Recently, my neighbors have run into a bit of a problem. Their dog Jesse dashes on the street every time someone opens the front door and doesn’t respond at all to her owners’ calls to come back.
That prompted me to write this piece and offer some tips to those that have a dog that runs off or doesn’t respond to recalls when it’s off the leash.
This is a subject that I feel is important because a dog running from his owners is a serious matter. Our beloved pets can easily get injured or even killed if they choose the wrong moment to escape.
So, how can I get my dog to quit running off? To find the solution, let’s first answer another important question.
Why dogs run away?
If we start thinking about it, we can name dozens and dozens of reasons why. But let’s look at the problem from the point of view …show more content…
And let’s be frank. There is hardly any chance of you outrunning your dog or catching her if she is scared.
Train and proof the commands
Obedience training is essential for stopping your dog from running off. Instead of chasing your dog, use “come” or “stay” and “wait” for door dashers.
The point of these commands is that your dog has to react immediately upon hearing them no matter what else is happening around him.
I know that it’s not easy to achieve such a level of obedience. Some dog breeds are chasers, so you’re basically fighting against their natural instincts. But teaching your dog to obey your commands is an absolute necessity for your dog’s safety.
To do this seemingly impossible task, you need a lot of patience, positive reinforcements, and treats. Never punish your dog when she comes back to you even if she takes her sweet time doing it. Always make sure to praise her and reward her with treats for a job well done.
Be consistent in your obedience lessons and don’t give