How to Stop a Dog From Leaving Home

Owning a dog can be a happy, rewarding and comforting experience. However, when Fido refuses to obey the rules, it can also be frustrating. If you have a dog that runs away from home, it likely does not realize that its behavior is unacceptable and dangerous. The dog may just be seeking outside stimulation or following natural instincts.

Instructions

    • 1

      Figure out why your dog might want to leave. Typically, a pet who runs away is either trying to get to something, or away from something. This can be caused by boredom, separation anxiety, isolation, mistreatment, outside stimuli, psychological problems, wanting to find a mate, (especially if the dog is not spayed or neutered), loud noises, predatory instincts or just wanting to get outside to roam and play. Paying close attention to your dog's behaviors can clue you in to what it is thinking and feeling.

    • 2

      Make your home a happy place. A happy dog that feels comfortable and loved in its home environment will be less likely to want to leave home, or will at least return promptly if it does run away. Play games to keep your dog from being bored, including Frisbee and fetch. Keep toys in the house and in the yard so your dog will be stimulated at home. Keep loud noises to a minimum and show your dog plenty of love and affection.

    • 3

      Take your dog for walks. Going on walks will give your dog the chance to exercise, roam the neighborhood and enjoy a change of scenery. Take your dog to a dog park, where it will have a chance to socialize and play with other dogs. Your dog can play and explore in a safe, fun environment.

    • 4

      Prevent escape. You can keep your dog from running away by using self-closing doors and gates, keeping your front and backyard gates secure, and covering holes in the yard underneath fences, if your dog likes to dig holes. It is also a good idea to prevent your dog from being tempted by outside stimuli, like other animals or the mail carrier, by covering your fence or windows with black plastic.

    • 5

      Enroll your dog in obedience training. Obedience training might be a good idea if you have ongoing issues with your dog leaving home or if your dog aggressively charges at doors or bolts outside every chance he gets. A dog trainer can teach your dog to respect you and obey your commands.