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 A fleeing dog can cause a headache, and heartache, for its owners. Here's everything you need to know about Fleeing Dogs.
Lots of dog owners love to run with their dogs, whether across the grass at the park with a Frisbee or down a dirt road on a six-mile jog. It can be a fun way to exercise your pet and bond with her. When she takes the initiative and tears out of the house and down the street, however, it's not fun. It's a problem. A fleeing dog is open to all kinds of dangers she knows nothing about, like cars, getting lost, other people, and the dog catcher.
Reasons for Fleeing Dogs
Dogs are highly observant creatures; every smell and sound is a new adventure waiting to be experienced, and they are usually chomping at the bit to go explore. But quest for excitement aside, here are some additional reasons dogs run away:
Sociability -- Like babies who notice other infants, dogs are drawn to their own kind. Your dog may find other dogs irresistible, even if they're just prancing by outside on the sidewalk.
Fear or agitation -- Some dogs are easily frightened (of storms, firecrackers, loud music, etc.), and the "fight or flight" reaction will kick in, causing them to just bolt, out of the blue.
Quest for food -- Dogs love treats, so if the kindly next-door neighbor has a habit of slipping bacon to your pet, he may try to escape whenever he can to get  more of the good stuff from her.
Boredom -- When dogs are left alone for long periods of time, they often become very bored and begin to exhibit naughty behaviors. If your dog is spending most of the day cooped up in the house while you're at work, who would blame him if he wants a breath of fresh air?
What to Do if Your Dog Flees
When your dog slips out the front door and disappears down the street, the number one thing to remember is to stay calm. Chasing after your dog is the worst thing you can do, because he will probably think you're playing with him and run even faster away from you. And if he thinks you're playing, then he'll see that as a reward of sorts, and will probably try running away again in the near future.
Many dogs will return home when they've had their fill of the neighborhood sights and sounds, but some won't. Enlist your neighbors and friends to help you search for your dog. When you get him back, don't punish him or scold him. He won't know that the scolding is for running away an hour ago, and will likely think that you are angry at him for returning.
If your dog continually tries to escape or run away, you should seek advice and help from professionals like your veterinarian or a licensed dog trainer. And make sure your dog is always wearing tags with your name, address and phone number.
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