppies from running away? Are they safe? Do they have shelter? Will their beloved pooched ever come back?”
While some stray dogs do eventually return home, there are some dogs that never do. What can you do to stop your dog from running away in the first place, do dogs ever come back after they run away?
Every owner fears that their pet dog will run away, never be found, and be lost forever. While some dogs are able to find their way home, other dogs that were not properly kept indoors or who were not given the proper identification end up somewhere else. Let’s look at the most common causes of dogs leaving their homes.
The fact that dogs have quick escape routes is one of the most common causes of dog elopement. Although not all dogs enjoy running away, they are all genetically predisposed to do so and to explore their surroundings. As a species, dogs are naturally curious creatures. Your dog will start exploring if there is a fence that is too low, a gate that is broken, or an open window because they are active and want to learn more about their surroundings.
Because of their extraordinary prey drive, some dogs will chase squirrels up trees if they are not kept on a double harness. Although some dogs have little interest in pursuing what they would regard as prey, prevention is a great way to keep your dog safe and secure at home.
Boredom is another reason why dogs run away. Your dog may go crazy if they have too much energy and nothing to do at home. So they will hit the road out of boredom. Exercise, enrichment, and entertainment—the three Es—can calm your dog’s exploratory instincts. Although your yard is a fantastic resource for your dog’s exercise, enrichment, and entertainment, you must be present to watch them, and one thing you must ensure is that the gates are locked to prevent them from escaping and becoming lost.
Your dogs may become frightened and flee if there are loud noises, large crowds, or bright lights. Although this does not mean you should stop celebrating the holidays, you should think about your dog’s safety by keeping them inside.
It’s always preferable to keep your dog from escaping than to wait for them to return after they’ve already done so. Some dogs who have escaped return home after doing so because they have a valid reason to do so. If you call your dog and he doesn’t come right away, you should never lose your cool. Your dog will learn that bad things will happen if he comes or allows himself to get caught even from verbal reprimands. If a dog runs away, this is not a very fun scenario for him to return to.
Teach your dog what you want when he returns after running away so that he will not run away again. To demonstrate to him that you are the pack leader and he is the subordinate, practice obedience training. When he performs well, a variety of things can be used as rewards, including verbal cues, dog treats, and games. By doing this, you can encourage him to continue acting appropriately and stop him from fleeing. If your dog does escape but later realizes how wonderful his current residence is—full of treats and encouragement—he will undoubtedly long to return.
There are many reasons why dogs flee, but one of the most frequent is that they can, so don’t give them the opportunity to do so. Make your home as secure as you can to prevent sleepless nights worrying about where your lost dogs are and how to get them back. Check your property and address any problems that could allow your dog to easily elude you.
Make your dog as comfortable as you can in their new home if you recently moved. Start by surrounding him with his favorite items that have the same odor as his former residence. Take your dog on a tour of his new home so he can get a chance to explore and familiarize himself with his surroundings. This will help automatically create a sense of familiarity.
Secure your dog to prevent them from escaping your house and running away. The majority of the time, dogs flee for easy escape routes, and what could be more alluring than an open gate leading to an exciting, fun-filled world outside the four walls?
2) Separation anxiety
When their owners are gone, some dogs experience separation anxiety, which may cause them to act a little… strange. The following behaviors are all signs of separation anxiety in dogs: destroying objects, chewing on furniture, urinating indoors, and attempting to flee or run away. Dogs who experience separation anxiety may struggle to control their emotions or even try to make new friends and meet people while you’re away.
Learn more about separation anxiety and how to help your dog if it occurs in your situation.
Protect against mating and hunting instincts
Your Dog Is on the Hunt
To pursue a bunny, squirrel, or other potential prey, many dogs will readily scale fences or flee the yard. Although Huskies and other prey-driven breeds are somewhat more prone to this, almost all dogs have a natural desire to chase after small, fluffy animals.
When you let your dog chase squirrels or bunnies unsupervised, it almost always leads to the dog becoming increasingly fond of this pastime. Even if your dog doesn’t typically jump the fence to pursue squirrels, there are times when the chase is simply too enjoyable to end.
You can stop your dog from escaping to chase other animals by keeping an eye on him, giving him something to do, and enhancing your fencing.
FAQ
Where do dogs typically go when they run away?
Neighbors’ yards and public parks are spots it will like. If the animal is timid, old, and untrusting of people, it will hide. Bushes and under cars are good spots. Your pet most likely attempted to return home but was unsuccessful.
Do dogs usually come back when they run away?
According to estimates, about 7% of lost dogs will never be reunited with their family, so the question is, do dogs come back when they run away? But two factors appear to increase the likelihood of a happy conclusion.
What do scared dogs do when they run away?
Running dogs will use their adrenaline to break free of their confinement, even if it means gnawing through wire, tunneling under fences, or overcoming other obstacles. Some people will even leap from a first-floor window and continue running.