| Why Does My Dog Escape or Try To?
Generally for several reasons. Genetic Predisposition which we see in breeds such as the Siberian Husky, Border Collies, Cattle Dogs, Setters (Irish, English & Gordon), Pointers - these dogs have the genetic drive and high level energy to work. Sex Drive, testosterone drives intact males to seek out females in heat. It has been proven that neutered (altered)males have less of a desire to roam or escape than intact males. It is also a fact that intact females when in heat will attempt (many times successfully) to escape in order to mate with a neighborhood male. If your female is in heat, keep her well contained. Boredom is generally caused by a lack of exercise, coupled with nothing to do. Exercise, preferabley daily, or at least every other day and perhaps another dog may help alleviate this concern. Neighborhood Distractions such as other dogs, cats, particularly those who like to walk on top of a fence and taunt the dog, friendly children, delivery trucks, etc. Basic obedience training can help eliminate the desire to mingle outside their territory.
Why Does My Dog Become Stressed?
One cause is isolation. As pack animals and hunters, dogs have an uncommon genetic predisposition to be part of a "pack." The pack may be other dogs in the household, other animals and/or the family itself. Separation from the pack, particularly when there are no other animals in the household isolates the dog and causes an unnatural feeling. They feel most comfortable when surrounded by their pack. Not only loneliness, but the lack of stimulation, which is normally found in various types of exercise, can lead to anxiety and destruction. So what to do? Utilize attention to reward good behavior. Let your dog have quiet time throughout the day either in their crate, doggy bed or favorite corner. When coming home or leaving, don't make a big deal of it. If you're calm, they will learn to be calm. Exercise, exercise, exercise. Stimulation, particularly if it is fun goes a long way towards relieving boredom. If you are going to be gone for long periods of time during the day (6+ hours) consider coming home during lunch time (if possible), enroll the dog in a day care center, have a dog walker/sitter exercise the dog or board the dog during the daytime.
PLAY TIME
Dogs learn and perfect behavior through fun play activities. They learn body language and how it relates to pack dynamics. The pack is the family unit as well as other dogs in the household. Play helps strengthen your relationship with you dog and encourages good behavior. Since play is a physical activity it stimulates your dog emotionally as well as physically. The end result is a dog that is less likely to engage in destructive behavior. Any kind of play is rewarding for both you and your dog.
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