A Whippet may run away from home and it can be an incredibly distressing experience for owners.
We outline the underlying causes behind your Whippet’s tendency to run away, while also providing effective strategies to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
Do Whippets tend to run away?
Whippets, like any other dog breed, can show a tendency to run away, although it is not necessarily a breed-specific trait. The likelihood of a Whippet running away can vary from dog to dog based on individual personality, training, socialization, and environmental factors. Some Whippets may have a higher propensity to run away, while others may show little to no inclination.
Why do Whippets run away?
There are various factors that could influence your Whippet to escape, based upon their specific circumstances which include wanting to mate, curiosity, lack of exercise, boredom, fear, and lack of socialization.
Common reasons why Whippets run away
A need to mate
Non-neutered male Whippets may be motivated to run away in search of a mate during the breeding season.
Male dogs have a strong instinctual drive to find a female in heat and reproduce. This drive is influenced by the release of hormones like testosterone, which can greatly impact their behavior and motivations.
When a female dog in the area is in heat, male Whippets may experience increased levels of testosterone, triggering a surge of mating-related behaviors.
The scent of a receptive female can carry over long distances, motivating male Whippets to go to great lengths in their attempts to find her.
These behaviors can include restlessness, increased barking, marking territory with urine, and attempts to escape from their usual environment.
The powerful reproductive instinct in a male dog can cause them to be single-minded in their pursuit of a mate, potentially overriding their training and obedience.
They may become hyper-focused on locating a female dog, even if it means jumping over fences, digging under gates, or slipping out of doors.
Curiosity
Curiosity is a common trait among dogs, including Whippets. They are naturally inquisitive animals and may be driven by a strong desire to explore their surroundings in search of new sights, smells, or experiences.
This curiosity can sometimes lead them to wander away and potentially run away.
Lack of exercise
A lack of exercise can contribute to a Whippet’s tendency to run away. Whippets are a large and moderately energetic breed that requires regular exercise to stay physically and mentally stimulated.
If they do not receive enough exercise, they may become restless and attempt to escape their environment in search of stimulation due to pent-up energy, and boredom.
Boredom
Boredom is a major factor in a Whippet’s inclination to run away. Whippets are intelligent and active dogs that require mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom.
When they are left without appropriate outlets for their energy and mental needs, they may engage in behaviors, such as running away, to seek stimulation and alleviate their boredom.
Related: Whippet digging: Causes and what to do about it
Fear or anxiety
Whippets, despite their size, can be sensitive creatures and may develop fears or anxieties that cause them to run away.
Loud noises, unfamiliar environments, separation anxiety, stressful situations, fear due to specific objects, animals, or situations due to negative experiences, or lack of socialization can trigger their flight response.
Related: Why is my Whippet so clingy? Here’s why and how to help
Lack of socialization
Proper socialization is important for all dogs, including Whippets. Socialization is the process of exposing a dog to a wide variety of people, animals, environments, and situations during their early development stages.
It helps them develop confidence, adaptability, and positive associations with the world around them.
When a Whippet lacks proper socialization, it can lead to fear, anxiety, or a lack of familiarity with their surroundings, which may increase the likelihood of them running away.
Can you get in trouble if your Whippet runs away
Yes, you can get in trouble if your dog runs away depending on the specific laws and regulations regarding dog ownership in your State. These laws include:
- Leash laws: Many States in the United States have leash laws that require dogs to be under control and on a leash when in public places. Violating leash laws could result in fines or other penalties. If your dog runs away while off-leash in an area where leashes are required, you may be held responsible for any associated legal consequences.
- Dog-at-large laws: Some jurisdictions have laws specifically addressing dogs that are “at large,” meaning they are off the owner’s property without being properly contained or restrained. In such cases, if your dog runs away and is found roaming freely, you may be subject to penalties or fines.
- Damage or injury caused by your dog: If your dog runs away and causes damage to property or injures someone, you may be held liable for any resulting damages or injuries. This could include financial responsibility for property repairs, medical expenses, or legal fees if the affected party decides to take legal action.
- Negligence or failure to control your dog: In certain situations, you might be held responsible for your dog running away if it is determined that you were negligent or failed to properly control or secure your dog. This can vary depending on the specific circumstances, local laws, and the determination of the authorities or a court.
It is important to be a responsible dog owner and take appropriate measures to prevent your dog from running away, and ensure compliance with local laws.
This typically involves properly containing your dog within your property, using leashes when required, and providing adequate supervision to prevent escape attempts.
If you are unsure about the laws and regulations in your area, consult with your local authorities or lawyer to clarify your rights and responsibilities as a dog owner.
What to do if your dog runs away
If your dog runs away, it can be a distressing and concerning situation. Here are steps you can take to increase the chances of finding and safely bringing your dog back:
Stay calm
While it’s natural to feel worried and anxious, it’s important to stay calm. Panicking or displaying frantic behavior can make it more difficult to think clearly and take effective action.
