Escape!

                                                                         

Airedale "Mila" Miner is in no danger of escaping!

 

                    It can happen in a heartbeat.  A door or gate is left open and the family dog races out for an adventure.   Few things strike more fear in a dog owner’s heart than the sight of a pet running toward a busy road.  The dog may just want to visit the friendly neighbors across the street, or he may be full of energy and ready to enjoy a long run.  It is at times such as these that we panic and worry that we may never see our pet again, or that he is going to be injured or killed by a car. 

                    Preventive training can help to prevent this disaster.  Teach your dog not to bolt through a door or gate, but to wait until you give permission.  This takes a bit of time and attention, but it can be done.  Teach the “Stay” or “Wait” command and use it whenever you open the door.  Keep the dog on leash at first, and practice until your dog understands that he must stay unless he’s given permission to go through. 

 

                    Train him to hold the Stay when you open and shut the door, when you are speaking to someone through the open door, when someone comes into the house, and when someone goes out.  Teach him to wait at the door when the kids and their friends run in and out.  Stand in a position where you can block his exit if necessary.  If he tries to get out the door, shut it and then try again.

 

                    Make sure your dog has a solidly trained Recall.  (“Recall” is the term for coming when called.)  This can be a life-saver for your pet.  Once he’s good at the basic exercise on leash and off, call him from the yard to the inside of the house.  Call him through gates and doors, in the front yard, on the sidewalk or adjacent to the street, and anywhere else you want him to respond to the command. 

 

                     A long line – twenty to thirty feet– can aid in training.  Don’t just practice with him sitting and waiting for you to call, call him when he’s distracted by something or he is playing.  Keep it fun, use a happy tone of voice, and reward him with treats when he responds well.  Make sure you use the same “Come” command when training that you will use the day you see him running down the street.  A good dog training class can help you and your dog to get as reliable a Recall as possible.  Take what you learn there and apply it to your home and yard, your neighborhood, the park, or anywhere else you may need to use it in the future. 

                    Make a regular habit of inspecting fences to ensure that your dog hasn’t been digging underneath or working on a loose board.  Make sure gates are sturdy and latch well.  Consider installing self-closing latches.  Teach your children the importance of closing doors and gates behind them, and to check that the dog is safely in the house or yard when they go out. If workers are on the property, make sure they close gates and doors after them.  (Better yet, confine your dog to another area so that he can’t take advantage of an open door or gate.)  Give him as much exercise as he needs so boredom won’t contribute to the problem. 

                   Unfortunately, not all dogs respond well to commands when they are running free.  Many dogs were bred to run long distances, and some have high prey drive that leads them to chase anything they scent or see as game.  Many dogs are under-exercised and will really want to stretch their legs when they are unconfined.  These instincts can lead them into harm’s way.   Even with training some dogs still can’t be trusted outside of a confined area.  If you have one of these, fence in your yard so he can get some outside goof-off time and walk him on leash at other times.  Work hard on his Stay and Wait training at doors and gates.  Don’t let your pet be a tragic statistic. 

 

Dorothy Miner is a long-time dog obedience and tracking instructor, judge of canine events, and author.  She teaches weekly classes for the Allen Correctional Institution’s PETS Program and provides training and consultation under the banner of “Sidekicks” and “Training for Dogs and Their People.”