Obedience and training for the dog that runs away

WARNING any new dog or dog you're newly interacting (babysitting) with should ALWAYS be on a leash. Even if the owners have the dogs trained off leash, until you know it's safe for you, always have a leash. Every dog/human relationship can be different

A dog may run away because of the following some or all of the below:

1. They came from an abusive home
2. They were wild and didn't have much human interaction 
3. They have NO idea who you are and have no reason to trust you
4. They have been captured before and had bad experience
5. They think you're chasing them (that's SO frustrating...when they think it's fun)

Sully, ran off too quick and
found thank goodness.
Look at that face

When they come back to you, NEVER scold them, ONLY  encourage and shower them with treats or hugs because  yelling at them at this point won't teach them anything but  being scared for coming back. (That's probably why they run away to begin with)

Preventative steps:

1. FENCES don't always hold dogs. Unless you have a 6 foot fence, they WILL scale it and get away, especially with a running start momentum outside (above is our 9 lb foster Riesling who scaled a gate we thought was impossible!!)
2. Know where your dog is AT ALL TIMES (even going from kitchen to living room) Especially room near the door of your home
3. Always have a dog tag with your phone number for people to call
4. Martingale collars (they work wonderfully to tighten up when dogs pull on leashes so they don't slip away)
• Please be VERY careful with martingale collars, there's the adjuster and the clip, make sure those are smoothed out after placement and you can fit TWO fingers between collar and dogs neck.

• 

  This is a TRUE martingale. There are ones with buckles which are fine, but if you have a dog (large dog) who is very fearful, these are the best options 
  
  

  Dazzber Martingale Collar Nylon Dog Collar No Pull Pet Collar Heavy Duty for Medium and Large Dogs, Adjustable 17 Inch to 25 Inch, Turquoise Green

5. Always make sure main doors are shut (WATCH those screen doors! One pounce and it's goodbye pooch.
6. Always leash the dog when the door is still closed
7. NEVER underestimate the speed and sneakiness of the dog (they will ALWAYS be faster than you)
8. Teach against impulse ... even with the leash on, pause a moment when the door is open before walking out so they learn they don't need to bolt to get outside
9. Teaching the "come" command.  
10. Lots of positive reinforcement for short or long distance returns when they come back

What to do when they run away:

1. If there is a favorite something (treat, toy, car ride) bring it and try to let him or her see it
2. If there was a previous method that worked try it first (let's face it, it may not be the first or the last time)
3. If your dog likes car rides, try opening up the car door in the garage or wherever it's parked, they MAY jump in. IF the dog has already run off, drive the car SLOWLY, SLOWLY and see if he'll jump in. (Always watch traffic and don't drive toward a busier area for BOTH your sake)
4. CALM DOWN, don't ever run up and attack the dog, that has NEVER worked. Even you'd be scared.
5. Slowly walk toward, get LOW to the ground in a squat (welcoming and inviting), lightly clapping hands with "come here"
6. ALWAYS have a happy high pitched encouraging tone, no yelling. "Good boy/girl", "let's go home", "come here" whatever makes them happy
7. GRAB a pair of comfy slip on shoes, it may be a long haul, GRAB a jacket if it's fall or winter (jammies are never warm at night)
8. If there is a 2nd person, try to get them into yards or spaces with fence or corners so you can flank the dog
9. I've heard this or read this....run the opposite direction for dogs that like to chase (this has never worked for me....but hey whatever works right?)
10. If they've TRULY gotten away --- call the local police NON emergency line, animal control, notify neighbors friends, post on facebook if you have an account