Why Is My Dog Running Away From Me?

Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

It’s a dog parent’s worst fear: one minute, your dog is safe at home or in the yard, and the next, they’re missing. Maybe they slipped out the door or found a hole in the fence. This happens more often than you think.

Dogs might run away because of natural instincts. They could be avoiding something scary, following a scent, or chasing after prey. Some dogs are just super curious or have a lot of energy, which makes them more likely to run off.

We spoke with experts to understand what motivates dogs to run away from us and what to do they do.

7 Reasons Dogs Run Away

Dogs don’t run away because they don’t love you. They usually find a way to escape of the yard or their harness because they want something.

1. They want to play

When dogs don’t get enough exercise or enrichment, they might wander off to find fun. Some dogs may also find the game of chase, or “keep away” exciting when you go after them.

Running after a dog can cause them to keep running because they want the game to continue.

2. They want to avoid something

Anxious dogs might run away when they feel overstimulated or stress. Some anxiety triggers include new places, sounds, routines, experiences, and people.

Sometimes you may not hear what your dog hears and unintentionally pull them towards their fear. In this case, it can look like they want to run away from you, even though it’s not about you.

3. They want to explore

Like cats, dogs are naturally curious. They might wander off and explore new sights, smells and sounds, says Annie-Mae Levy, a professional dog behaviorist and trainer at Woofz.

Dogs without basic obedience training might ignore commands and follow their instincts to run off.

4. They want to mate

Allie Bender (CPDT-KA), a certified dog behaviorist, trainer, and founder of Pet Harmony says intact male dogs might leave their yard if they find a female in heat. Females in heat may also roam to find a mate.

5. They want to hide

Loud noises like fireworks or thunder can trigger your dog’s fight-or-flight instinct and make them run away, explains Susan Nilson (PCBC-A), a professional canine behavior consultant and founder of The Cat and Dog House.

6. They want to hunt

Dogs with a high prey drive might chase small animals around and run away in pursuit. Some dogs may make an effort to escape if they can jump over, dig under, or break through barriers to get to their prey.

7. They want comfort

Levy says new locations can make dogs feel anxious or overly excited, causing them to run off. This is common with newly adopted dogs.

Some dogs may also try to run and find a familiar or old environment.

It may also just be age

Bender says young dogs are more likely to run off due to curiosity, high energy, poor impulse control, or not being fixed.

Older dogs may be less likely to run off but may still wander if disoriented or anxious from cognitive decline or pain.

Are Certain Breeds or Dog Ages More Likely to Run Away?

Dog breeds with high energy, strong exploration instincts, or a strong prey drive are likelier to run away. These breeds include, but aren’t limited to:

How to Prevent Your Dog From Running Away

Even the most devoted pet parents can face this situation, but taking these proactive steps can help prevent dogs from escaping as easily.

Proactive ways to manage an escape artist

Secure your yard and fence: Make sure your fence is high enough to prevent your dog from jumping or climbing over it. As time passes, regularly check for any gaps or weak spots.
Supervise, even when they are secured with a leash or pen: If your yard is not yet secure, use a yard tie-out or portable dog run and supervise your dog. Watch for any attempts to escape or run and redirect your dog to turn their attention to you.
Get your dog spayed or neutered: Spay or neuter your dog to help reduce their urge to roam in search of a mate. Research shows that neutering decreases roaming in 90% of dogs.

Training methods to decrease the desire to escape

Train your dog not to dig: Games and training exercises that give your dog an alternative outlet to digging can help.
Give your dog treats when they pay attention to you: Think of rewarding your dog as payment. The more you “pay” them for being close to you, the more natural their desire to stay around you will be.
Regularly train recall when your dog is on a leash: Practice recall commands to strengthen your dog’s response when on leash. This can help for when you have secured them with a long-lead in the yard.
Work with a trainer: A professional dog trainer can help manage behaviors that increase escape risks, teach recall, and give you tips for creating a secure, enriching environment.

Routines to help reduce a desire to escape

Provide mental stimulation daily: Engage your dog with chew toys, puzzle toys, and activities to prevent boredom. For prey-driven dogs, try using a flirt pole or nose work. Bender recommends “sniffaris”—leashed walks where your dog can sniff freely and take the lead.
Keep up with regular exercise: Meet your dog’s physical activity needs so they don’t feel the need to take themself on a walk. Keep in mind that the frequency and length of walks will vary based on your dog’s age and energy level.
Manage their anxiety: Keep a consistent routine, use anxiety wraps, and try calming pheromones. If their anxiety is severe, talk to a vet or dog trainer about anxiety medications or other interventions.

Lastly, equip your dog with a secure collar and ID tag, and have them microchipped. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reports that 52.2% of lost dogs with microchips are returned to their owners, compared to only 21.9% of dogs without.

Figuring Out How Your Dog Escaped

Part of preventing your dog from escaping is understanding how creative your dog is as an escape artist. For many dogs, when there is a will there is way — and ways a dog escapes in different situations may include:

Digging under or through barriers: Dogs may dig under fences or chew through screen doors to escape. Provide plenty of outdoor activities (frisbees, fetch toys) and areas for them to escape to in the yard, like dog houses or tents.
Jumping over fences: Athletic or energetic dogs can jump fences as high as 6 feet to explore or chase something outside. Add a fence extension or angled topper to prevent this.
Squeezing through openings: Dogs can squeeze through small gaps in fences, gates, or windows. Regularly check for gaps and seal them to keep your pup safe.
Bolting through doors: Some dogs dash through open doors when they’re excited to see you or anxious. Teach them to “stay” at doorways, or use baby gates for extra security.
Chewing off tethers: If tied up, dogs may chew through ropes to escape, often out of frustration. Use strong, chew-proof materials and never leave them tethered alone.
Pushing open doors: Dogs can nudge open unlatched doors to get outside. Install sturdy locks or latches, and train them to wait before crossing doorways.

Our dogs are incredibly smart, so be prepared to stay one step ahead!

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