Escape artist

[Chris Smith]

What do you do with a shelter dog that is determined to escape and run free? My friend has a 9 month old dog that she just got from a shelter who clearly wants to run away. He shows some signs of previous abuse. The dog doesn't know his name, has no recall, has no concept of cars, streets, etc. He was picked up by the shelter in a rural farming area. He is in a fenced yard, but he is jumping, digging, and even trying to unlatch the gate. He's been taken to fenced in dog parks and he spends the entire time trying to find a way out of the fencing rather than playing with any dogs.

Will this go away as the dog feels more secure with his new home? What kind of training can be done to make the dog want to stay with his new family rather than run away?

[Lesly Stevens]

Hi Chris,

Sounds like your friend has her hands full! I'm no expert, but my first thought is lack of socialization as a core issue here. Being that he was picked up in a rural farm area, and farm dogs typically run free, this boy probably wasn't used to being contained anywhere (yard, house, crate), so it's not surprising that he seems h+++ bent to want to escape and be on the run!

When you say he shows signs of previous abuse, I don't know what you mean by that because you don't say, however, he may not have been overtly abused, but abused through neglect of his basic needs, socialization being one of them. Lack of socialization creates all kinds of problems!

If I had taken this boy in, I'd develop a training plan, and provide a structured daily routine in which to implement the plan. This, and other things can, and will, facilitate the bonding with the dog, help the dog feel more secure, and build his self-confidence. I would hand feed, and, at some point, I'd tether him to me while in the house - well, there's SO much that can be done/accomplished, I could write a book here! Taking in a rescue/shelter dog is a huge committment in patience, focus, persistence, and often, hard work! It's not for everyone, but it is surely one of the most rewarding journeys one can make!

I hope things work out for your friend and her dog.

Lesly, Maddy, & Bo






What do you do with a shelter dog that is determined to escape and run free? My friend has a 9 month old dog that she just got from a shelter who clearly wants to run away. He shows some signs of previous abuse. The dog doesn't know his name, has no recall, has no concept of cars, streets, etc. He was picked up by the shelter in a rural farming area. He is in a fenced yard, but he is jumping, digging, and even trying to unlatch the gate. He's been taken to fenced in dog parks and he spends the entire time trying to find a way out of the fencing rather than playing with any dogs.

Will this go away as the dog feels more secure with his new home? What kind of training can be done to make the dog want to stay with his new family rather than run away?

[Melissa Brunoehler]

Hi Chris~

I agree with Lesly- More structure/ routine is important for this dog. I would encourage your friend to start NILIF. Ths dog should not be left alone outside- if he does succeed in escaping from the fence she'll have even more problems- not only could he get hurt but once he "learns" he can get out he'll most likely keep doing it.
No dog park for now. Instead your friend should let her new dog play one on one with other dogs that she knows.
Your friend might also want to look for a clicker training class in her area. I personally like to start training at home on my own & then after a month or more enroll the dog in a group class. Some people like to get the dog in a group class right away. Regardless the class should be positive reinforcement! No Chokes, corrections,. etc.
Along with NILIF & a structured routine your friend's new dog should have quiet alone time- where no one is nagging him or pestering him.

Hope this helps- let us know if you need more specifics.



What do you do with a shelter dog that is determined to escape and run free? My friend has a 9 month old dog that she just got from a shelter who clearly wants to run away. He shows some signs of previous abuse. The dog doesn't know his name, has no recall, has no concept of cars, streets, etc. He was picked up by the shelter in a rural farming area. He is in a fenced yard, but he is jumping, digging, and even trying to unlatch the gate. He's been taken to fenced in dog parks and he spends the entire time trying to find a way out of the fencing rather than playing with any dogs.

Will this go away as the dog feels more secure with his new home? What kind of training can be done to make the dog want to stay with his new family rather than run away?

[Jody Hayes]

What kind of dog is it? My beagle would run in a heartbeat....doesn't understand cars or streets, won't come back when called...and has never been abused. I agree w/ what the others have said but there really are some dogs that can not be let outside w/out a lead or leash. That is just the way it is w/ some breeds.

[Chris Smith]

Thanks again for everyone's advice. I had already suggested NILIF to her and she is starting with that. I will pass along the information and hopefully she will start visiting doggie bag as well.

She's not discouraged - just wants to guide him in the right direction and allow him to feel safer in his new home.