A dog owner’s worst nightmare is discovering that their dog is gone! Your heart is racing, you feel panic running through your veins! You look everywhere, in your house, the backyard, you check with the neighbors but nothing.
You wonder, how your dog got out in the first place and why would your dog get out when you left everything he/she needs. Upon further investigation, you might even uncover how your dog got out! You scratch your head and you still can’t figure out why your dog would leave a loving home with all the creature comforts.
Your heart shrinks at the thought that you may not ever find your dog. In many cases, when a dog runs away from home he/she returns on his/her own. Sometimes animal organizations find your dog and you are reunited.
As it turns out, there are some very real reasons why dogs run away from home, more often than you would think. And it has nothing to do with not being loved, or lack of comfort. Here are the top reasons why dogs run away from home.
Romance Is In The Air
Male dogs are particularly prone to running away from home if they have not been spayed or neutered. Dogs have an amazing sense of smell and they can smell another dog a mile away! After survival, mating is the next strongest drive a dog has.
Panic, What Was That!
Another amazing sense a dog has is excellent hearing. For this reason, loud noises will literally frighten them to run like their life depends on it! This is especially true if the loud noise comes suddenly like fireworks, heavy machinery, or sirens. Once they find a way out they may not stop running for a long time until he/she feels safe.
Mommy, Daddy Where Are You
Dogs that are emotionally needy and less independent may suffer from separation anxiety. They may struggle with a full eight hours of separation while you’re at work all day. Some breeds are more sensitive to separation anxiety. Your dog may panic and seek ways to get out and try to find you.
The Chase Is On
It’s easy to forget that our dogs belong to the animal kingdom. Their closest ancestor is the wolf. They might be sitting quietly at a window or in your backyard and suddenly they spot something. It could be a squirrel, a cat, or a rodent and the chase is on! Your dog will find a way out to hunt that critter down!
Bored Out Of My Mind
Ever wonder what your dog is doing while you’re at work all day? Dogs are intelligent animals and their minds need to be stimulated or they will suffer with boredom. Some breeds are more susceptible to boredom than others and require more adventure and activity.
My House
Humans are not the only creatures of habit, so are dogs. We are comfortable with routine and dogs feel safe with routine. If you find that you need to or want to relocate it maybe harder on your dog than you realized. Dogs have been known to run away and try to find their previous house.
Take action now, and avoid the heartache of your dog ever running away. Seek a good gentle certified trainer to help you prevent your dog from ever running away from home.