Advice needed on dogs wandering off.

[Raven]

I live in the woods. My two dogs have started wandering away into the woods and they stay away for an average of 3 hours. They eventually come back covered with muck...I think they found a swamp or a wetland. This has only been happening for a week or so but I want to nip it in the bud because hunting season is just around the corner. Does anyone know an effective way to discipline dogs for doing this?

[Nikia]

1. I don't let my dog out without my husband and I being out with him

Since we live on a corner with a fairly busy street where we live now, we usually don't have him out without a leash because he has a tendency to sometimes to wander into the street. We did adopt him at age 8 and he is now 13 so we never thought about putting effort into training him not to wander off if we weren't out with him.

[Raven]

3. Well, that's certainly one option.

Leash them both and don't let them out unsupervised. I may end up doing that especially during hunting season but I'd love to find another way to solve this problem.

[idgiehkt]

2. I don't think there is one

I suggest putting up a fence. If there are trappers in your area they could be in danger of getting caught in a leghold trap as well. Those electric underground "fences" people use aren't always effective and don't keep other animals out.

[China_cat]

4. The remote fences aren't effective at all

if there is something the dog really wants to get at (an animal to chase, a female in heat, etc). They'll take the hit to get out but won't to get back in.

I would suggest a fairly large kennel run for those times when you can't supervise.

[Omphaloskepsis]

5. You might want to invest in something like this....

if you can't come up with a solution before hunting season starts.

http://www.gundogsupply.com/men-canine-field-jacket-.html

[idgiehkt]

6. yeah they definitely won't want to be seen out in public wearing that.

That will keep them home all season.

:rofl: :hi:

Just kidding...I do think alot of hunters shoot loose dogs just because they run deer, I know they did when I was growing up in Virginia, so those orange blaze is a good idea if a hunter isn't out to shoot them intentionally. But it still doesn't protect them from trappers.

[skygazer]

7. Invest in a long chain

My dogs were always very good about sticking around but even so, I used a chain when I wasn't out with them. Safer for them, better for me.

[xchrom]

8. they really do need to be restrained -- either with a fence

or a long chain.

it's just too much temptation to ask your babies to stay home when there are those wonderful woods right there.

remember -- your babies know they aren't bad -- and they just want to have fun.

so please -- for their sake restrain them.

[dropkickpa]

9. Dog aerial troley system

Run a line between two well anchored poles and have their tie-outs attached to that. They get a little more freedom of movement, but they are still restrained to where you want to allow them to go. Other than that, fence or anchored tie out would be your best bet. When they are out of your sight, no matter how well trained, temptation can get the best of them.



http://www.unchainyourdog.org/Trolley.htm

[hatredisnotavalue]

10. My two cents

In the 20 some years we have lived in the country, we have never tied up the dogs. But then again, we have never had more than one dog at one time and we have never had a problem with them taking off. I think your little devils feel empowered in numbers. Let them both out in the morning to do their business and then have them come back into the house. Then, let one out and when he comes back, get him in the house and then let the other one out. I bet neither one will go farther than earshot if they are by themselves in the 'wild".:) I bet when they know that they can't go out together, they will forget about their wayward wants and stick closer to home.

[undeterred]

11. If I were a dog I would definitely go out for as long as I felt like it

if left to my own devices. I don't live near woods but I drive to a wooded area and walk my dog there off leash for about an hour almost every day. He loves it. A friend of mine who also goes there had his beagle run away for 2 weeks - and thats where he found it. After that experience the dog did not run away again. He was a few pounds lighter and a bit of a mess.

Go with the dogs to exercise them and train them to come when called.