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Is your dog the ultimate escape artist, leaping fences or sneaking out of the yard like a pro? Don’t worry—it probably doesn’t mean they dislike you. Instead, they might see it as a fun game, but with the right strategies in place, you can learn how to stop your dog from escaping and keep your furry friend safe.
In this guide, we’ll explore why dogs are so determined to break free and what you can do to prevent it. With the guidance of fear-free certified dog trainer at Wiggle Butt Academy LLC Nicole Kohanski and Woofz trainer Annie-Mae Levy, we’ll cover tools that work (and ones that don’t). Plus, we’ll share how training, exercise, and enrichment can reduce your dog’s urge to bolt.
Why Do Dogs Escape?
A dog’s curiosity and instincts are usually what drive them to make a break for it.
Here are some other reasons your dog might be trying to get out of their yard, crate, or harness.
- Boredom or under-stimulation. “A dog that doesn’t get enough mental stimulation sees the outside world as a new adventure,” says Levy. “If they aren’t getting enough interaction or entertainment at home, they’ll naturally look for it elsewhere.”
- Anxiety or fear. When dogs feel trapped or stressed, sometimes their natural response is to try to break free. Loud noises like thunderstorms, fireworks, or cars can also push dogs to try to flee.
- Instinct to roam. Some dogs have strong instincts to explore, especially if they haven’t been spayed or neutered.
The good news is that your dog’s escapes usually aren’t personal. They’re likely seeking entertainment or dislike feeling confined. By addressing their needs and motivations, you can make staying at home as exciting as wandering away.
Tools To Stop Your Dog From Escaping
So, how can you stop your dog from escaping the yard, crate, or harness? The first step is having the right tools. Let’s take a look at some practical solutions that can help keep your escape artist safe and sound.
In the yard
Stopping your dog from escaping the yard starts with making it secure. If your dog is a jumper, a tall fence (preferably six feet or higher) is one of the best ways to stop them from escaping.
“Fences made from stone or wrought iron are preferred if your dog is going to be off leash in the yard,” says Kohanski. “I also recommend frequently checking the fence for loose hinges, latches, and erosion areas near the fence base.”
For diggers, install a buried wire mesh barrier below the fence line to prevent tunneling.
“The best tools don’t just keep your dog in but also keep them engaged,” adds Levy. “If your dog loves to dig, you can create a designated digging area with sand and toys buried in it.” A sand-filled dog pool works well.
It’s also a good idea to attach a dog-proof gate latch to make sure clever pups can’t nudge the gate open.
On walks
Escape-proof harnesses are ideal for dogs that tend to slip out of their collars. Pairing one with a double-ended leash provides added control, while a no-pull harness can reduce the chances of lunging. And for those who are prone to darting away, a long leash allows them to explore while keeping them securely attached to you.
In the house
Crate training is invaluable for preventing indoor escapes, as it provides your dog with a secure, comfortable space they see as safe. Opt for a sturdy crate with secure latches, as some dogs are surprisingly adept at popping open weaker models.
For door-dashers, dog gates or baby gates are a simple but effective tool to create a buffer zone between your dog and the exit.
“Usually, a dog’s escape points in the house are the front, back, and garage doors, so having another layer of safety at those points is beneficial,” says Kohanski.
Tools and Techniques To Avoid
It’s natural to feel frustrated when your dog keeps escaping, but some methods can cause more harm than good. For example, electric fences may seem like an easy solution, but they use fear and discomfort to control your dog’s behavior.
“They might stop the behavior temporarily, but they don’t deal with the root of the problem,” says Levy. “Plus, they can sometimes lead to increased fear or even aggression.”
Another method to avoid is tethering or chaining a dog to a fixed object. This can make dogs feel trapped and anxious, limiting their exercise and exploration, which increases their desire to escape.
Punishing your dog after they’ve escaped might feel like the natural thing to do in the moment, but by the time you catch up to them, they won’t connect the punishment to the escape. They’ve likely already moved on, and punishing them will only confuse them. Instead of focusing on punishment, it’s far more effective to figure out what’s motivating the escape and work on addressing that need with positive reinforcement training.
“Positive reinforcement rewards behaviors we want to see more of, like coming when called,” adds Kohanski.
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Training Techniques for Preventing Escapes
Training your dog with the right cues teaches them to listen and respond to you, helping prevent escapes. Here are some skills to work on, with step-by-step instructions.
“Come”
“Recall (coming when called) is important for every dog, but especially for escape artists,” says Kohanski. “For emergency recall, we like to use an uncommon word or sound that means the dog should drop everything and find its owner. We teach recall with repetitions using positive reinforcement.”
- Start by calling your dog’s name in a positive, enthusiastic tone, then say “come.”
