So angry at my dog. Advice?

[chaoticzenmom]

The neighbors keep bringing home my dog. She looks for any and all exits from the house and runs immediately down the street to a block of 3 houses where there are always kids outside. She has US inside! Why does she constantly run over there??? She's a pit mix, so I'm worried that we're going to get into major trouble for her doing this. The neighbors all just bring her home and often, I hear the neighbors yelling "Fergie" and sure enough, I look out the window and see her out there running around happy as can be.

I can't keep my house constantly closed up worrying about her running down there. She's always been an inside dog, but I find that I keep her locked up either in the backyard or the garage all the time lately. As soon as I let her into our house, it doesn't take long for someone to bring her back home from down the street. It's embarrassing and it makes me so angry. It makes me want to hook her up to a tree! I have 4 kids running in and out and I just can't expect that if she's in the house, she won't escape.

What would you do? Is there some way to keep her from running out of the house?

[luv-my-boys]

Originally Posted by chaoticzenmom

, but I find that I keep her locked up either in the backyard or the garage all the time lately. ?

we have a *runner* as we call her. Honestly it sounds like she is craving attention and physical interaction (i e playing and running around outside) From your post you mentioned she runs to the neighborhood kids down the street. Our dog is mainly inside but is allowed outside in our fenced yard. We have found that if we take her with us when we go for walks and DH runs with her almost daily it helps get some of that enrgy that is pent up in her. We use a retractable lead so she can go can explore what she sees. This has helped a lot plus we found that she really needs to rough house around a bit everyday even though we are here all day with her she really stills needs to play (btw she is not a young dog)

[Girl In The Fire]

Why are you mad at your dog, you are failing to be a responsible pet owner. I am not understanding why it is difficult to keep your inside your home. Is she getting out doors, windows, large holes in the side of your house

Not only could your dog hurt someone or an animal (intentionally or not) she could easily be hurt herself poisoned, shot, hit by a car etc. Situations like this are why towns pass BSL, your irresponsibility has the potential to affect everyone, even responsible owners who mange to keep their dogs secure and indoors. If your dog has to be relegated to the garage and yard and you cant keep your dog secure re home it.

[betsyj]

It sounds like your dog is bored and if she is spending time in the garage (!!) or backyard alone she is most likely lonely and desperate for human interaction. Really, the dog isn't the problem here. Sounds like the humans in this equation can use some training and prevention tips.

A nine year old and a seven year old are old enough to have some responsibility around remembering to keep the door closed. Is it possible to set up a gate before the door? So a kid would have to open and close the gate then open the door.

Have her drag a leash so she is easier to catch when it does happen. Work on her recalls and commands so she is better trained.

But don't get angry at her. Think about how you want her to act or the behavior you want to modify, and then devise a family plan to help her learn to act that way.

[chaoticzenmom]

Originally Posted by Girl In The Fire

Why are you mad at your dog, you are failing to be a responsible pet owner. I am not understanding why it is difficult to keep your inside your home. Is she getting out doors, windows, large holes in the side of your house

Not only could your dog hurt someone or an animal (intentionally or not) she could easily be hurt herself poisoned, shot, hit by a car etc. Situations like this are why towns pass BSL, your irresponsibility has the potential to affect everyone, even responsible owners who mange to keep their dogs secure and indoors. If your dog has to be relegated to the garage and yard and you cant keep your dog secure re home it.

You either don't have lots of kids running in and out, or don't have a determined dog. Your "advice" isn't helpful and is awfully judgmental considering that I'm coming here for ideas. And besides, who's going to want a 3year old pit mix, no matter how sweet she is. re-home? Yeah, right. But thanks for your insightful and thoughtful response.

Luv My boys...she is a very energetic and loving dog. She was raised with another dog and then given to us. We had a puppy for awhile and she was a completely different dog when she had her partner, but they ate our chickens and we gave away the newer puppy because of it. We've considered getting a small (non=chicken eating) dog to keep her happy, but I'm afraid of compounding the problem and after seeing a chihuahua chase a chicken the other day, I"m not sure that another small dog would be ok around my chickens.

