Even though your dog loves you, they may sometimes like to run away. Some dogs do it all the time. Others respond to certain triggers. Some are like magicians and seem to be able to get out of any fence.
The most common reasons why dogs run away are:
Fear or anxiety. Boredom. Prey drive. Mating instinct.
The good news is, when a pet runs away, they seldom go very far – which makes it more likely to reunite with them. According to a 2012 study, 59% of lost cats and 20% of lost dogs return home on their own after being lost. But there are always additional steps you can take to help ensure a happy reunion.
First Things First: Don't Chase
If your dog is afraid, you won't catch him, and if he thinks he's playing a game, you'll only make things worse. “Chasing is never a good idea,” says Dr. Ellen Lindell, a Connecticut-based veterinary behaviorist.
Your Dog is Bored
This is the number one reason that most dogs escape. They're left alone in the yard with nothing better to do, and it's not that hard to get out. So they take themselves out on a little walk around the neighborhood.
A new survey has revealed that Labrador Retrievers are the most likely dogs to run away, with Cocker Spaniels and Jack Russells also in the top three.
If it is an outgoing dog, it will be looking for other dogs and for other humans who are friendly and likely to comfort, feed and shelter it. Neighbors' yards and public parks are spots it will like. If it is a shy or older pet and not trusting of strangers, it will hide. Bushes and under cars are good spots.
Dogs that are runners by nature will use their adrenaline to escape confinement, even if it means chewing through wire, burrowing under fences, or braving other obstacles to escape. Some will even jump out of a first-floor window and just keep running.
If they've only been gone for minutes, chances are they're still close by. Open yard gates and put food out to entice them back. Use positive recall words to lure them, like “peanut butter.” Or if your dog loves car rides, start your car and gun the engine a little.
Another study looked at how dogs behaved with people of varying levels of familiarity - their owner, a stranger and a familiar human - and found that dogs clearly miss their owners more than anyone else, and will wait behind the door they left through in anticipation of their return.
A big lost dog may be able to run 5 miles or more, especially if it's young and strong. Larger dogs also tend to have more energy and stamina than small companion or toy breed dogs, which means they may keep going for longer and end up running further away.
Statistics indicate that most lost pets are recovered within 30 days. But the time varies greatly depending on whether it is a cat or a dog. Most people will notice a stray dog and even try to help it.
Dogs attempt escape for many reasons ranging from loneliness, boredom, territorial roaming, mate-seeking, an underlying curiosity, anxiety or a combination of these. Try these tips to keep your dog happy and safe in your home and yard.
With experts divided on what's to do, it's probably best to just listen to your dog. If he's scared and has found a place to hide, that's likely the comfort he needs and you can let him try to work it out. But if he comes looking for you to reassurance, you may just want to give it to him.
Many dogs have sound phobias to loud noises like fireworks, thunderstorms, gunshots, and firecrackers. There is even research that suggests noise phobias can be inherited. According to Dr. Klein, herding breeds are particularly sensitive to noise phobias, perhaps because they are so attuned to their environment.
Lost Pet Research & Recovery indicates that 93% of lost dogs are found alive, and 20% of them return home on their own.
Dogs are well known for their ability to backtrack to a beloved home — or person. Most animal behavior experts attribute their navigating ability largely to a hypersensitive sense of smell.
Studies show that dogs form positive associations with their favorite people, and they don't like being separated from you for long. Dogs can handle alone time, but they do miss you when you're gone.
New research has found that dogs rely on familiar scents to find their way back home, and those scents can lead them a long way. A 10 mile distance isn't that far for a dog to follow a scent as long as the wind conditions are right.
The bottom line. Australian Shepherds are bundles of fun, but they are also highly sensitive dogs. You should never leave an Aussie alone for more than four hours at a time, and try to make the most out of every day to prevent boredom and loneliness when they're left to their own devices.
Your dog goes into what's called as “survival mode”, “escape”, or “flight mode” (as in “fight” or “flight”) when he is lost and separated from you. It's like a switch goes off in his head and he is no longer a domesticated pet.