Nw Homw

[Jodie]

Hello all,

I have a bit of a problem. I moved to a new home a few weeks ago, and my dog keeps running away. He has dug under the fence twice and run off. I'm happy that I was able to get him back, but I want to do what I can to prevent it again. I'll be burying chicken wire to seal off any gaps.

My real concern is, is his running away a sign of not being happy at the new house? How can I get him accustom to the new environment? At our old house he had a chain in the front yard so he could run around, but the new place has a pretty big fenced yard.

Does anyone have any adviced for a somewhat paniced cairn lover and owner

Thanks,

Jodie

[toomanypaws]

Hi Jodie, welcome to the cairn forum! I may be wrong, but I don't think your cairn is running away because he's unhappy. I think he found a new freedom being off that chain and running in the yard. Cairns are known diggers and during his play and digging, he saw even more freedom under the fence. I have 3 cairns, two of them are under a year and just love running and playing in the yard. My 3 yr old is not content to just be in the yard. She runs the fence line looking for ways to escape. I had to put rocks all along the fence line to prevent her from digging. Someone is always outside w/ our cairns.

Some others here might have more suggestions. I'm sure your cairn is very happy. If he's like mine, he just wants to explore his world around him.

[kayharley]

I agree. It's not that he's unhappy, Cairns love to explore, dig and cause their owners anxiety at times. I also put rocks along the bottom of my fence line where there was a small enough gap to entice digging. I usually keep a close eye on my younger one when she's outside too and check the fencing for possible escape routes at least every week.

You might want to distract him from digging around the fence by putting in a "play pit" in a safe part of the yard. Almost like a Cairn sandbox and maybe bury some chew toys in it to give him the idea. I'd stay outside with him and when you see him trying to dig under the fence, discipline him...."NO" and then take him to a safe place.

I am no expert on Cairn's...God knows I have my problems with my girls from time to time but I've found that they are so intelligent that they will eventually understand what's off limits. You just have to be consistant and stay on top of the situation.

[osuvicki]

I think toomanypaws is right. Your dog is just exploring and thrilled silly to be allowed to run free.....but doesn't know the limits yet. I think of my pup as a kid...and think what would a kid need. A kid moving to a new house would need to get used to the changed environment......socialization to the house, neighborhood and new life. The dog needs socialization to the new yard....not just total freedom. Maybe old toys and new toys....only in the yard at first when you are out there to show the dog what is appropriate and inappropriate behavior. And gradually a little time alone but with you watching from a window. Your dog is used to a chain and misses that experience. It needs help learning to properly enjoy its new yard and limits for behavior. I never leave Grace alone in the yard without at least looking out the window from my office every couple of minutes. Both to make sure she isn't getting into something she shouldn't AND to make sure she is safe.