Blog: Dog Keeps Running Away? Our Top Tips to Prevent an Escape

Dogs are naturally energetic and curious creatures, and sometimes this causes them to take themselves off on their own adventure. As a pet owner, understanding the reasons why your dog may be attempting to escape can help you prevent this from happening. Let’s explore some of the most effective dog escape solutions and strategies to keep your furry friend safe and sound at home. From reinforcing physical barriers to utilizing a dog GPS tracking device, there are numerous ways to ensure your dog stays safe and secure.

Why do dogs run away?

Before you can solve the problem of your dog running away, it’s important to understand the reasons behind it. Some dogs escape because of fear, whether it’s thunderstorms, fireworks, or unfamiliar people. Others may act out of boredom, especially if they’re left alone for long periods with no mental or physical stimulation. Hunting instincts can also kick in, as some dogs are driven by the urge to chase after small animals or birds. Additionally, dogs might attempt to escape to be closer to people, especially if they suffer from separation anxiety. Or, they simply may just wander off to explore and before you know it you have lost sight of them. 

Each of these factors requires a different approach to prevent escape, and once you’ve identified the circumstances, you’ll be better equipped to manage and prevent it.

Strengthen physical barriers

The first line of defense for keeping your dog safe and secure is using a well-secured physical barrier. If your dog tends to escape from the yard, walk your property to inspect fences and gates for weakness or gaps. A fence that’s too short or easily scaled may not be adequate for a large or athletic dog. For example, some dogs can jump much higher than expected, so increasing the height of your fence could be a necessary step. Additionally, reinforcing gates with padlocks ensures the doors will stay shut, and using bricks or rocks at the bottom can prevent gaps or digging. 

Consider using escape-proof enclosures like dog runs, which offer a small, confined outdoor space so your dog can exercise while being secure. If your dog is a digger, you might consider extending the fencing underground to discourage digging. Making sure that all of your physical barriers are secure and in good condition will keep your dog safe and secure by preventing them from escaping.

Use positive reinforcement training

Training is an incredibly effective tool in preventing a dog from running away. By using positive reinforcement techniques, you can teach your dog to understand boundaries and stay within them. One important training skill that can keep your dog safe is recall training, where you teach your dog to come back to you on command. Using treats, praise, and consistency, practice commands like “stay” and “come” regularly in both your home and outdoor spaces. When you’re teaching your dog a recall, be sure to always reward them every time they come back to you. This life-saving training skill is meant to teach them that leaving whatever they’re doing and coming back to you is the best decision they can make, so treat their return like a small party with rewards and lots of praise. 

Training your dog and teaching them commands not only keeps your dog safe, but it helps to improve and strengthen your bond, plus, it keeps them mentally stimulated. If your dog has underlying fear or anxiety issues that are causing them to want to escape, working with a trainer skilled in behavioral modification can help address your dog’s problems so they’re less likely to escape.

Keep your dog entertained

Boredom is often a major factor in a dog’s escape attempts. Dogs are intelligent creatures that require plenty of mental and physical stimulation to keep them content. Providing enrichment activities such as toys, puzzles and games, can significantly reduce their desire to wander off. Additionally, regular exercise is key—long walks, runs, and play sessions are a great way to burn off excess energy that could otherwise lead to escape attempts.

Interactive games like fetch or hide-and-seek can be great options to keep your dog engaged. The goal is to make sure they are mentally and physically fulfilled at home so that they don’t have the temptation to dig or try to run off.

Consider GPS & tracking devices

No matter how well-trained or secure your dog may seem, accidents happen. That’s where technology comes in handy! Using a dog GPS tracker can help you locate your pet if they manage to escape. Unlike traditional microchipping, which only works when the dog is found by someone, taken to a vet and scanned with a microchip reader, GPS devices provide real-time location updates. When you open the app on your smartphone, you can track your dog in real time wherever they are located. 

One popular option is PetLinkGPS, a dog GPS tracking device that attaches to your dog’s collar and keeps you informed of their whereabouts through an app on your smartphone. While this doesn’t replace the need for strong physical barriers or training, it offers peace of mind in the unfortunate event of an escape or you lose sight of your dog on a walk. PetLinkGPS provides unparalleled security for your pet, so you can have the ultimate peace of mind that you can track your pet’s whereabouts any time of the day, wherever they are located.

Secure the home environment

Unfortunately, dogs don’t always escape from the yard. They can find ways to slip out of the home as well. Securing windows, doors, and other potential escape routes is essential for keeping your dog safe. Installing self-closing mechanisms on doors or gates can prevent accidental escapes, while baby gates or indoor crates can be used to confine your dog when you’re not around to supervise. If you have children, you need to make sure they are reminded to keep doors shut and secured, as they may forget.

For especially determined dogs, it may also be helpful to add alarms or motion sensors to doors or gates that will alert you when your dog attempts to make a break for it.

Use microchipping for long-term safety

While securing your home and using dog GPS devices are great solutions, combining these with microchipping your dog is a the responsible way to ensure that you are taking all the precautions available to ensure your dog’s safe return. These small microchips are implanted under your pet’s skin between their shoulder blades in a painless procedure completed by your vet, so they provide a permanent form of identification that can’t be lost or removed. If your dog is found and taken to a shelter or veterinarian, they will scan for a microchip and contact you based on the information in the registry.

To ensure your lost dog recovery process goes smoothly, the most important thing you should do after microchipping your dog is register them in PetLink’s online microchip registry. Ensuring your contact information is up to date in the microchip registry will ensure you can be contacted and reunited with your dog if they were to go missing.

Conclusion: be proactive and prepared

As a dedicated pet owner, you want to keep your beloved safe and sound. Preventing your dog from running away can require a combination of proactive measures, training, and technology. When you understand the root causes of your dog’s escape attempts, you can strengthen your physical barriers, invest in proper training, and keep your dog mentally stimulated. Additionally, utilizing tools like dog GPS devices and microchips can provide extra layers of protection and increase your chances of being reunited in case your dog does manage to escape.

By being prepared and taking steps to prevent an escape, you can ensure your dog’s safety and well-being. And remember, if you’re struggling to manage your dog’s behavior or escape attempts, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional dog trainer or veterinarian for personalized advice. As a responsible pet owner, keeping your dog safe is always a top priority.