Train Your Dog from Running out of Your House

Having a dog that escapes from the house can be very dangerous. This is how to train your dog from running out of your house.

Steps

 * 1) Neuter! Most of the time, dogs escape from the house is because they aren't neutered (attracted to female dogs - which is a good reason to spay if you have a female dog). neutering isn't very expensive and is very safe.
 * 2) Exercise. A tired dog is less likely to escape the house. Make sure you exercise your dog every day. It doesn't matter if you have a small dog or a big dog, just make sure you walk it or have a small game of frisbee.
 * 3) Training. Good training is essential. Additionally, if you made friends with your dog, your dog will less likely to roam. Training doesn't mean going to obedience classes (although you can), it means teaching your dog basic commands such as "sit" "down" "stay" and "come.
 * 4) Fencing. If your dog does run out of your house, the best way to prevent roaming is to fence your backyard. a smaller fence for a small dog and a higher fence for a big dog. Note that big dogs can jump very high, so twice the size may not be enough.
 * 5) Get an empty 3 lb coffee can and put a few pennys or small rocks inside then put the lid on. When you open the front door and he/she starts to bolt shake the can. Try not to let the dog see that it's you making the noise. The noise will most likely startle the dog and he/she will stop running. Doing this several times should keep the dog from trying to run out the door.
 * 6) Teach your dog respect for the door. Put him on leash and put him into a sit/stay. Hold onto the leash. Open the door. If he runs out, say "uh-oh" and bring him back inside and close the door. Repeat this as many times as necessary. It will be have to be repeated many, many times the first time. When he does not bolt, walk outside, holding the leash, and tell him to come outside. If he runs out before you give permission, 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 to go out of it.

Tips

 * If making a fence, it would be a good idea to make it lower than the ground - since dogs will dig.
 * If your dog is a 'digger'- buy wire fencing and bend it along the edge of the fence. Grass will grow over it in no time and the dog can't dig through.
 * Training your dog to follow you through a door or passage is necessary and beneficial for your dog's mental health. He or she needs a leader. This will also prevent your dog from bolting or "gate crashing".
 * Consider a wireless hidden fence. Hidden fencing has been around for more than 25 years and success rates are over 99%, which indicates that this technology works for most pets.

Warnings

 * Don't over-exercise your dog! If your dog gets tired (or you) it's good to take a break.
 * Electric fences may keep your dog inside but it doesn't keep other animals out. Your dog can't escape if attacked.  (Of course, if an animal gets into your fenced yard, he won't be able to escape either.)

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to House Train Your Dog
 * How to Be a Good Dog Owner
 * How to Approach a Shy or Fearful Dog
 * How to Adopt a Puppy