Dog wont stop running off

Okay i have a 4 year old Aussie male who keeps running off & This family keeps giving him tidbits and stuff and so he keeps running back there.Did i mention he was in 4-h with me,before i aged out anyways.:p

I play with him,always have food/water for him i do&have it all for him. But this family keeps luring him back with meat& other goodies and stuff,i mean their nice and have kids a small dog & cats and all but i dont know what to do about this. Im really worried he's gonna get hurt trying to get there & he seems to be getting kinda aggressive with the other dogs(my brothers dogs,which happen to be bother's to my dog) And please dont say something mean,im doing my best and i really do love this dog :( so dont be mean alright:p

Hi Gypsy,
Sorry, that sounds like a pretty frustrating situation for you!
Have you been able to speak to the other family and let them know that this is bothering you and that you're concerned about your dog's health and safety? Hopefully they will be willing to work with you and respect your wishes. It sounds like they really enjoy having your dog around, so perhaps you can compromise with them and have "puppy play dates", invite the kids over to play with your dog, or have your dog accompany you while you sit and read a book to the kids in their front yard . . . be creative and I'm sure you'll be able to come up with some fun ideas that make everyone happy AND keep your dog safe.

Meanwhile, a logistical question: I know Aussies are really smart and active. How has he been able to run off? Perhaps some repairs need to be made to a fence, or you need to reassess his living situation (especially when you are not home to supervise him) so that he stays safe and contained on your property.

It's not uncommon for dogs from the same litter to eventually develop some bickering tendencies. It's kind of the same way we fight with our siblings! It's most common in females from the same litter but males definitely do it, too. Sometimes, with training and careful management, it can work out fine and everybody can stay in the same house together. Sometimes, unfortunately, it's better if the siblings are separated. It's just something you and your brother and your family need to discuss, and work out how you can all manage the situation so nothing bad happens to any of the dogs, or any of the humans.

A lot of behavior problems diminish when the dog has another "job" to keep him occupied. Since you've aged out of 4H, maybe there are some other dog-related activities you could get involved in, such as an agility club (aussies tend to LOVE agility and the exercise is great for them since they're high-energy dogs) or a therapy dog program - you and your dog could even volunteer at a children's hospital since he seems to like kids. Pet Partners (formerly Delta Society) is a great program, and there are others throughout the country. Since a fair amount of training is required for these kinds of activities, getting involved in something like this could really help strengthen the bond between you and your dog. :)

Hope some of these ideas are helpful to you - best wishes!
Megan

I live in on a farm,but sadly no cows or anything to really herd.(well there is the neighbors cows and sheep,lol) It gets pretty dull out where i live,so i can understand how he feels at times. Im gonna try and find a job or something for him to do,thanks for the advice.(P.S i appreciate how nice you are too:D)

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Originally Posted by Gyspy

Okay i have a 4 year old Aussie male who keeps running off & This family keeps giving him tidbits and stuff and so he keeps running back there.Did i mention he was in 4-h with me,before i aged out anyways.:p

I play with him,always have food/water for him i do&have it all for him. But this family keeps luring him back with meat& other goodies and stuff,i mean their nice and have kids a small dog & cats and all but i dont know what to do about this. Im really worried he's gonna get hurt trying to get there & he seems to be getting kinda aggressive with the other dogs(my brothers dogs,which happen to be bother's to my dog) And please dont say something mean,im doing my best and i really do love this dog :( so dont be mean alright:p

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