It´s distressing and scary when your dog keeps running away. Often, a little bit of proactive thought will prevent this problem.

1. You can make sure your dog cannot run away by leashing them before you open the outside door. Although this is a fairly drastic first step, it will assist you in teaching the dog not to bolt out the door. When he behaves, you need to reward him. When he bolts, you must speak firmly and pull him back by the collar, if possible. Don´t scream at your dog. The tone of your voice and, if needed, a small yank on the collar, will get the point across to most dogs. If your dog has been escaping out of the house for a while, it may take some time to correct this behavior. Remember, you´re introducing a concept that´s new and different to your pet.

2. You need to be sure that your dog is identifiable and has a collar. A dog with a collar is also easier to control. A dog with an I.D. tag can assist others in locating its home. A microchip embedded in the skin of the dog is another good idea. For more information on microchips, you should contact your vet, your local police department, or animal protection agency to find out the type of microchip most often used in your area. There are several different systems, and they´re not always compatible.

3. Training your dog to come to you when called is an excellent preventive measure. If your dog knows that coming when called results in good things, such as attention and treats, and not bad things, such as yelling or making you mad, he will learn this behavior very easily.

If nothing else seems to work, it may be time for an obedience class. The trainer can help you train your dog in a consistent, loving, yet firm manner. In addition, you may need some training yourself on how to teach your dog. Remember, the key to canine success is repetition. Humans get bored of the same old thing over and over, but dogs revel in it.