I've considered a shock collar, but I'd have to be aware of her running out, and if I was always aware of that, I wouldn't need a shock collar. We could get an invisible fence, but we have a lot of concrete areas where she would be able to escape.

She likes to go places with us, but she gets carsick. We do take her with us when we can, though. We have an acre backyard, so we really don't walk her, but we do kick her soccerball for her a lot. I'm afraid that if I walk her around the neighborhood, it'll make her think to run farther when she escapes.

I think you're right though, there's something over there she wants. It might be their dogs, which for some reason don't ever leave their yards! She didn't run off when we had that puppy, come to think of it. We don't really roughhouse with her enough either. That's a good point.

[betsyj]

A shock collar won't help and will most likely make the situation worse. Most pet homes simply don't have the experience to use a shock collar correctly or fairly and often end up making a situaiton worse.

And walking her around the neighborhood won't make her run further away. Dogs do not exercise themselves in backyards. Walking her will only help your cause-she gets to spend quality connected time with her humans.

What kind of training have you done with her? What commands does she know? There are no miracle dog training tips-fixing ingrained behaviors take time and effort.

[chaoticzenmom]

Originally Posted by betsyj

It sounds like your dog is bored and if she is spending time in the garage (!!) or backyard alone she is most likely lonely and desperate for human interaction. Really, the dog isn't the problem here. Sounds like the humans in this equation can use some training and prevention tips.

A nine year old and a seven year old are old enough to have some responsibility around remembering to keep the door closed. Is it possible to set up a gate before the door? So a kid would have to open and close the gate then open the door.

Have her drag a leash so she is easier to catch when it does happen. Work on her recalls and commands so she is better trained.

But don't get angry at her. Think about how you want her to act or the behavior you want to modify, and then devise a family plan to help her learn to act that way.

I put her in the garage when I'm busy in the house and yard so that she doesn't escape, like if I have to keep the gate open, of if there are too many kids here to expect her to stay put...it's a huge garage, not an abusive situation, but you're right...a boring place to be. Not to worry, it's not often or for very long. We're always here though (SAHM, homeschooling) and most of the time, she has complete access to us.

Writing and reading this thread, I am seeing that it's the dog/dog interaction that she wants. Now, I have to figure out how to give that to her. When we visit a friend who has a dog, Fergie sleeps for the whole day afterwards because of all that rough play.

[chaoticzenmom]

Originally Posted by betsyj

A shock collar won't help and will most likely make the situation worse. Most pet homes simply don't have the experience to use a shock collar correctly or fairly and often end up making a situaiton worse.

And walking her around the neighborhood won't make her run further away. Dogs do not exercise themselves in backyards. Walking her will only help your cause-she gets to spend quality connected time with her humans.

What kind of training have you done with her? What commands does she know? There are no miracle dog training tips-fixing ingrained behaviors take time and effort.

She sits, stays, lays down, shakes. I don't think she's had any formal training but she only has 2 bad habits that I'd like trained out of her. She's too excited when people come to the door and this running off thing. She doesn't bark and if you're with her, paying attention, she doesn't run off. But the minute you turn your attention to something, she's off. That's why I can't do yard-work with her next to me.

[Ola_]

It sounds like she is not getting enough exercise and socialization - that's probably why she is so excited to interact with your neighbours. I would see if you can make it a family habit to go on some walks around the neighbourhood so she can get some new sights and smells - she is likely pretty bored.

[betsyj]

I would work on making coming back to you the best thing ever. So, I would work with her on a long line (a clothsline would work, any kind of light weight rope will do. I would stay away from nylon just because it can burn your fingers.) and simply practice her coming to you when you call. If she doesn't you can reel her in.

The thing with dogs and running is that running is fun so you need to override that. The longline will help her not be rewarded when she ignores you. When she comes to you really heap the praise and treats (or tug-something she LOVES) on her. Never ever punish her when she does come, even if during the training she gets loose and takes 15 minutes to come. EVERY time she comes back you when you call her must be met with ecstatic praise and show her how happy you are.

