My dog keeps running away!?

Question

I have a male Australian Shepherd named Rocky. almost everytime i let him out of his kennel(outside) he runs away. je did today and has been gone for about 3-4 hours. he always comes back. any idea why he would run away?

He isn't neutered; could that be a reason why he runs away?
I spend plenty of time with him; so he couldn't be running away because he's lonely.

i am always out there with him.

Answer 1

If he smells a ***** in heat, he will run off (since he is whole). However, that doesn't mean that is what is happening and usually isn't the primary reason. Most dogs (as well as the females) will run off and explore as per instincts. Some will chase deer and go very long distances. Some just seem to like sniffing around. The real trick is working on your recall so he ALWAYS comes when called. You might try training him to come to a standard whistle since the sound carries further then the voice. You'd be surprised at how many dogs will ignore an owner's call if they are doing something more fun then whatever reward they get for coming (one of the breakdowns in positive training and one reason I use both styles).

Be sure NOT TO PUNISH HIM for running off if you call him and he does return, even if tardy as that will make him less likely to come when called in the future. Also, please remember that dogs are not furry children and do not think like humans. They follow instincts. He is not rejecting you and he is not being bad. Your job is to train him to ignore the instincts that cause him to run or keep him on a leash. If he comes when he's called, there should be no problem if he explores for a few minutes.

Answer 2

OK first off go get him neutered. This will definately cut down on the runnign away. He is a male dog and they will keep running away as a rule intil they are neutered. You also might want to think about getting a fence. It is very dangerous to let him get out on his own, he could get hit by a car for one thing or pick up some diseases from another dog or animal he encounters. You should also train him. If you train him he wont run away. They have invisible fencing which consists of a collar and electronic units placed in the ground. Shepherd are herding dogs, they have a lot of energy so you want them to be able to get outside and not be in danger.

Answer 3

It entirely depends on what kind of dog you have. For example, if you have a greyhound or another high-speed dog, you NEED a fenced in in yard with a REAL fence. If you have a slower of lazy dog that does NOT run much anymore (An old dog) you could use an invisible fence, however, it can be pretty expensive, therefore, have your dog on a leash at ALL times with it is outside. Or at least until you teach it that it can not go out side of the boundaries of your yard.

Answer 4

Definatelty neuter him. You don't want him impregnating other people's dogs and creating unwanted puppies. Also, he should be on a leash when you let him out. Most cities require it actually. Training classes are also a good idea. Electric fences do not work. Your dog can tell when it is turned off and will use that chance to escape. If something is really interesting on the other side they will go through, ignoring the shock.

Answer 5

Yes not being neutered could certainly be the problem.

Something else that's really important is to train your dog, don't let it out of the kennel without a leash on it, unitl you work on recall training. When you call your dog, it should come, ALWAYS, before you let it off the leash.

Be very careful, dogs who run away when they are off leash often find themselves in loads of trouble, cars, people with guns, poisons, rabies. There are so many reasons that your dog should be kept in sight.

Good luck

Answer 6

One reason you dog is running away is because he is unfixed and you are going to have some pretty mad neighbors if they find your dog on top of their *****, so I would get him fixed asap.

Secondly you need to train him to come. Dogs don't just come without being taught. To teach your dog to come put him on a 6-8ft leash. Have a few tastey treats in your hand. He will wander to the end of the leash and when he does you say, "come" in a happy voice. Then encourge him with happy sounds, but not the word come again. We don't want to teach him to come to the you saying come seveal times, just once. When him comes, praise him, tell him what a good boy he is and give him a treat. So this several times a day in different locations. Then when he is coming well, move backward as he is coming too. Then put him on a 25 ft. training line. If he ever does not come when you call, give a little tug on the line and encourage him to come to him.

Now this all sounds pretty easy and it is, but it takes time. 5 min 2 or 3 times a day. Until he is trained to come well, which could take a month or so, don't take him off the lead when he is outside. DO NOT EVER HIT OR SCOLD YOUR DOG IF HE COMES-EVEN IF IT IS NOT AS QUICKLY AS YOU WANTED HIM TOO.
Here are a few additional sites about basic training
http://home.att.net/~vlea/Basic_Dog_Obedience.htm
http://www.clickertraining.com/

I would also HIGHLY suggest you take beginner's obedience class. They are so very helpful. You learn so much to make your life with you dog so much better.
Check out this site to find a trainer near you. http://www.apdt.com

You should also increase the amount of time that you walk. Try walking him at least 2x as much as you are right now. AS are very active dogs, you may even think about biking with him.

Answer 7

If he isn't neutered, then he is on the hunt for some girls.. Males can smell a female up to 3 miles away.. So when he gets the scent, he is going to leave.. You should get him neutered so that he isn't impregnating all the dogs in the neighborhood and to keep him home and safe from cars and other dangers... Like someone with a gun who is sick of him snooping around their female.

Answer 8

Lol,
I have a trained dog that has been in obdience for 2 years and learned it all! I had her on a sit command about one year ago outside and I was walking away from her to call her. (we were practicing our traning.) So she saw a rabbit and ran off to another subdivison and let me tell you NEVER CHASE A DOG WITH A STICK! (lol.) It could be a rabbit or something your dog sees when you take your dog out put it on a secure leash and halter COLLARS ARE NOT GOOD! you need a harness they work quite well and remeber even if your dog is trained it could runaway! So remeber keep it on a leash and harness and beaware of your surroundings and keep your eye on your dog!:D

Answer 9

The only way to fix the problem is to fix the dog get him neutered. You could probably find a low cost clinic and get him neutered very cheap. Male dogs recover fast are cheaper to get neutered. After he gets neuterd it will take a few weeks for him to get all of the hormones out of his sytem . It will also extend his life.

Answer 10

ok first get a fence or get a something that goes in the ground that is long so he can move around if you are going to let him out. and you should probably get him neutered.