Running away!

Question
I have a male beagle.  His is a fixed.  He is 1 year and 2 months old.  I bought him from the breeder when he was about 6 weeks old.  His name is Erwin.  We have another 5 month old beagle we got to try to keep him in the fence...not helping.  When I first got him, I lived in an apartment.  I didn't think this was fair so I sent him to live with my in-laws out in the country for a few months.  I got him back the beginning of January when we moved into a house with a fenced backyard.  He gotten out probably 10 times.  One time, he was gone for 3 days.  We put up an electric fence (just one from Petco that attaches to your fence.  This has seemed to help.  He has gotten out 2 times sense then (both times, it was raining...don't know if that has anything to do with it.)  Why is he running away and how can we get him to stay in the yard?  p.s. he is a jumper-not a digger.

Answer
Dear Sydnie,
Thanks for the question. Dogs escape for several reasons. In most cases, they are bored and want to go out and play. Some dogs escape because they are anxious when they are left alone, others escape when it storms because they are afraid of storms. If your pup is fearful of storms, then she is trying to get away from the storm, not knowing that the storm is everywhere!

Helping dogs with thunderstorm phobia is a complex task. Visit http://www.starfire-rapport.com for information.

IF he is escaping from boredom, then your task will be equally as difficult. Basically you'll need to give him something to do- food dispensing toys are usually a good tool for this. In addition, you could hide food treats (or his meal) in many areas around your backyard. That way he'll spend his energy and time hunting for food.

Good Luck.

AT
http://www.howsbentley.com