Here is a nice little guide about building a recall:

http://thrivingcanine.com/yahoo_site....229164336.pdf

That said you still need to understand that training will really help but management (for all the reasons you list) is still key.

[chaoticzenmom]

Originally Posted by betsyj

I would work on making coming back to you the best thing ever. So, I would work with her on a long line (a clothsline would work, any kind of light weight rope will do. I would stay away from nylon just because it can burn your fingers.) and simply practice her coming to you when you call. If she doesn't you can reel her in.

The thing with dogs and running is that running is fun so you need to override that. The longline will help her not be rewarded when she ignores you. When she comes to you really heap the praise and treats (or tug-something she LOVES) on her. Never ever punish her when she does come, even if during the training she gets loose and takes 15 minutes to come. EVERY time she comes back you when you call her must be met with ecstatic praise and show her how happy you are.

Here is a nice little guide about building a recall:

http://thrivingcanine.com/yahoo_site....229164336.pdf

That said you still need to understand that training will really help but management (for all the reasons you list) is still key.

Thanks, that's a good idea. I'll go get a clothesline tonight and try that. I do scold her when she comes back or when I go get her We'll walk her too and maybe just the break of habit will help her need to get out less. I really didn't think that walking would make such a difference since she has so much room in our backyard, but since everyone is suggesting it, It's definitely worth a try.

[mama_mojo]

Have you ever made her shadow you? You put a leash on her, and you keep her right by your side as you go about your day. When this is too inconvenient you crate her, or confine her. The idea is to make her see you as the one to come to.

Personally, as long as she's not spending the majority of her time locked up, I don't see a problem with the garage (which is what I gather from your posts).

For the door, if she is expected to be with you (which is work for her), then you'll know she's not running out the door. And, I second the person who said a walk or run (or two) daily will also help your situation. I like my dogs to bond to me and the people in our house, so I cannot respond to the idea that a second dog will help. I always wonder if the second dog will double the problems I'm already having; it's not like the first dog is going to raise and train the second dog for me.

[number572]

My dog gets absolutely crazy if he doesn't get at LEAST 1.5 miles of walking in addition to random (5 minutes or less) play sessions per day. I know that its hard to make that time, but its been a blessing for my own body as well... now I'm really grateful that my dog forced me to make that hour during the day for his walks - we go early in the a.m. or late in the evening.

It really does sound like its just too much pent up energy for him to handle and regular releases of that energy for him could solve your problems. If you can't walk him or have regular play sessions with him, can your kids do it? Or maybe hire a neighborhood teen who needs some xtra spending money to walk him? Are there any dog parks around your area? These are a lifesaver for my dog too, b'c as much as I work with him, I'm not a dog!! And he needs to run around with other dogs too.

hth! Coming up with a plan/schedule that works for your dog and your family may take some creative thinking but there really is no way for him to "learn" by shocking him or trying to train him out of this issue. Poor guy probably (from your description of his "misbehavior") needs to exercise & play every day.

I'm totally writing this with compassion, its just my btdt trial & error wisdom I'm sharing. Best luck!

[swd12422]

Originally Posted by Ola_

It sounds like she is not getting enough exercise and socialization - that's probably why she is so excited to interact with your neighbours. I would see if you can make it a family habit to go on some walks around the neighbourhood so she can get some new sights and smells - she is likely pretty bored.

Bingo. And your 9 and 7 year olds should be more involved in her care -- she'll love the attention of them brushing/grooming her (even if it's not totally necessary) and build a long walk or two into their daily schedule (since you homeschool, this shouldn't be a problem). The exercise will be good for them, and it will tire her out so she'll be less likely to bolt during the day.

The other benefit to getting your kids involved: If they feel more responsibility for her, they're more likely to get the connection between remembering to shut the door/gate and having to go retrieve her. And they'll be more likely to notice she's gone, too! So it won't all be on you.

