K-9 LifeSavers

Ever struggle with a dog that runs away? Running away is not to be confused with roaming, which is a natural instinct to explore and look for fun things around the neighborhood - other dogs or kids to play with, find things to eat, and even discover a mate.

Spaying or neutering your dog may help with the roaming instinct; if not, your dog is likely be habitual in his roaming spots. Be there waiting for him and firmly tell him to "GO HOME." When he does return, praise him. While you may want to strangle him, coming home should always be a positive experience, to avoid turning roaming into running away.

If your dog is not in fact roaming, but actually running away it's because he's unhappy - possibly because he feels bored, abused, rejected or ignored after being left alone for most of the day without any interaction.

While most of us have to work, which leaves many dogs alone for hours each day, that doesn't necessary mean your dog is looking for an opportunity to slip away.  Here are seven things you can do to make sure your dog is happy, originally shared by Dog's Best Life:

1. Join an obedience or socialization class. It will reinforce your Alpha position and provide your dog with the canine company he craves, not to mention the special time shared with you.
2. Exercise together by walking, jogging, or bike riding with him at your side.
3. Have structured playtime…throw a Frisbee, toss a ball, have a treasure hunt. Dogs have a sense of security and respond positively to scheduled routines.
4. Schedule a special day and time each week to do something different. He will know what day it is and look forward to it. Make it an interesting adventure!
5. Take him for car rides, go to the dog park or beach. Take him with you whenever possible.
6. Surprise him with a special gift. Get him a new and challenging toy now and then.
7. Get him a kiddie pool to play in. Toss a few toys in it. Jump in yourself…nothing would please him more than the interaction you would be sharing.

Many of would go crazy without our friends, they get us out of the house, make us laugh and leave us feeling relaxed and loved. It's not that different for dogs, who by instinct are pack animals. While they certainly love their humans and the companionship they provide, K-9 friends provide something different.

From the time puppies are born and become aware of their surroundings, their litter mates teach each other manners and basic rules. One of the most important lessons is biting: bite too hard and you will be ignored. Bite too often and you're ignored. The lessons they learn from their siblings (and K-9 pals throughout their life) will be transferred to their humans, which helps them curb some of their less desirable impulses.

As puppies grow they usually move on to games such as tug-of-war and wrestling. While these are games, they also carry an element of challenge and pack status with them, which is why many trainers will tell you never to play tug-of-war with your dog, as you are letting your leader of the pack status be challenged. However, this is where dog relationships have a place humans cannot match as dogs have no problem teaching a lesson in manners with a growl or a nip, something humans just can't pull off.

Beyond the manners lessons, sometimes a dog should have a chance just be a dog. Play with other dogs helps build their confidence, mental and physical health and keeps them in general high spirits.

While homes that have two or more dogs have a build-in friend, just about any dog will benefit from a romp at a dog park or time at doggie day care. It gives them time to let loose and have fun, and helps with their overall socialization.