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Pug runs away

20 10:52:43

Question
Hi Jessica,

I own a 4 y.o. girl pug. She is sweet and nice and obedient while inside the house. From a very young age, however, she used to run away on occasion, roam the backyards and then make her way home. She would not let us approach her or catch her. Eventually she comes back with guilty look and 'apologize'. This game is dangerous in urban place like we live.

Is there a way to teach her to stay close to us/home while not on a leash?

Thanks for help,
Yuri.

Answer
Hi Yuri.

Although this problem isn't irreversable, it's a shame you didn't teach her to stay put in the yard while she was younger, which is when most dogs learn that correct behavior. The only way to teach her not to do this that I can think of is to take her outside while on a long leash and if she starts to run away, punish her in a mild way, but bluntly. If she stays there, reward her with good attention or some kind of treat. Keep this up for a while, and also consistently, and hopefully she'll get it down and it will become habit. If this doesn't work, be sure to let me know and I'll look further into it.

Jessica

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