Can One Missed Walk Be the Start of a Runaway?
Every pet parent's worst nightmare is having their beloved pet run away from home. But there are reasons why pets leave, and if you are on alert for the warning signs, you could prevent this from happening.
Reviewed by Dr. Arielle Walton
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STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- A dog’s disappearance can happen in seconds — whether through curiosity, fear, or instinct, understanding the “why” behind their escape is crucial to preventing a heartbreaking runaway
- Dogs don’t run away because they don’t love you — they’re reacting to triggers like noise, boredom, or their natural prey drive, especially in active and hunting breeds
- One missed walk or day of boredom can push a restless dog to explore. Mental and physical stimulation is essential for keeping your dog happy and safe at home
- Warning signs like pacing, scratching, and door-watching signal that your dog may be planning a getaway, and catching these behaviors early gives you a chance to intervene in time
- Prevention is possible with training, secure fencing, enrichment, and anxiety management. You can turn a potential runaway into a loyal homebody with thoughtful care
It’s one of the scariest moments for any pet parent. One second, your dog is by your side. The next, they’re gone — through the door, under the fence, or into the woods. If this has happened to you, you're not alone. Every year, countless dogs escape, and many end up far from home.
But why do dogs run away? And more importantly, how can you stop it from happening again?
Why Dogs Run Away — It’s Not Because They Don’t Love You
It’s easy to take it personally when your dog runs off. But here’s the truth — your dog isn’t leaving because they don’t love you. They’re reacting to their surroundings or following natural instincts.
For example, many pets go missing during Fourth of July celebrations. It’s not that they want to run away; they simply cannot tolerate their surroundings because of all the noise and excitement, especially the fireworks. Here are more common reasons why dogs run away:1
- Curiosity and the need to explore — Dogs are naturally curious and love new sights, smells, and sounds. For many dogs, especially young or high-energy breeds, the world outside the yard is too tempting to resist. If your dog sees an open gate or hears something interesting beyond the fence, they might follow it. It’s not disobedience; it’s instinct.
Some breeds are more driven to explore than others. Huskies, Beagles, Terriers, Greyhounds, and Border Collies are known escape artists. These dogs were bred to work or hunt, so they’re wired for action, exploration, and problem-solving.2,3 - Dogs love to chase — Whether it’s a squirrel, a bird, or even another dog, some pups just can’t help themselves. This "prey drive" is powerful in hunting breeds like Hounds and Terriers.4 The trouble is that they often don’t stop once they start chasing. That intense focus blocks everything else, including your voice calling them back.
- Fear and anxiety — As mentioned, loud noises like fireworks, thunder, or even a backfiring car can send them into a panic. When that happens, they run — not because they want to leave you, but because their body tells them to escape the danger.
Dogs with separation anxiety may also run away in search of you. If your dog gets nervous when you're not home, they might try to find you — even if it means running out the door or digging under the fence. - Boredom and lack of stimulation — Dogs need more than food and shelter. They need play, exercise, as well as mental challenges. When they don’t get enough activity, they might escape to find their own fun.
Think of it this way — if you were stuck inside all day with nothing to do, wouldn’t you look for a way out? Dogs feel the same. Just one missed walk, especially if it’s part of their daily routine, may lead them to become restless and wander off. Puzzle toys, scent games, and long walks are all great ways to keep your dog engaged and less likely to escape. - Mating instincts — If your dog hasn’t been spayed or neutered, they might try to escape to find a mate. The scent of another dog can be overwhelming, especially for males. Even well-trained dogs may break free when nature calls.5
- Health or cognitive issues — Older dogs sometimes get confused or disoriented. Conditions like doggy dementia or hearing loss can lead them to wander unintentionally. They may simply forget where they are or where they’re going. If your senior dog has started to pace, stare off, or act lost in familiar places, it’s worth talking to your vet.
- Reinforced behavior — If your dog ran away once and had a great time during their escape, they might think of it as a reward. Without any consequences, they may try doing it again.
Is Your Dog Planning an Escape? Watch Out for These Warning Signs
Your dog might not have left yet, but they could already be thinking about it. There are certain behaviors you must be wary of — below are some examples. If you notice them, act fast so your dog will be safe and secure.6
- Scratching at doors or windows
- Pacing near exits
- Digging at the fence
- Whining or barking when alone
- Watch the door closely when you open it
These behaviors can be clues that your dog feels stressed, bored, or overstimulated. Catching the signs early can help you prevent a getaway.
How to Keep Your Dog Safe and Sound
Now that you understand why dogs run away, let’s discuss how to stop it. The good news is that most escape behaviors can be prevented with a mix of smart planning, training, and daily care.7
- Secure your home — Your yard is your dog’s kingdom, but only if it’s secure. Check your fence regularly and fix any holes or loose spots. If needed, use gates inside to create safe zones. Place latches and locks out of your small children’s reach and away from clever paws.
- Microchip and tag your dog — A microchip is a tiny device, about the size of a grain of rice, placed under your dog’s skin. If your dog gets lost and taken to a vet or shelter, they can scan the chip and call you. If microchipping is not an option, ensure your dog always wears a collar with an up-to-date ID tag (including your address and/or contact number).
- Train, train, train — Training isn’t just for tricks — it’s your dog’s safety net. Practice recall ("come") with rewards, and teach your dog to wait at doors. You should also use positive reinforcement, such as giving treats and toys, and praising them. Even a few minutes of training a day can make a big difference in how well your dog listens in a high-stress moment.
- Provide daily enrichment — A busy dog is a happy dog; a bored dog will be more restless and eager to break free. Go on sniff walks, use food puzzles or treat-dispensing toys, or let them try agility or scent classes. Exercise them mentally by teaching them new tricks.
- Consider calming aids — For dogs who run due to anxiety, calming tools can help. These helpful remedies will help ease their stress:
- CBD chews or calming treats (check with your vet first)
- Anxiety wraps like Thundershirts
- Soothing background noise or white noise machines
- Keeping a routine
If your dog has severe anxiety, talk to your vet about medications or professional behavior help.
It’s Up to You to Keep Your Dog Safe
Dogs don’t run away because they’re bad. They run because they’re curious, scared, or excited. The good news is, you don’t have to live in fear of it happening again.
By understanding your dog’s needs — and providing them with training, attention, and safety — you can build trust and keep your pup safe at home, with you.
