Dogs are wonderful friends. These animals can accompany and bring happiness and love into our lives. However, if your dog tries to run away, you are bound to feel frustrated and scared. Fortunately, there are ways to train your dog not to run away every time you open the door or let him roam without a leash. Some breeds are natural hunters and herders and may require longer training or the services of a professional. Learn your dog's breed before trying to train it.
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Part 1 of 3: Training the Dog to Come
Step 1. Start training when the dog is very young
Like humans, dogs shape their personalities when they are young. You'll have a bit of trouble training your puppy, but it's always worth a try. If you adopt an adult dog, you can still retrain him, but it will be much more difficult to do.
Step 2. Prepare some special treats for your dog
Choose healthy treats that your dog likes. It's a good idea to use treats specifically for dogs, instead of homemade treats. Store dog treats in small plastic bags out of sight for your dog.
- Choose treats that dogs only get during training. If your dog gets the same treat at other times, it will be difficult to associate the treat with the desired behavior.
- You can divide the treats into smaller pieces and your dog will still like them.
Step 3. Call your dog when they are together in a small room
Use simple verbal commands, such as "Here." You can also use a dog's name, such as "Rover, here." Say the command out loud once. Wait for your dog to respond. If he doesn't respond, repeat your command in the same tone.
- Limit distractions in the room, such as other people or the television.
- Make sure the room has no escape lines for your dog. That way, you're limiting his options for escaping when confused.
Step 4. Give treats when your dog arrives
If your dog comes, it means he has behaved well. Praise and pet your dog so he knows you like his good behavior. Give treats immediately so that your dog remembers that his good behavior will always be rewarded.
Pet your dog and talk to him in a loving tone when giving treats. Here's another way to reward your dog
Step 5. Stay away from your dog
After you give your dog a treat and a compliment, try walking away from him. Your dog will probably follow you, especially after you compliment him. Keep walking until your dog gets bored or becomes distracted and stops following you.
- Stay in a closed room. Don't give your dog a chance to escape.
- If your dog won't stop following you, feel free to do other activities, such as cooking or cleaning. Once the dog's attention seems distracted, sooner or later he will get bored on his own.
Step 6. Call your dog back
After the dog leaves you, try calling back. Use the same commands and tones as before. The dog may be a bit far away from you now so you may have to scream a bit and repeat the command a few times.
Resist the temptation to approach your dog. Your dog may think that you are playing with him, or assume that you will always come to him
Step 7. Repeat this process until the dog comes to you regularly
Practice this command several times a day until the dog almost always obeys when called. Be consistent. Make time for practice every day. Dogs will obey commands through repetition.
Like humans, dogs also have a limited attention span. If you notice your dog is getting bored or restless, stop training for the day. You can repeat the exercise the next day
Step 8. Practice this command in a larger room
Once your dog has started to consistently follow your commands, try starting the exercise in a larger room, such as a larger house or a closed dog park.
Increase the level of exercise slowly and gradually. Don't jump right into the training area from the bedroom to the dog park
Step 9. Try to distract the dog, if he has been obeying commands consistently
This is probably the hardest part for dogs, especially for crossbreeds. Distractions can be people or other animals, or ambient (faint) sounds. When dogs are allowed to roam in the yard, there can be a lot of distraction, so this step should be mastered by your dog.
- When you use other people as distractions, start with people the dogs know. This way, the dog is less surprised when he meets the person. The results will be different if the dog has to meet new people.
- Distractions can also be small animals such as birds or squirrels in the yard. These animals can usually keep themselves away from dogs. Do not intentionally put small animals in danger (such as kittens or gerbils) by placing them near dogs.
Part 2 of 3: Training a Dog to be Silent
Step 1. Combine hand signals with verbal commands
“Shut up” is the most common command to keep a dog from moving. However, this command is stronger when accompanied by a hand signal. An easy hand gesture for the “Silence” command is to stick your palm out in front of you as if telling someone to stop.
- Practice verbal commands and hand signals at the same time.
- Use a firm and clear tone. Make gestures in one smooth motion.
Step 2. Walk towards the front door
Act as usual, as if you were about to leave the house. Do what you normally do, like get your car keys or a hat. Do not talk to and look at your dog when going out of the house.
