| Fifteen thousand years ago, wolves roamed in | | | | hours a day. That is a long time! Some are lucky, |
| search of food, shelter and mates. Some | | | | they may get a quick hello, before everyone |
| ventured close enough to connect with humans | | | | once again, dashes out the door; to club meeting, |
| and create a mutually beneficial alliance. Early man, | | | | kids sport activities, music, dancing, Kung-Fu or |
| like the wolf, was nomadic, so man and his newly | | | | whatever lessons. |
| "domesticated" four-legged companion continued | | | | Again, your dog sits home alone. The high point of |
| to roam...this time, together. | | | | your dog's day, is when you walk in the door. He |
| Over time, man evolved, and had less need to | | | | has been waiting all day, for the sound of your |
| wander looking for food, shelter and mates. In | | | | keys in the lock and your voice greeting him. He |
| many ways as the wolf evolved into the animal | | | | has patiently been waiting for his pack to safely |
| we call dogs, that urge to roam may have | | | | return to him. |
| lessened, but it did not disappear. Truth be known, | | | | Is your dog happy? Or is your lifestyle giving your |
| your dog is nothing more than a wolf in your living | | | | dog reasons to run away? Be honest! |
| room! The call to roam is still in him. | | | | Eight Ways To Prevent Your Dog From Running |
| Roaming | | | | Away |
| Having your dog neutered or spayed may help | | | | Your dog cannot sit down,, and over a cup of |
| take some of the edge off of the need to roam; | | | | coffee, air their grievance. As a responsible dog |
| if the quest is to find a mate. One of the leading | | | | owner, it is your job to know your dog, and read |
| causes death for dogs...being hit by a car during | | | | their moods. To do that, you have to connect |
| that uncontrollable "mission" to pass on those | | | | with him or her Make and spend quality time with |
| genes. There is nothing else on their minds...least | | | | them. Earn their loyalty, trust and respect. |
| of all cars. | | | | |
| Some dogs roam simply because are social | | | | 1. Join an obedience or socialization class. It will |
| animals. The neighbors are fun, they may have a | | | | reinforce your Alpha position and provide your |
| dog or kids to play with, or they have a more | | | | dog with the canine company he craves, not to |
| interesting Bar-B-Que than you. If that's the case, | | | | mention the special time shared with you.. |
| ask your neighbor not to encourage the "visits". | | | | 2. Exercise together by walking, jogging, or bike |
| You could ask them to call you, so you can | | | | riding with him at your side. |
| retrieve him, or firmly send him home if that is | | | | 3. Have structured playtime...throw a Frisbee, toss |
| safely possible. | | | | a ball, have a treasure hunt. Dogs have a sense |
| Dogs are creatures of habit. If you know your | | | | of security and respond positively to scheduled |
| dog's preferred roaming "route", surprise him! Be | | | | routines. |
| there waiting for him, and with a firm, | | | | 4. Schedule a special day and time each week to |
| no-nonsense tone of voice, tell him or her to "GO | | | | do something different. He will know what day it |
| HOME!" When they are back in the yard, praise | | | | is and look forward to it. Make it an interesting |
| them. You don't have to go overboard...truth is, | | | | adventure! |
| you may want to strangle them...but don't let it | | | | 5. Take him for car rides, go to the dog park or |
| show. Bite your tongue, and tell them they are a | | | | beach. Take him with you whenever possible. |
| 'good dog!" You want them to ALWAYS make | | | | 6. Surprise him with a special gift. Get him a new |
| the positive association returning home, and | | | | and challenging toy now and then. |
| coming when called, are good things. | | | | 7. Get him a kiddie pool to play in. Toss a few |
| NEVER, EVER, PHYSICALLY PUNISH THEM! That | | | | toys in it. Jump in yourself...nothing would please |
| could change simple, curious, innocent roaming, | | | | him more than the interaction you would be |
| into running away! | | | | sharing. |
| Running Away | | | | 8. Get your dog neutered or spayed...it often helps |
| Sadly, there is only one reason why most dogs | | | | curb the other urge to leave home. |
| run away. They are not happy! Being pack | | | | Being a social animal, your dog inherently wants to |
| animals, if they are bore, abused, feel rejected or | | | | be with the pack who wants him most. They will |
| ignored, are left alone for hours, have little or no | | | | gain his loyalty. There is more to owning a dog |
| interaction with their pack (that's YOU), they will | | | | than feeding them and walking them. Provide the |
| look for a new pack to join. | | | | love, security and companionship they crave, and |
| Many dogs are left home ALONE for over eight | | | | they will NEVER want to leave home! |