- When they come to you, offer lots of praise and treats to make it a positive experience.
- Practice this repeatedly in safe, enclosed areas like your yard, gradually increasing the distance.
- As your dog improves, introduce distractions like toys or people, rewarding them for choosing to come to you.
“Stay”
This cue teaches your dog to remain in one place, even when the door is open or the yard looks inviting.
- Start in a quiet space with your dog sitting or lying down.
- Hold your hand out like a stop sign and say “stay.”
- Take a step back, and if your dog stays in place, praise and reward them with a treat.
- Gradually increase the distance and duration of the “stay” command. If your dog moves, simply reset without punishment and try again.
- Practice in different environments, slowly adding distractions to help your dog learn to stay even when tempted to run.
“Boundary training can be a great deal of help here,” adds Levy. “Walk your dog along the edges of your yard and reward them when they stay within the limits.”
“Leave It”
This command can help prevent your dog from chasing after distractions like other animals or objects outside the yard.
- Hold a treat in your closed hand and let your dog sniff or paw at it.
- When they stop trying to get the treat, say “leave it” and reward them with a different treat from your other hand.
- Practice with more enticing distractions, rewarding your dog with a treat when they choose to “leave it” and focus on you.
- Gradually work up to outdoor distractions like squirrels or other animals, reinforcing the behavior with praise and treats.
Increasing Exercise and Enrichment
A dog that has to work for their food or figure out a puzzle is not only entertained, but also less likely to get bored.
One of the best ways to stop your dog from wanting to escape is to keep them stimulated, both physically and mentally. Regular walks, games of fetch, and runs in safe, enclosed areas help burn off your dog’s extra energy.
But don’t forget to exercise their brain, too. “If you give them cognitive tasks like puzzle toys, scent games, or even teaching them new tricks, they will be occupied,” says Levy.
Enrichment activities, like hiding treats around the house or using a sniff mat, give your dog a job to focus on. By channeling their natural instincts to explore, chase, or solve problems in positive ways, you’ll reduce their desire to seek out adventures elsewhere.
Ирина Мещерякова via iStock
Lowering Arousal
For dogs that tend to escape when they get overstimulated by external stimuli—like passing cars, squirrels, or loud noises—you can learn how to lower their arousal. High arousal often leads to impulsive behaviors like jumping fences or darting through doors.
One effective strategy is teaching your dog to focus on you. Start by practicing in calm environments and gradually introduce more distractions. Use a cue like “watch me” or “leave it,” and reward your dog for staying near you. Over time, your dog will learn to look to you for guidance when things get chaotic, rather than reacting impulsively.
Getting an escaped dog back
But what if your dog has already escaped? The goal here is to de-escalate their arousal and help them focus on returning to you.
“Chasing signals a game,” says Kohanski. “To use the game to your advantage, get your dog’s attention and turn around and run away towards your house. The idea is to trigger your dog to chase you. If they engage, run into a safe, secure space and keep playing chase. No punishment is needed here. You want the chase game to be so fun that your dog will choose you over anything else.”
You can also use the “come” cue and offer high-value treats or their favorite toy as a reward. Try to avoid yelling or panicking, as this can escalate their excitement or fear, making it harder for them to calm down and return. Staying calm yourself is one of the best ways to help your dog deescalate.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
It’s natural to feel frustrated or even guilty when your dog makes a great escape, but you’re not alone—many dog owners face the same challenge. The good news is that there are ways to avoid some common mistakes that can increase the chances of your dog breaking free. With these in mind, you can be more prepared to keep your pup safe and sound at home.
Relying solely on physical barriers
“A typical mistake is to rely solely on physical obstacles, like fences, without considering mental stimuli,” says Levy. “Even if there is a safe fence, a bored dog will seek a way out.”
Even the best physical barriers can sometimes be outwitted by a dog with enough motivation. Supervision is essential when your dog is in the yard or while you’re still training them. Step in if they start showing signs of escape behavior, like pacing along the fence or trying to dig.
Leaving doors or windows open
Even a small gap in a door or window can be an invitation for a curious dog to make an escape. Avoid keeping doors and windows cracked open (even if they have a screen) if your dog is around and could potentially squeeze through.
For fresh air, install baby gates near doors. Always double-check that all exits are securely shut before letting your dog roam.
Keeping your dog leashed in public areas
It might be tempting to let your dog off-leash in open public spaces, especially if they have good recall skills, but even the best-trained dog can get distracted or spooked. A sudden noise, another animal, or an enticing scent could cause your dog to run, risking injury or getting lost.
By keeping your dog leashed in public, you have control over unexpected situations, and your dog stays safe. Consider trying a long-line leash if you want to give them more freedom while still maintaining control in open areas.