Step 3. Respond when the dog follows you
Even if you don't see it, you can still hear your dog following behind. Immediately stop and turn around when you notice that the dog is following you. Use the same verbal commands and hand signals to tell the dog to stand still.
- At this stage, don't pet your dog to comfort him. Your dog will follow you more and more.
- Use commands and hand signals one more time and turn around to leave the house.
Step 4. Repeat until the dog is no longer following you
This process may be strenuous, but keep turning and giving commands until the dog is still in place. The dog must remain “still” until you can reach the front door.
Step 5. Repeat until the dog remains still even if you open the front door completely
When the dog is completely obedient until you reach the door, try opening your front door. The dog should remain still as you slowly open the door and leave the house.
- Be careful when opening the front door. The dog may still be excited and try to run out of the house.
- You should be able to leave the door open for a few seconds and your dog to remain completely obedient.
Step 6. Praise and treat your dog for good behavior
After you leave the house and the dog is still obediently quiet, return to the house and give him a treat. It's also a good idea to pet and compliment him so he knows you like his good behavior.
- Don't give compliments and treats until you can walk out the front door without your dog following.
- Hide your treats until they are given to the dog. Otherwise, the treats will distract your dog.
Step 7. Practice the “silent” command outdoors
Once your dog is able to settle down obediently, feel free to resume outdoor training. Start in an enclosed area, such as a fenced yard or dog run. Use the same commands and hand signals as for the indoor exercise.
- Your dog may be distracted by other animals or people outside the home. This adds to the challenge of teaching your dog the “quiet” command. Maybe, you need some extra practice time to master this command.
- Try walking away from your dog after you tell him to be quiet. Dogs must be able to obey commands outdoors as well as indoors.
- Gradually move the exercise location to a larger area. Ultimately, the dog should be able to stay in the open yard without running away.
Part 3 of 3: Reducing the Dog's Chance to Escape
Step 1. Make sure your dog knows his environment well
Many dogs run away thinking they should go home. If you've recently moved in, your dog doesn't yet understand that this is his new home.
Whenever your dog will be spending time in a new place, give him time to explore and get used to the smells and sounds of this new place
Step 2. Neutralize or neuter your dog
Dogs also often run away to find a mate, especially male dogs that have not been neutered. Prevent this urge by neutering or neutering your dog.
By neutering or neutering your dog, you also prevent the birth of the desired puppies thereby reducing the number of stray and abandoned dogs in shelters
Step 3. Give the dog plenty of time to interact
Dogs are social animals and need stimulation and interaction to keep them from getting bored. Make sure the dog interacts a lot with you, other dogs, or other people.
- If you work long hours, hire a pet walker (a person who is paid to walk your dog) or a pet sitter (a person who is paid to look after your pet) to take care of your dog during work.
- Not all dogs get along well with other people. Always put on a leash when introducing your dog to prevent dangerous fights.
Step 4. Give your dog plenty of exercise
Sometimes dogs run away because they want to run. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise and time outdoors. This way, the dog doesn't have to run away to exercise.
- Different breeds, different types of sports are needed. For example, a pug may need to walk briskly for 20-30 minutes before resting, whereas a husky needs to run long distances to satisfy its needs. Look for the amount of exercise your breed needs.
- Exercises for dogs include walking, chasing a ball or frisbee, or running in the dog park with other dogs.
Step 5. Reward when the dog comes back to you
Make sure the dog knows that his good behavior will be rewarded. When your dog returns, praise and treat. This reward will teach the dog to always come home.
- Never scold your dog when he comes back to you, even if it's for a while so he doesn't feel like he's going to be punished if he comes home.
- Don't just call him home when he's done having fun. For example, if you're at the park, give him a call before letting him get back to playing. If you call him just before he comes home, your dog will learn that coming home means playtime is up.
Tips
- Training a dog can feel very long and strenuous at times, but don't give up! If your dog is properly trained, you will be happy together for many years.
- Always praise the dog when it behaves well. Dogs are herd animals and want to be accepted by you. Compliments will help them know that you like their good behavior.
- Dogs can't tell the difference between large and small treats so you can break large treats into smaller pieces.
