When a dog likes to roam

People often think this only happens when you spend too little time with your dog and he consequently feels under-challenged. His trusted person becomes uninteresting to him, and so he seeks his fortune elsewhere. But that is not always true, because some dogs are simply insatiable. You play with him, go for long and frequent walks, devote yourself to his training, and plenty goes on at home too. And yet: the moment the dog sees an open door, he is off. Often it is hyperactive dogs that chase after every adventure. In such cases, often the only thing that really helps is an escape-proof fence and a watchful eye. From our daily practice we know that sometimes the vet can prescribe a remedy, or a specialist in animal naturopathy can help with Bach flowers.

In love or frustrated

There are also roamers who go to visit a lady dog or are egged on to roam by a pal. But it can also be the other way round: another dog frustrates him so much that he makes a run for it. For example, when the dog has been an only prince for years and suddenly another dog moves in. Perhaps this happens only as a foster dog, because someone is away on holiday. This newcomer now draws all of your attention as well. Whereupon our only prince slips away and roams about. That is, of course, not good, because this dog is sad and disappointed. But it does not mean that the bond with you has been lost.

• Securing the property with a sturdy fence
• Special attention when there are changes in the pack
• Taking the animal's individual history into account
• Targeted stimulation and bonding work in everyday life

Dogs need attention

If you once again spend plenty of time with the disappointed dog, he will become his old self again. The whole thing sorts itself out once the guest heads back home. For 13 years I had a lovable mongrel. Then my son brought home a puppy that was very lively. Our dog never got over it; he even lost his house-training and started to roam as well. In the course of this he was run over on the road shortly afterwards. For me that was a very sad experience, which showed me how sensitively dogs react to changes.

Often they roam out of pure habit

There are, of course, also dogs with a roaming past, such as those from overseas animal rescue. They often lived on the street for years, and for them roaming is simply completely normal. However well you get on with the new owner, the roaming is just something they miss. A habit like that cannot be shed so easily. Targeted training can indeed bring improvement, but there is no guarantee of it.