Dogs sometimes have an incredible knack for and impulse to escape from crates, backyards, or even well-secured homes. If you’ve got a Houdini dog on your hands, you are not alone.
Why Dogs Want to Escape?
Understanding the root cause of your dog’s escape behaviour is key to addressing it. Here are some common reasons dogs make a break for it:
Separation Anxiety: Commonly, dogs with separation anxiety try to escape in an attempt to reunite with their owners or other members of their ‘pack.’
Desire to Explore: Dogs are naturally curious. An intriguing noise or smell can entice a dog to feel compelled to investigate.
Boredom: One of the most common reasons is a lack of mental and physical stimulation. A dog’s need for exercise should never be underestimated.
Stress: Loud noises and unusual disturbing sounds can cause dogs to panic. Thunderstorms are a typical example.
Mating Instincts: In unneutered or unspayed dogs, hormonal urges and the desire to search for a mate are the most common reasons for attempting to escape.
Are Some Breeds More inclined to Want to Escape?
Any dog, given a reason, can try and escape, but certain breeds are more predisposed to do so due to their instincts and energy levels:
Huskies: Huskies are notorious escape artists with their high energy levels. Think of a Huskies traditional role, and the instinct to travel is easy to understand!
Border Collies: Highly intelligent and full of energy, Border Collies can easily become bored and seek adventure if left unstimulated.
Beagles: Because of their exceptional sense of smell, Beagles may follow a scent trail without a second thought about how far from home they are going.
Jack Russell Terriers: These little tenacious and curious dogs are excellent diggers and climbers and notorious for getting out of fenced areas. This applies to many of the Terriers.
German Shepherds: One of the large-size escape artists, German Shepherds can learn to open gates or doors if not securely fastened.
Chihuahua: At the other end of the size spectrum, these little dogs have a knack for squeezing through the smallest gaps in fences and gates.
Common Methods of Escape
Escape artist dogs are very resourceful. Here are a few of their tricks:
Jumping or Climbing: Some dogs can jump surprisingly high, but more than that, their climbing ability is amazing. Some dog runs have fences 10 feet high.
Digging: Dogs with a talent for tunnelling can dig under fences. This can be one of the hardest methods to counter.
Squeezing Through Small Spaces: Narrow gaps and loose fence boards are easy to exit.
Opening Doors or Gates: Intelligent dogs can have an incredible talent for manipulating door handles or gate latches.
How to Prevent Escapes
While having an escape artist dog can be challenging, there are ways to manage the behaviour and keep the dog safe:
Provide lots of Exercise and Mental Stimulation: A tired dog is happy and content. Regular walks, playtime, and puzzle toys can help reduce the urge to escape. This is the solution to many dog problems!
Secure Your Yard: Reinforce fences, add dig-proof barriers, and ensure tightly latched or locked gates. For climbers, it is sometimes necessary to extend the height of your fence or angling the top of it inwards.
Supervise Outdoor Time: Don’t leave your dog unattended in the yard, especially if they’ve escaped before.
Recall Training: Teaching your dog to come when called and stay when commanded reliably can prevent escape attempts.
Address Underlying Issues: If your dog’s escapism is driven by anxiety, fear, or boredom, work with a trainer to address these issues and remember - plenty of exercise.
Use GPS Collars: For added security, equip your dog with a GPS tracking collar.
If Your Dog Escapes
In case, despite your best efforts, your dog escapes, make sure your dog has identification in the form of a tag or microchip.
These days, social media is a great way of alerting people about your roaming dog. Being an active member of local Facebook groups is helpful.
Alert neighbours and contact nearby shelters.
Start your search close to home, as dogs often stay nearby if they've found something like food to distract them.
Robin Logan, RHSom