Kingdom of Pets

Posted by drp11n
Jun 18, 2010

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted some advice on what I can do, I have 2 dogs, 1 is a kelpie and 1 is a labradoodle. The kelpie is about 2 years old and since he was a puppy we have had problems with him escaping the yard, and once he gets out he runs off and only comes back when he feels like it. He is too smart for his own good so no matter how we block it up (3metre high wooden boards up against the fence) he still finds a way to get out. We then got the other dog and this stopped for about 6 months as he had a friend there to play with. Now it is starting again and he is teaching the other dog to get out as well. They run accross the main road and dont come back for a few hours and if we come after them or try to call them back they just ignore us and run even further away. As you can imagine this is beyond frustrating. I was wondering if anyone had any advise or a similar situation with their dog?

Please help!!

Posted by MaxHollyNoah
Jun 18, 2010

Hi drp11n,

The best thing you can do is a prevention. You said whatever you do, your dogs will find a way to escape. How do they manage to escape when the whole yard is fenced securely? You will have to outwit them to prevent their escape.

Then, you will need to find out why they like to escape. They might be under-stimulated inside the yard:rolleyes: Do you take them for walks on a regular basis? Do they get to meet other dogs and people? One mistake people tend to make is to believe their dogs are being entertained enough with each other when they have multiple dogs, which is not true. They still need to be socialized with other dogs and people.

Another suggestion is you should never chase your dogs when they escape. This is a common mistake people make. If you do, your dog will ran away, either thinking it is a "catch me" game, or trying not to be caught to end the freedom they've just got. Calling those dogs won't help either as you have already realized. Especially, your dogs might feel they would be OK not to listen to you when they are doing something fun together.

The last, but not least, obedience trainings will benefit your dogs in many ways: it will give them clear guidance, mental stimulations, and bonding between you and your dogs.

escaping dog