Locate them using their pet tracker
If your dog has a GPS pet tracker on their collar, it can be an invaluable tool in locating them if they run away. This significantly increases your chances of quickly locating your dog.
It provides you with real-time information, helps you track their movements, and guides your search efforts based on their current or past locations.
GPS pet trackers typically have a location history feature, which records the past locations of your dog. This can be helpful in understanding their patterns, identifying common areas they visit, or determining the direction they may be heading.
Search the immediate area
Start by searching your neighborhood, nearby streets, and any familiar places your dog may have been drawn to in the past.
Call out your dog’s name and use a calm, reassuring tone. Consider asking neighbors, pedestrians, or local residents if they have seen your dog.
Notify local animal control and shelters
Contact your local animal control agency, animal shelters, and veterinary clinics to report your missing dog.
Provide them with a detailed description, including any identifying marks or features, and provide them with your contact information.
Keep checking with these organizations regularly, as new dogs are often brought in.
Use social media and lost dog resources
Utilize social media platforms to spread the word about your missing dog. Post a clear photo, description, and contact information on local community groups, lost pet pages, and online platforms dedicated to reuniting lost pets with their owners.
Create and distribute flyers
Make posters or flyers with a recent photo of your dog, their name, a brief description, and your contact information. Include information about where and when your dog was last seen.
Distribute these flyers in your neighborhood, local parks, pet-related businesses, and other areas where potential sightings may occur.
Seek professional help
In more challenging situations or if your dog remains missing for an extended period, consider enlisting the help of professional pet trackers, search and rescue organizations, or specialized dog recovery services.
These professionals have the experience and tools to help locate and recover lost dogs.
How to prevent your Whippet from running away
Preventing your Whippet from running away involves a combination of strategies to discourage the behavior. These methods include:
Training
Teach your Whippet basic obedience commands, including a reliable recall command such as “come” or “here”. This will teach them to come back to you when called in cases where they want to wander away.
Practice these recall exercises regularly in various environments, gradually increasing distractions and reinforcing the behavior with rewards.
Leash training is also effective in controlling your dog. Train your Whippet to walk calmly on a leash. This allows you to maintain control during walks and prevents them from bolting when the leash is removed or accidentally dropped.
Use positive reinforcement techniques by rewarding your Whippet with treats, praise, and affection when they respond to commands and stay close to you.
Secure your property
Ensure your property has a secure and sturdy fence that is appropriate for a Whippet’s size and strength. Aim for a fence with a height of at least six feet.
Regularly inspect and maintain the fence to fix any potential escape points.
Consider adding reinforcements, such as dig-proof barriers at the bottom of the fence, to prevent your Whippet from digging under it.
Also, use secure gates and latches to prevent accidental escapes.
Neutering or spaying
If your Whippet’s escape attempts are motivated by the desire to mate, consider having them neutered or spayed. This can reduce their instinctual drive to roam in search of a mate.
Supervise your dog
Supervise your Whippet when they are outdoors, especially in unfenced areas or open spaces.
Avoid leaving your Whippet unattended in the yard for long periods, as boredom and restlessness can increase the likelihood of escape attempts.
Provide adequate supervision and attention when your Whippet is indoors to prevent them from becoming anxious or bored.
When outside, use a leash or long-line to keep your Whippet under control and prevent them from running off.
Mental and Physical Stimulation
Ensure your Whippet receives ample mental and physical exercise to prevent boredom and restlessness.
Engage in regular play sessions, and provide them with interactive toys, puzzle toys, or treat-dispensing toys to keep their mind occupied.
Also take your Whippet for daily walks, jogs, or other forms of physical exercise suitable for their age and health.
Socialization and positive experiences
Socialize your Whippet from a young age, exposing them to various people, animals, and environments to build their confidence and reduce fear or anxiety.
Provide positive experiences and associations with new stimuli, such as introducing them to new places, meeting friendly dogs, and rewarding calm and positive behavior.
Collar pet tracker and identification
Ensure your Whippet wears a properly fitted collar with identification tags and a GPS tracker.
Consider microchipping your Whippet as a permanent form of identification. Microchipping is a simple way to improve the odds of finding your dog if they run away or gets lost.
Keep the microchip information up to date in the relevant databases.
Seek professional help
If your Great Danae continues to show persistent escape behavior despite your efforts, consider consulting a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.
They can provide specialized guidance and assistance in addressing the issue.
Takeaway
Whippets can have an inclination to run away due to various factors. It is important for owners to address these underlying causes and implement preventive measures.
By providing a secure environment, such as a well-maintained and escape-proof fence, along with ample physical exercise and mental stimulation, consistent training, neutering or spaying, and regular supervision, you can minimize the chances of your dog running away.
It is important to remember that each Whippet is unique, and individual behavior may vary. If despite efforts, a husky continues to have persistent escape behavior, seeking guidance from professional dog trainers or behaviorists who will provide specialized assistance.
By understanding the reasons behind Whippet escapes and implementing proactive measures, you can create a safe and fulfilling environment for your dog by reducing the chances of them running away and ensuring their well-being.