My Boxer ran away

Question
I have a 4 yr old Boxer who got out from the backyard.  He has almost been gone 48 hours.  He has never ran away like this before.  He did however used to run off when we used to take him walking and he was much younger but we always found him within a couple of hours, this only happened maybe twice. We live in an area that has lots of fields.  There are cows, sheep and in some cases coyotes and wolves.  I am scared that he could get hurt. He is a sweet dog but will not go wih just anybody so I am also afraid that if someone approaches him he'll run off and never be caught.  We have lived in the same city for 5 years but just moved to a new house 3 months ago, will he remember his way back home? Do Boxers have that instinct? I have went to the old house numerous times but no luck. The family misses him so much but I can't help but feel hopeful that we will find him or he will find his way home.  Am I in denial?  Please help.

Answer
First, I have to chastise you for allowing him or any dog to run loose regardless of how many acres you have and fields.

Dogs love freedom-- and are curious, to the point of getting into danger.

It is irresponsible of pet owners to allow their dogs to run loose, or be loose, or get loose, just as it would be a parent to allow a little child to be loose or able to get loose out of supervision.

I told you I would chastise you.

Now, see what happened? He is gone. He might be dead-- it is a possibility.

You said there are wolves and coyotes-- he could have been confronted by one, and being a Boxer and lovable and curious, did not run away from them, and if getting into a fight with one or a pack-- he will loose. They are wild and know how to survive and prey on other animals and perceive other animals as a threat too.

That is one possibility.

Another is bitten by a snake and running only advanced the poison, until death.

Another possibility is someone found him and stole him... or hit by a car. Who knows?

There are plenty of awful scenarios and this is why your pets (dogs) should always be contained in a fenced yard at all times. For their own safety and protection.

Yes, he can find his way back home- and the new home, although he could go to his old home where he was raised or lived so long. It is security to him. Either way-- he knows how to get back- all dogs do-- it has nothing to do with the breed.

Are you not familiar with the Boxer breed?

Also, un-neutered male dogs can smell a female in heat up to approximately 3 miles away.  If he has not been neutered, he could have followed a female scent miles away. Males will instinctively go to the females in heat- just as a female will breed every heat. Their instinct is to reproduce-- twice a year.


All you can do is put up posters with his picture and name and your phone number, and as much information as possible, and hope someone saw him or found him and will call.

Call your local shelters, city animal control agency, etc.

Also, if you get him back-- take him to your vet and get him microchipped. It cost $25. Be sure your contact ownership information is accurate and current-- and keep it current in case he gets lost again and is found. All vets and animal control, shelters, etc. scan for microchips. This is "if" he turns or you find him.

I cannot scold you enough. But, maybe you are suffering enough and learned a lesson-- I feel sorrier for him.

Continue to look everywhere- call everywhere- put up and hand out posters everywhere.