How do I stop my dog from running away when off the leash?

Spay or neuter your pet. Intact pets have an innate drive to reproduce, so hormones can override good sense. Male dogs likely will seek out a nearby female in heat and intact females will search for a male mate. Spaying or neutering your pet when he is young removes the hormonal desire to roam. Build a fence around your yard. Pets never should be allowed to roam freely and should be walked on a leash or let out into a fenced yard for bathroom breaks. Put up a tall, sturdy fence to prevent your pet from climbing or jumping over it to escape. Walk the fence perimeter daily to check for potential escape routes, such as holes, snow piles, and fallen branches. Teach your dog basic commands. Teaching your dog to obey basic commands can come in handy if he decides to chase something that catches his eye. Most importantly, teach him the commands “come” and “stay.” Provide adequate exercise opportunities. Pets with pent-up energy are more likely to run away, so provide exercise opportunities every day to stimulate him physically and mentally. Providing safe outlets for your dog’s energy will make him less likely to run off in search of adventure. Keep your pet safe from loud noises. An unexpected loud noise can make your dog panic and bolt before you realize he’s gone. Keep your dog safely on a leash or in a fenced yard when outdoors so he can’t run if he’s scared by a loud noise.