Running Away (door darting & yard escapes)

Let's talk about the dog who runs away. First, check the yard — fences have gaps, gates don't latch, dogs dig. Most running-away problems are fence problems before they are training problems.

Step one: the dog never goes outside the door without a leash on first. Leash on, then out. Off-leash freedom is earned, not given.

Step two: a place command before the door opens. Dog on place, you open the door, dog breaks place, door closes. Dog on place, door opens, dog holds, release word, walk out.

Step three: microchip and a current ID tag. Because if your dog does get out, your dog's going to simply die on the road. That is not a scare line.

That is a Chicago statistic. Step four: never chase. Chasing makes the dog run faster.

Walk the other way and call. Now, the deeper fix: a dog who runs the door is a dog who has not been taught that the door is yours, not his. Place command first, freedom second, always.

Now here's Steve's notes.