Dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship. But, sometimes, even the most devoted dogs run away from home. There isn’t a month that passes where I don’t hear about at least one neighborhood dog who ran away. It’s a devastating time—signs are posted on poles and Facebook is buzzing with photos and frantic messages. While many dogs are found pretty quickly, unfortunately, some never return home. So the big question is why do dogs run away from home? Below, I’ve listed 8 common reasons dogs flee. Understanding their motive can help us to better protect them!
1. Opportunity & Curiosity
Let’s face it, our canine companions aren’t sitting up at night planning the great escape so they can run away from home. The breakout is normally a spontaneous thing because an opportunity arose. Maybe the gate was open, someone opened the door without paying attention, or maybe Fido dug his way out. We as canine parents should be aware that if Fido is given a chance to romp the neighborhood unsupervised, there’s a good possibility that he’ll go for it. Plus, dogs are naturally curious creatures. They might catch a whiff of an interesting scent or spot something intriguing and decide to investigate. This exploration can quickly lead them far from home before they realize it.
2. Boredom
Just like you don’t want to sit in a room all day with nothing to do, neither does your canine kid. Dogs need mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Without enough exercise or engaging activities, they may look for adventure on their own. So, make sure your dog’s mind and body are stimulated. Some ideas:
- Start your dog’s day off with a nice walk. Make sure to change the route every so often to provide new sights, smells, and sounds.
- Work on new tricks or commands.
- Let your dog play with interactive puzzles/games. THESE are some of my favorites.
3. Fear
Loud Noises! Many dogs are spooked by sudden loud noises, like fireworks on July 4th, a booming thunderstorm, or maybe even a house party. Take extra caution and keep your pooch in a safe area indoors during loud or crazy times. What’s fun for us can be very scary for dogs. Fear can cause an otherwise well-behaved pooch to suddenly try and get away. Did you know that July 4th is the biggest day of the year for dogs to run away?
4. Weather and Catastrophic Events
Tornados, hurricanes, fires, etc. Being prepared in the event of a catastrophic event could save much heartache if the unthinkable happens. Wherever you live there is the potential for some type of environmental threat. In California, it could be earthquakes or wildfires. In Kansas, a tornado. It’s not uncommon to hear of runaway and lost dogs during times of natural disasters. Make plans ahead of time so that in case of an emergency, your canine will be protected. The humane society has a great article on tornados and pet safety.
5. To Find a Mate
Unneutered males and unspayed females may have strong urges at various times, meaning they may want to go on the hunt for a mate. If there’s a female in heat and an unfixed male nearby, there’s a good chance your male will try and escape. He’s attempting to answer nature’s call. If your pooch is not in a breeding program there is no real reason not to have him/her neutered or spayed. It’s healthier—it may ward off some serious reproductive system conditions—as well as some unwanted behaviors.
6. Moving to a New Home
Welcome home! Or maybe not. You’re most likely very excited about the move to your new home. But Fido? Probably not so much. To your canine kids, a new home means everything familiar is gone. So, as the humans are settling into their new house, it isn’t uncommon to hear their pooch escaped. Many dogs run off trying to find their way back to their old home. Needless to say, moving is definitely stressful for you, but it’s really stressful for Fido too.
7. Separation Anxiety
Yes, your dog does love you that much! Although most pups will get used to your routines pretty quickly, some have a harder time. For them, just the thought of you leaving the house can stress them to the max. They may bark, cry, whine, and destroy things. But, if an opportunity presents itself, they will more likely run off to try and find you.
8. Chasing Prey
The hunt! Chasing prey is a natural instinct for dogs. The sight of a squirrel, rabbit, or other small animal can trigger this instinct, leading them to chase after it. In the heat of the chase, they might forget about their surroundings and wander far from home. If you have a little hunter at home, be extra diligent to make sure there are no accessible escape routes for him. The last thing you want is to have your canine kid run into the street after a cat or anything/anyone else. If it becomes a problem you can’t control, you may need to enlist the help of a behaviorist or trainer.
Prepare for the Unexpected
Always be prepared in case your dog ever does get out. Some tips:
- Get your dog microchipped.
- Consider a GPS collar, like the Fi Smart Collar.
- Make sure he is wearing an identifiable collar and tag.
- If you’re lucky enough to catch your dog while he’s out romping, do not punish him. Don’t ever take your anger and frustration out on the dog. That will only make it harder to get him if he ever gets out again. He will remember and he will fear being punished.
- Hug, praise, and offer him treats. Make it clear that you love him and coming home is a good thing!
Prevention
- Create a Safe Environment: Ensure your yard is secure with a high fence and check for any gaps or weaknesses. During fireworks or storms, keep your dog indoors in a safe, comfortable space.
- Provide Adequate Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Regular walks, playtime, and interactive toys can help keep your dog engaged and reduce the urge to run away.
- Training: When you train your pooch, you establish a line of communication with him. It will ultimately strengthen your bond with each other and greatly increase your chance of gaining control in an emergency. Every family pooch should be proficient in following the commands: Come and Stay.
- Address Anxiety: If your dog shows signs of separation anxiety, consult a veterinarian or a professional dog behaviorist for advice.
- Consider Spaying or Neutering Your Dog: This can reduce the urge to roam for mating purposes. Consult with your veterinarian about this.