[chaoticzenmom]

Thanks for so many tips. I got way more than I expected. I'm much less angry with her and I think we can figure this thing out thanks to you're advice. I did just take her for a walk and the kids were just as excited as the dog. We may just have a new fun thing to do. I've never been much of a walker.

As for getting her with other dogs, there are offleash dog parks around here, but with her not consistent in coming back and having a baby and small child, I can't risk taking her. I'll try that clotheline trick as well as some of the other ones on the link and see if I can get her to be more reliable in returning.

Thanks again. I knew I could count on the MDC crew.LOL
Lisa

[number572]

Oh that's so great!

Re: dog parks: Yeah, I can't let mine off the leash either (my other dog could go free, but this one's a runner!) so we have to take him only to dog parks that have the fenced in dog area. There may or may not be any of those in your area, but if there are, its a really cool thing to do. Its nice to be able to sit on a bench or whatever while the dog runs free with other dogs. Most of the dogs in the fenced parks near us are well behaved, but I always leave my dog's harness on just in case he needs to be grabbed quickly. Then he gets leashed again before we open the gate to leave. We're working daily on returning consistently, but he was living in a construction site when I found him, so he's used to doing his own thang or when he gets frightened by something he just bolts. Anyway, rambling here...

Thats awesome that your family has a new fun thing to do together!

[KimL]

i'm confused? How does she get out of your house? A window?

We have a god-awful basset hound that truly tries to bust out of the house at any oppertunity... she hasn't succeeded and she's stealth and good!
And cats do try to get out the door too and haven't. So, I am guessing she's leaving out a window? put in a screen.

[Sailor]

How much exercise is this dog getting? Pits are smart dogs, how much mental stimulation is she getting?

A dog that is bored or won't get enough exercise will absolutely find ways to amuse themselves - this can include escaping or other forms of mischief. The dog also won't tire herself out by playing with her own toys. Someone actually has to play witht he dog.

Also, a dog will NOT (sadly, lol) exercise themselves when alone. So, being alone in the backyard is not considered enough exercise for a dog. Someone actually needs to get out there and play fetch with the dog.

If you can't do long walks, I suggest doing two games (on hour each) of fetch: one in the mornings and one in the evenings. In between that, I would work on training. Not just basics, but more advanced. A dog that is mentally and physically tired will be a good dog.

I have a very high energy dog - a GSD. They are also considered escape artists. As long as my dog gets enough 1. exercise, 2. mental challenges in the form of training - he is the best behaved dog in the world.

[number572]

OP, I know you posted that you've already begun implementing walks, etc. Plus I wasn't sure if posting the following would seem like someone trying to put guilt onto you, b'c thats SO not it, just wanted to throw another's perspective into the pot. But, we had to let our beloved older dog be put down this past wknd & altho our lovely girl was taken everywhere that other humans would legally (& sometimes illegally!) let us take her with us, we found ourselves kicking ourselves for all of the "could have, should haves" over this past week. It was her time, but we can't help thinking about those times that we were working (work from home) and would tell her to "go lay down" b'c we felt like we were too busy, etc. When all she really wanted from us was five minutes for a very quick walk around the block or a quick fetch session in the yard. Ugh. Again, NOT writing this to spread guilt, but rather to reframe it for you (if you want to hear it) before Fergie's playful days are over. They live such short & ultra forgiving & loving little lives. Please ignore this if it makes you feel uncomfortable b'c its just my own situation & regretful feelings of all the little five minute moments that I didn't take advantage of while she was still here with us. I miss her so dearly. I'd walk a thousand miles to be able to take her out for one more play session, truth.

[mamallama]

I agree with the exercise and training recommendations--even though I'm sure it's not what you want to hear.

I have two high energy dogs (lab/gsd & rescue gsd,) and while they do play together in our big backyard, they still need regular walks and training sessions.

It does take up a lot of time--but my experience is that it is totally worth it. My situation is maybe different b/c I live on a busy road, but I could not deal with the anxiety of having my dog running loose on a regular basis!