18/08/2024
โWHY DO DOGS ESCAPE โ๐พ๐พ๐พ๐พ๐พ๐พ๐พ
A long but worthwhile read, particularly if you have a wanderer, an opportunist or a busy household where someone's always leaving a gate or door open ๐
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Excellent tips if you're no longer working from home providing company for your schnauzer, or even just moved to a new neighbourhood - all reasons dogs may be bored, looking for new adventures in the area, or just want to visit that cute new floof that moved in a few houses away ๐
๐5 Reasons Why Dogs Escape and How to Prevent it!
๐พEvery dog owner knows the sinking feeling they get when they come home to find their furry friend is nowhere to be found. Ensure your dogโs microchip contact details are correct & flag the microchip as missing/stolen.
Dogs escape for many reasons. Here are some of the most common ones and what you can do to stop them.
Reason #1: Social Isolation and Frustration
๐พOne of the most common reasons dogs escape: Non desexed dogs are more likely to escape & roam in search of a mate.
๐พAlso because they are bored and lonely. If your dog is left alone for long periods of time without any opportunities for interaction, it may start looking for ways to entertain itself. This is especially true for puppies or adolescents who donโt have other outlets for their energy. Additionally, if your dogโs environment is relatively barren (without playmates or toys), they may become frustrated and try to find a way out.
๐พIf you think this might be the case, try giving your dog more attention when youโre home and providing them with plenty of toys and opportunities to socialize when youโre gone.
Perhaps look into Day Care on the days you are out ALL day. Or employ a professional dog walker that can come and collect your fur baby and take them for a walk!
Reason #2: Fear and Anxiety
๐พAnother common reason for attempted escapes is fear or anxiety. If your dog is afraid of thunderstorms or fireworks, they may try to run away when they hear the noise. Or if theyโve never been left alone, they may become anxious when theyโre suddenly separated from you. This was seen to happen MORE when the lockdown finished and people returned to the office.
๐พAlthough the temperament and anxiety levels of individual dogs can vary significantly, some breeds can generally handle being home alone better.
๐พStandard Poodles, Pugs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Maltese and Bernese Mountain Dogs are a few.
๐พIf you know you are going to be away for more extended periods, try easing your dog into the new schedule slowly.
๐พYou may wish to invest in a โThunder Jacketโ that can be worn on stormy days, explore Day Care options, leave a radio on in the background to provide comfort, or speak to your vet to see if anxiety medication is a valid option.
Reason #3: Energy PLUS!
๐พSome dogs have the energy to BURN. Again, this is especially the case for puppies and adolescents. Certain breeds, like Retrievers, Spaniels, Collies, Pointers, Boxers, Dalmations and German Shepherds, are more prevalent.
A nice long walk in the morning can help โtireโ them and keep them satisfied. It is also suggested that another walk when you get home from work makes a huge difference. They will get to know the exercise routine.
If you canโt walk them 1-2 times a day, perhaps look at employing the services of a professional dog walker.
Reason #4: Theyโre Following Their Nose
๐พDogs have an incredible sense of smell especially Bloodhounds, Bassets, Shepherds and Retrievers. And, if they catch a whiff of something interesting, they may be compelled to follow it. This could be anything from another animal to food cooking in a neighbourโs house. Non desexed dogs may be searching for a mate.
๐พUnfortunately, you cannot control smells outside of your backyard. But if you think this is why your dog is escaping, it is a matter of ensuring the backyard is as secure as possible.
๐พIf they are โescapingโ while on a lead, invest in a secure harness that prevents them from slipping their collar. I recommend the EzyDog Harness. You can also try training your dog to โcomeโ on command. This command is invaluable to keep them safe whenever you are out and about. Always have an ID Tag on their collar with a contact phone number. Use a lockable anti theft Super lock up leads if leaving them tethered briefly.
๐พA secure backyard will hopefully do the trick however investing in a GPS-tracking device is a great backup solution.
๐พInstalling a dog door door allowing dogs access both indoors & outdoors decreases a dogโs desire to escape.
Reason #5: Curiosity/adventure seeking
๐พAnother common reason dogs try to escape is that theyโre curious or adventure-seeking by nature. More common with two dogs as one may influence the other. They feel braver in pairs. If this is the case with your dog or dogs, itโs important to provide them with plenty of outlets for their energy and curiosity so they donโt feel the need to satisfy those urges by running away.
๐พTry taking them on long walks or runs, playing interactive games together, and providing them with chew toys or bones that will keep them occupied when youโre not around.
๐พEmploy a dog walker at least a couple of times per week if you donโt have time to walk them before & after work.
๐พA secure backyard is obviously essential as adventurous dogs are often most prone to escape. This is another reason to invest in a GPS tracking device for worst-case scenarios. No one wants to come home to an empty backyard.
๐พInstall a camera to watch what your pet does during the day. Also keeps them safer from theft.
๐พLook for weak points.
๐พWatch your dog to see if they are starting to dig near a fence.
๐พRegularly do boundary checks to see if a paling has come loose.
๐พAdd a lock to all outside gates so they cannot be accidentally opened by a delivery person/stranger. Keeps them safer from theft too.
๐พChew toys, bouncy balls and other entertainment are a must.
๐พProducts like Thunder Jackets or anxiety medication may provide comfort (please consult a vet).
๐พA Pet GPS tracker can give you peace of mind as you can check on her whereabouts at all times and be alerted the second they escape.
๐พThe love we have for our dogs is not in question. But we must always remember that our dogs often live for the moments they are with us. And if we cannot be with them due to work and other commitments at certain times of the day, we owe it to them to make their environment safe and entertaining.
