All dogs deserve access to a yard for exercise and play, but there are is always a concern with dogs that are prone to wandering and escapology. Without good training and strong boundaries, these independently-minded animals may look for a way out of the yard. An escaped dog is a concern for owners, neighbours and road users. It is vital that the desire to wander is kept under control for the safety of the dog. The question is, how to do so. Here are 5 important considerations when working to keep your dog from running away.

1) Understand the reasons behind their desire to wander from the home.

You have to consider what it is that is making the dog want to leave the yard. For some there are breed traits and instincts. However, other psychological and biological influences may be at work here. Is separation anxiety causing your dog to seek your company and find you? Are they unhappy with the home environment? Are hormones telling them to find a female? There is a lot to uncover here that can help you understand your dog a little better.

2) Work to decrease that desire to stray and deal with those issues.

Once you know why your dog strays and escapes the home, it is time to fix the issue. If the dog is dealing with a case of separation anxiety, it might be a good idea to decrease the time you spend away from them or bring in a dogsitter. If they are unhappy in the yard, make it more appealing with toys and comfort items to make them want to stay. If they are straying to find a mate, consider getting them neutered.

3) Build a better boundary.

A strong fence is a must in any yard to keep your dog from running away. Remember that it needs to be strong enough that tough breeds won’t break through, tall enough that athletic breeds can’t jump and deep enough to foil keen diggers. At the same time, work on securing gates and other entry points. A fence that blocks out the world beyond hides any temptations for curious pups.

4) Consider a wireless fence if physical ones won't work.

The problem with these fences is that they may get a little large and unsightly. You don’t want your neighbours complaining about the eyesore around your property, especially if it affects their boundary or doesn’t meet planning rules. The solution here could be a wireless fence. Wireless fences are electronic devices with an invisible perimeter and a shock collar. The dog is warned when it strays too far and soon learns its lesson. There are many different products with various features and benefits. Some of the best wireless dog fences can be seen at The Pet God for a closer comparison.

5) Work on training your dog from an early age.

Finally, never overlook some strong training regimes to keep your dog from running away. Dog training is about much more than basic obedience and house training. Any adverse behaviour pattern needs to be corrected for the well-being of the dog. Issues with boundaries can be controlled with time and training, which is where those collars work with the wireless fences. Training on separation anxiety and independent streaks can decrease the desire to wander.