Running away is one of the most dangerous decisions your dog can make! Even if your dog wears an ID. tag and is microchipped, he still runs the risk of being hit by a car, attacked by another animal, or “adopted” by someone who may not have your dogs best interest at heart. Whichever the case, a bolting dog almost always ends in tragedy. So if youve got a dog who likes to run away, it’s time to put an immediate STOP to the behavior!

NUETER!: Dogs sometimes escape because they are attracted to female dogs-which is also why it’s a good idea to spay, if you have a female dog.

EXERCISE!: A tired dog is less likely to escape the house. It’s important to take your dog for at least one good walk a day for exercise and to release all that puppy energy. That’s why Doggie-Smyle offers monthly dog walking packages!

TRAINING!: Your dog must know sit, down, stay, heel, and be able to obey your commands. Try using a 3lb. empty coffee can and put a few pennies, or small rocks inside, then put the lid on. When you open the door and your dog tries to bolt out, shake the coffee can (don’t let your dog see that you are the one doing this). If you do this a few times, he will correlate that awful noise with his running out the door, and will stop doing the behavior.

TEACH YOUR DOG RESPECT FOR THE DOOR!:*** (This can only be accomplished if your dog has respect for you, which is accomplished through all of the steps above and consistency.) Put his leash on, then put him in a sit/stay. Hold onto his leash. Open the door. If he runs out say “UH-OH”, (in a firm voice….for us females, we have to really go deep and say it strong)., then bring him back inside and close the door. *Repeat this as many times as necesary. When he finally doesn’t bolt, walk outside holding the leash and say “come”. If he runs before giving him permission, say “UH-OH”, go back inside, close the door and try again. Each time you do this “Game”, it will take fewer times before he waits for permission. Eventually, he will come to respect the door and understand that he needs permission before he goes out of it. Then you can praise him with Gooooood Boys, and kisses, baby talks, and lovins, or a simple good job (whichever you prefer).

IF YOU ARE SUPER LAZY, NEED EXTRA BACK-UP FOR A JUST IN CASE, OR IF YOU HAVE A LEARNING CHALLENGED CANINE, then you can opt for an electric fence, and/or an electric collar.

When I say Super Lazy, I mean super busy, and don’t have time to train the dog……and when I say learning challenged canine, I mean not YOUR dog, because your dog is super smart and perfect. No, I mean those other dogs, that were given all the looks, and not so much of the brains. The dogs that God was overly generous with in the looks department, and not so much in the brains department, but we love them just that much more because of it…bless their hearts;)

An electric fence works, but it is expensive. The electric collar works too, but it is controversial and will cost you around $100-$175.

Your best bet is to: Nueter, exercise, train your dog basic commands, then teach him how to respect the door, (after he has learned respect for you, his most Awesome Master!!!)