Roaming is a dog walkabout, an unsupervised trot around the neighborhood off the leash. It's a natural instinct in a dog perhaps harkening back to wolf roots when the pack roamed the woods and countryside for their next meal. In modern times and with our domesticated furry friends, roaming may stem from other reasons though certainly being on the prowl for a tasty morsel is still high on the list of priorities.

Boredom is one reason a dog may leave his confines or separation anxiety; looking for a mate, chasing another dog or animal, escaping loud noises such as thunderstorms, a predatory drive, lack of obedience training, isolation, escaping mistreatment, and an easy out or easy escape are all great reasons for a dog to take to the streets. But Ashford, you think, is a wonderful pooch and would never hurt a soul. Surely some good clean air is all right and he won't bother anyone. This may be so but it is highly unlikely that sweet Ashford is the Dog of Steel and will win out over a vehicle in a game of chicken. That is to say that while Ashford might be the nicest pup ever, a car can still hit him. Out of the million or so dogs a year struck and injured or killed by vehicles, the majority of them are roamers with loving families who may never know why their dear fuzzy pal did not come home.

The Cautionary Tale
On top of the possible hit-and-run of your dog, there are plenty of other unhappy things that can happen in the relative safety of the neighborhood. A single roving canine can cause all kinds of havoc by chasing, maiming or killing livestock or smaller domestic pets. Some areas allow for such dogs to be shot and killed on property. Ashford can tear into a neighbor's garbage and not only make a very large mess but also get into toxic substances or hurt himself on broken glass or perhaps an old razor. Small chicken bones or other objects can get lodged in Ashford's throat, ferreted out from the rubbish, seriously injuring or even killing your pet. He can urinate on and ruin other peoples' property, shred newspapers, frighten children and adults, attack other dogs and, if there is a hunter in the area, Ashford could steal kills like geese or deer parts that are left out for cleaning.

One of the greatest threats that springs from roaming dogs is their tendency to form packs. What one good dog will not do alone, he may do in the company of other stronger dogs. Roaming packs are a genuine threat to people and small pets, including other dogs and especially children. Being at eye-level with a dog is very dangerous for any child who can inadvertently challenge a canine and end up getting attacked. Dozens of children and adults each year are mauled by aggressive roaming dogs and some are even killed. These dogs, when caught by authorities, will have no other fate than to be euthanized. In addition to such possible aggressive behavior, Ashford might bring home worms, ticks, mange, fleas, rabies and other very undesirable diseases some of which can pass to humans.

Even if he behaves, Ashford is in danger and not just from the threat of fast-moving vehicles. There are some wicked people in the world and it is definitely not unheard of for dogs to be stolen off the streets and used for nefarious purposes like illegal dog fighting, either turned into a fighter or used as practice for one. Some people like to harm animals for fun and there is always the possibility that sweetly dispositioned Ashford will succumb to a tempting treat and become the object of inhumane treatment. Coyotes, wolves, porcupines, raccoons, badgers, and venomous snakes are all known to attack on occasion through hunger or self-preservation leaving domesticated Ashford to fend for himself.

Animal control authorities may also be alerted to Ashford's roving ways where they will come out to collect him, leaving you with hefty fines to pay if you ever want to see your furry friend again. If unclaimed, Ashford will be euthanized. Perhaps the saddest part of all is that all of these terrible events are completely avoidable. The best thing your neighbor may ever do for you regarding your dog is call you and let you know Ashford is on the loose so you can claim him before anything else does. Thank this neighbor and make sure the family dog is secured behind proper fencing and has interesting toys to keep him occupied in those moments you are not with him.

Roaming Prevention
There are several ways to prevent roaming including a solid fence that Ashford can't get over or under and lots of attention and stimulation. Play with your dog regularly but not always in the same way and try working on such things that stimulate the brain such as balance exercises, climbing over patio furniture, playing hide and seek with treats, or just teaching a new trick. Encourage Ashford to run back and forth by using either a ball, Frisbee, or just two members of his human pack calling him, praising him with petting for a few seconds, then calling him back.

It is mostly male dogs that roam and that is for reasons of territory and females. It has been estimated that ninety percent of all male dogs stop roving when neutered and no longer slave to the reproductive drive. It is something to consider for Ashford's sake.