Dog runs away when outside?

Question

Two days ago we got a dog that is almost 2. We decided to see what happens if he goes outside without a leash. The dog took off, was chasing cars and took 1 hour to get the dog back. So now it is a hassle because we have to find the dog and hold him whenever someone opens the door. What can we do to get him to not leave the yard when outside? He almost got hit last time. Could we get one of those invisible fences, would that work?

Answer 1

Your dog has a strong prey drive and has decided to chase cars which is an incredibly dangerous thing to do. He might also chase joggers, people on bikes, cats, etc. He is just an accident waiting to happen.

Since you know this, I would get a real fence. An invisible fence may work or it may not. Some dogs who are very motivated may just run through them shock or not. It depends on the dog and the motivation.

If you forget to charge the batteries or put the collar on then he is off like a bullet.

If you don't want to fence in the entire yard, consider putting in a dog run with or without a concrete pad. Otherwise, put him on leash whenever you go outside and teach him to walk nicely while on it. If you want more exercise, use a long leash or take him to an enclosed dog park.

If he continues trying to chase things like this, you may have to resort to an electric shock collar or get a professional (competent) trainer. You have to see what he is like and nip this particularly dangerous habit in the bud.

You need to also train him to wait until invited to cross any threshold including getting in and out of the car. Put him on a leash, use treats and teach him to sit and wait until you specifically tell him to go forward out the door. Even so, never trust any dog 100%. There is always something super motivational out there and you never know even with an obedience champion.

Answer 2

Probably not. Get a real fence. A dog will run through an invisible fence, sometimes whatever it wants to get to is enough of a motivator/reward that the dog will ignore the fence. Once outside the fence chances are the dog won't return. Getting back into its own yard isn't worth the shock.

Take the dog to obedience classes. You can also keep a small tab on your dog's collar so you have a leash handy at all times. I have one that is about 2 inches long, but stretches to about 2 feet.

You need to teach your dog how to behave when the door is opened. He needs to know he isn't allowed out without a leash. Again obedience classes will help you with this.

Answer 3

First of all it is going to take a lot longer than 2 days for the dog to get used to the fact that you are his new owner. You must first work with the dog and establish that you are the pack leader and he should listen to you. Never let your dog off the leash unless they are well trained and listen to you very well. You could try an invisible fence but you still need to work with the dog because the shock from the fence only lasts so long and once the dog is a few houses away it won't affect him anymore.

Answer 4

No offense, but if you thought it was a good idea to let the dog out just to see what would happen, you probably aren't ready to own a pet. It sounds like the dog would benefit from some training just for some basic doggy manners, like not running out whenever the door is opened.

Don't waste your money on an invisible fence. My dog ran right through it like there was nothing there. A regular fence also didn't work, because he jumped right over it. At the suggestion of someone else who has a hyper dog, I sent up a tie out system. It's basically like a cable system that he's hooked up to, and he can reach anywhere in the yard, but is stopped short of the fence so he can't jump over and hurt himself. That, and long walks everyday have worked great.

Answer 5

I'm not a rude person normally, but your question honestly made me want to fire off a really rude answer. Stop acting so immature, your dog isn't an experimental play thing. He needs to be walked on a leash and kept in a secure place when outside. Maybe you could check into dog training too if he's running out the door when it's opened.

Answer 6

NEVER let a dog out without a leash in any circumstance, if you care about your dog at all.

As for the risk of the dog running out when someone comes to the door, you will have to hold the dog when you open the door until you are able to complete doggie school.

Answer 7

How come you would just decide to see what would happen if you let the dog off lead? If you haven't trained him to stay in the yard and you haven't trained him to stick by you, what the hell did you think would happen? It's typical dog behavior they are free suddenly and they are gone.

Get a real fence, or you will end up losing your dog. Either a car will take him, or the animal shelter will pick him up. Fences are made to keep dogs at home so they aren't out bugging people.

Answer 8

yes, an invisable fence will work. just make sure you get an apropriate one for the dog's size. we have one and it works well. it may be prices, but its worth it.