Nothing is worse for pet owners than realizing a furry friend has run away. Although dogs escape for all kinds of reasons, there are several ways to reduce the chances of your pups taking flight. Everything from investing in sturdier fencing to taking them to a spay/neuter clinic can help. Here are just a few tips for stopping your adventurous canines from roaming the neighborhood (or beyond). 

How to Stop Your Dogs From Leaving Home

1. Provide Plenty of Stimulation at Home

Dogs who are not getting enough mental stimulation or physical exercise are inclined to run away out of sheer boredom. Talk to your vet about each dog’s particular exercise needs—older pets will likely require considerably less physical activity than younger pets—and make it a point to meet their minimum requirements every day. It’s also wise to invest in a few interactive toys, such as those that have little compartments for treats, so your dogs don’t feel the need to go searching for something more exciting to do. 

2. Reward Good Behavior (& Limit the Punishments for Bad) 

If dogs that have escaped return, avoid punishing them. Whether they merely ran down the driveway or across the neighborhood, too much time will have passed for them to link the punishment with the act of running away. Instead, they will likely associate it with returning. As a result, they will be less inclined to return should they escape in the future. In other words, it will be more effective to reward them for coming back. In fact, using positive training methods in general will make dogs less likely to run away. With every training session, they will crave that positive attention more and quickly learn it’s only something they can get at home. 

3. Spay or Neuter Them 

Both male and female dogs have a strong drive to breed. If a female dog is in heat, for example, she may be inclined to hop the fence and find the nearest male. Likewise, if an intact male knows there’s a female in heat nearby, he will do whatever it takes to get to her. Therefore, one of the most effective ways to keep your dogs from running away is to spay or neuter them. 

At Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic in Stratford, CT, we understand the cost of surgery can be prohibitive for many families who might otherwise provide a nice home for stray dogs and cats. That’s why we are proud to offer affordable care for pets. To make an appointment to spay, neuter, or vaccinate the newest member of your family, fill out the request form on our website or call (203) 690-1550. You can also follow us on Twitter for more pet care tips!