How to keep dogs from running away?

Question

i have two dogs that pretty much run away all the time, when they find a way out through the gate, or dash out the door... anyway, whenever i try to get them to come back, they always dart away from me. i've tried using a high pitch voice, etc, but they just keep running down the street. what do i do to get them to come to me, other than running after them? [which i know is a bad idea, but it's the only way to get them back] i was thinking about getting a regular whistle, using it to make them associate the sound of it with praise or food... would a dog whistle work the same way, or are dog whistles not good for getting my dogs to come to me? any other ideas on how to get my dogs to stop running down the street?

Answer 1

Start training BEFORE they've run away. Install recall, one possible way is as you mentioned - getting them to associate a behaviour with a reward. Start by training regularly in enclosed, controlled area. graduall move to larger areas. Use long leads to maintain controll when you first try open areas.

Each training session MUST be an enjoyable one for the dogs. Short but sweet is better than a long slog. Make it like play for them.

You may need to train them seperately.

Answer 2

Fill the holes with dirt, make a higher fence and dont leave the gate open.

Answer 3

tie him up or get him one of those new electric collars

Answer 4

Here's what I'd do:

Work on leash training them first. By doing so they learn to respect you. I have permanent vocal cord damage and have been left without anything above a whisper. I was really nervous when I got my male German shepherd puppy because I knew that all I could do is whisper therefore he'd never respect my voice. So, I took a pouch that wrapped around my waist and put his favorite treats in it (he'll do anything for dried lamb liver treats) and I began walking him around on a leash. I would give him a treat when he heeled properly. And then I moved it up to giving him a treat when he stayed by my side if he saw another dog or anything else that would normally make him want to run. In no time he was leash broken and staying right beside me.

Next, I'd take one dog out at a time in the fenced in area and play with him/her. Use a ball, toy or a stick or just run and have fun. Give a treat when he/she comes to you on its own. See, when you run AT them, their instinct is to dash away. They see it as you're trying to capture them and no dog likes that feeling. But when they learn that you're not going to grab at them when they're outside, they'll learn to come to you.

After you've worked on each dog alone, then bring them out together and let them play, but only treat when they come to you.

It sounds like you haven't developed a relationship where you're the boss of them. When they learn to respect you, they'll listen and they'll WANT to come to you.

Oh, and as for them dashing out the door. Do the same thing in the house. Carry some treats in a pouch and practice opening the door. Tell them to "STAY!" and if they even attempt to listen, praise them. In no time you'll have them understanding what you expect of them and better yet, they'll start respecting you!

Then you need to spend time with them in the fenced in yard playing  

Answer 5

TRAIN THEM, leash them, or put them in a room before you leave.