Stubborn dog who is an escape artist... HELP!?

Question

I have seen similar questions but the answers didn't seem helpful considering I've done many of the suggestions. My dog bolts out the door any chance he gets and keeps running until someone in the distance happens to catch him. He doesn't even look back. We have done considerable amounts of training, tried the "special" treats when the dog comes when called, tried not chasing him but he doesn't care - he'll just keep running as fast as he can away from us, and tried running the opposite direction - he doesn't care and will keep running. He runs down the middle of the street and will not stop, slow, or look back if he gets out. It's happened 3 times, the most recent being tonight. We need immediate intervention but don't know what else to do.

Have been looking into the wireless/underground electric fences and the remote trainers but aren't sure if they work, which brands/products are good, or which system is best. Please help if you have any suggestions. THANKS IN ADVANCED!

A few more details for you:
-He gets LOTS of exercise all day long. He plays with his sister all day in a huge yard, running up, down, and all around hills, as well as 2 walks a day.
-He's a small dog that can't jump real high (about 30 lbs)
-We typically don't chase... but he won't come back on his own no matter what - we've tried ignoring the behavior. Our neighbors at the end of the block have intersected his path to grab him for us all 3 times (luckily).

*Hope this helps clarify

He's Neutered.

Answer 1

The wireless/underground fences don't work. He'll take the poke and won't come back. You need a physical fence.I use cattle panels from Tractor Supply Co. 16' X 5'- $20 ea. you put it on posts. If he's a jumper, get a hot wire kit. I would hot wire it top and bottom. I have Bloodhounds. The snout goes down, the ears go shut and they're "DOG GONE!.

Answer 2

I really don't think an invisible fence or remote trainer will solve your problem. Dogs will run through invisible fences, remote trainers are to easily abused.

I think your dog needs more exercise than he is getting so start with that. More than just a quick walk around the block everyday. Get out there with him, play fetch, do some training etc. This will not only exercise him physically but mentally as well.

Do you have a porch area with a door that leads from the outside into the porch with another door that leads into the house? If so, practice the double door method. We use this in our home, even though we don't have bolters. We keep both doors closed all the time. When one door is opened, it has to be closed again before we open the other door. This way the dogs don't have the chance to get out as there is always a door between them and outside.

Also teach your dog some door manners. Put him on his leash and tell him to sit and stay, open the door just a crack, give him a treat and lots of praise if he stays in place. Repeat this gradually increasing how far you open the door, until finally you can open the door and he'll sit there. The final reward for sitting nicely with the door open would be to give the treats and praise, followed by taking him out on his leash for a play session outside. If at anytime he starts to break his stay, close the door. Wait a few seconds and try again. If he does this again, go back to a point in opening the door where you know he'll stay. Praise and treat when he does, end the session. At the next session start at this point, and gradually work up to the point where he started to break the stay again.

Is your dog neutered? That should also be on your list of things to do. This will not only decrease his desire to roam, but has many health benefits as well.

I'd definately skip the invisible fence and remote trainers though, invest in a real fence if you want a barrier.

Good luck

Answer 3

I would just invest in an actual fence. If the dog is also a digger make sure you bury the fence about a foot to keep him from digging out. Try putting a baby gate in the doorway (if you can) until you are able to erect a more stable and lasting fence. The electric fences and remote trainers just seem cruel. I wouldn't want to be zapped every time I did something wrong. Animals respond better to praise.
Also Neutering should help calm his need to run. I had a dog just like that who absolutely loved to run. It was his greatest joy. Try putting your dog on a leash and taking him for a run. It will be good for you and him. Good luck!

Answer 4

You best bet is to consult a dog trainer. Your dog is very dominte and is the boss of your house. You need to establish that you and all humans in your house are higher on the totem pole. Try imbilical training with him, have him tied to you and don't talk to the dog, just do whatever you do, he'll have to come along with you. You'll need to make sure you go into rooms or out doors before he does. He'll need to sleep in a crate in a room by himself, he shouldn't be allowed on the furnature, or given treats until he behaves. This training methods do work, my cocker spaniel use to run away, now i can leave the front door open and not worry about Buster taking off. So insted of investing in an undergound fence call a trainer, you'll see results FAST!!!

Answer 5

You need to do a set up. Put a training collar on you dog with a leash attached. Lightly hold on and have someone open your door, once he bolts you pull back on the leash and say "Stay" or "Wait" whatever word you want. When he comes back to you and he will because you have him on a leash tell him he is a GOOD BOY and if you like a treat. Verbal praise is the most important. Keep doing this about 5 times everyday. If you're consistent this should work. Good luck;^)

Answer 6

I've used a squirt bottle and leaving a leash on them so I could grab them quickly. More exercise will help but chasing won't. I've got mixed feelings on the underground fences. If they aren't used correctly they could cause serious damage. I've seen german shepards get some serious burns from the electrodes on their collars because they didn't heed the warnings & unless they are set on a safe setting, I watched my neighbor's dog do a backflip because it was too strong. If you decide on the underground fences, find a company that does it so you'll get the best there is.

Answer 7

Well, considering I have 7 dogs who previously did this. I have a few tips for you.

Try chaining him up to the couch or something, I know it seems harsh but it will train him not to run away. Make sure the chain doesn't allow him to get out the door.

Hold him back before you open the door.

Walk away and pretend you don't care when he's running, don't chase him or he'll think your playing.

and most of all, take him for more exersize. He's probably bored..

EDIT: Saw what you said, and even if he runs around with his sister, he still needs to be taken for walks daily. He's running away because he's curious. Take him to the places where he runs on a leash daily and he wont run out as much

Answer 8

My pooch used to do this......I went and got him a Gentle Leader and attached him to his leash (yes he pitched a fit just layed down and howled LOL) and kept it on him for a few hours a day. Not only for walks, but a bit of everything, when someone was coming over, training sessions, rides in the car ect. He never knew what was going on, but got to know that when I put it on him something good was coming. When someone knocked or one of us were going out, he was allowed to go to the door but had to sit and stay, eventually he got the hang of it.

Answer 9

U should get the shock collar when he gets near the out side hill learn u wont have to use it for a long time. when u leave turn it off that way he only leaves with you the shock won't hurt him it will just freak him out. good luck

Answer 10

You may try a professional dog trainer.