running away

[Connemmara]

Well have had Harv nearly 6 years and when the front door opens he wants to run away (maybe from me) he has got out so much that I am nearly 59 I cant run after him anymore. However I have found him stuck between bars, behind gates etc etc. The chance is that he also could cause an accident and indeed be killed himself.

I live on my own but if the front door is accidentally opened by a friend he is away like a hare. Wont come back - I actually have to go to him with a ball and bounce it and him back. Any help or tips cos time could run out on him. Thanks for any answers.!!

[lankeela]

Sorry but I am amazed you have put up with this for 6 years. Not only could he be killed but as you say he could cause an accident and kill someone, for which you would be liable. Hope you have got good insurance.
Can you not put a stairgate in a doorway between where he is and the front door? Or confine him to the kitchen or other room where he cannot get to the front door? Or put a notice on the door reminding people to not leave the door open in case the dog gets out. Yiu could try training him to lie down on command (always a useful exercise for any dog) but after six years I think this might take a while to be able to rely on it.

[Connemmara]

you are right lankeela - it has been going on for 6 years coming in March. I got him from dog home and they said he was a stray so he has been a runaway even from then. I have insurance on him but definitely would not like him to cause an accident - no I cannot put a stairgate as my front door is in the main hall. He refuses to come back - the other night I had to start up the car and he thought I was going somewhere without him then he jumped into the back of the car - I think it is too late for me and him.

[ruthann58]

lock your front door not just for you dogs sake but your own anyone could walk in

[Dee Sa]

one of my shar peis Taz is like that, I put a sign on the gate PLEASE SHUT , so hopefully he can only get as far as my small front garden and then I went to Argos and bought a childs stair gate,very easy to install, put that across the living room door and if there is a knock or someone wants to leave we put the dogs inside the gate and shut it, dogs can still see whats going on but are safe. I too got fed up of running down the street in pursuit and I am a lot older too.
GOOD LUCK ITS WORKS
Dee