Your dog has recently spent time at an animal shelter or boarding kennel.Your family has experienced the death or loss of a family member or another pet.Your family has recently moved to a new house.Your family's schedule has changed, and that has resulted in your dog being left alone more often.They remain near your home after they have escaped.įactors that can precipitate a separation anxiety problem:.They display other behaviors that reflect a strong attachment to you, such as following you around, greeting you wildly, or reacting anxiously to your preparations to leave.They escape as soon as, or shortly after, you leave.Your dog may be trying to escape due to separation anxiety if:

Observe where they like to go when they feel anxious, then allow access to that space, or create a similar space for them to use when the fear stimulus is present. You can even mute thunder and other outside noises by creating a comfortable spot in a basement or windowless bathroom and turning on a television, radio or loud fan. Keep your dog indoors if there's any chance they may encounter the fear stimulus outside.You may need to seek out the help of a professional trainer, or talk to your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medications that might help your dog while you work on behavior modification. Identify what is frightening your dog and desensitize them to it.Your dog may be escaping out of fear, especially if they are exposed to loud noises, such as thunderstorms, firecrackers or construction sounds. Millions of unwanted pets are euthanized every year. Don't accidentally contribute to the pet overpopulation problem by allowing your female dog to breed indiscriminately.If intact female dogs escape while they are in heat, they have a high likelihood of getting pregnant (and they could be impregnated even if they stay confined in your yard). If intact males have established a pattern of escaping, they may continue to do so even after they are neutered this is even more reason to have males neutered as soon as possible. Studies show that neutering will decrease sexual roaming in about 90 % of cases. Intact male dogs have a strong drive to seek out females, and it can be difficult to prevent an intact dog from escaping when their motivation to do so is very high. If you must be away from home for extended periods of time, take your dog to work with you or to a 'doggie day care center,' or ask a friend or neighbor to walk your dog.ĭogs become sexually mature at around 6 months of age.This will also keep them safe and prevent any possibility of their being stolen from your yard. Keep your dog inside when you're unable to supervise them.Rotate your dog's toys to make them seem new and interesting.Provide interesting toys (Kong™-type toys filled with treats or busy-box toys) to keep your dog busy when you're not home.Take an obedience class with your dog and practice what you've learned every day.Try to hold a lesson every day for five to 10 minutes. Teach your dog a few commands or tricks.Teach your dog to fetch a ball or Frisbee™ and practice with them as often as possible.It's good exercise, both mentally and physically (for both of you!). For example, they may go play with a neighbor's dog or visit the local school yard to play with the children.Įxpand your dog's world and increasing their 'people time' in the following ways: They visit places after each escape that provide them with interaction and fun things to do.They are a particularly active type of dog (like the herding or sporting breeds) and need an active 'job' in order to be happy.They are a puppy or adolescent (under three years old) and don't have other outlets for their energy.Their environment is relatively barren, without playmates or toys.They are left alone for long periods of time without opportunities for interaction with you.Your dog may be escaping because they are bored and lonely, especially if: Why dogs escape Social isolation/frustration To prevent escapes, you'll need to find out how your dog is getting out of the yard, and more importantly, why they are so determined to get out. You're also liable for any damage or injury your dog may cause, and you may be required to pay a fine if they are picked up by an animal control agency. If your dog is running loose, they are in danger of being hit by a car, injured in a fight with another dog, or hurt in any number of other ways. Repeat attempts to keep your pet confined to the yard may be frustrating, but every escape opens up the possibility of tragic consequences. Does your dog's ability to escape from the backyard have you convinced that they are nothing less than a hairy Houdini?

Houdini escape room methods