The most important dog command

Today I want to talk about your dog running away. If your dog runs from you it could be a serious problem. Dogs who run from their owner can be a danger to drivers and the owner as well as themselves.

Training a recall is the most common way to fix the issue but I have a few tips that can help you keep sane from the start.

When you first bring a puppy home they follow you automatically. You should encourage this and use it to train the puppy to follow you. When this puppy grows up this will still remain as long as you ensure that they are rewarded and never scolded. Remember to never correct a puppy for good behaviour and try not correct a puppy for the first five months. Try to solve your issues with positive reinforcement.

If you leave your dog outside in a fenced yard you may think that they get enough excercise, but they are confined. If you are going to have an outside dog you should start working towards them staying on the porch so you can find them and they aren't running away later. Place a food bowl on your patio or deck when you first place your puppy outside. Place a small handful of food in the bowl every few minutes and the puppy will stay near the porch to check the bowl. I also use this method when I'm going in and out of the house and the puppy is lounging in the sun.

If you have a grown dog who is running away then your problem has already been created and you should begin obedience training with emphasis on the recall. Obedience training gives you just that.. Obedience. If your dog is trained properly than they will be burning enough energy in a positive way and will come straight away when called.

Last but not least is the electric fence or underground containment system. Many people may shy away from these containment systems but I would rather have a living dog who has been corrected over the alternative any day. When you use an inground or wireless pet system you should always take the time to properly train the dog to the system or the dog may become fearful of the yard itself. Training gives you communication anyway so use that communication for your dogs well-being and mental health. The systems come with a video that explains in-depth or ask your trainer to help.

Good luck and be sure to excersize your dog. This is the top reasons I see dogs that run away. Because theyre bored and need to burn off some excess energy. Not because they are late for an appointment.

---

Adam Madore
professional dog trainer with Artisan
dog training
Lexington / Nicholasville