Does Your Dog Dream of Escape? Here’s Why It Matters

Stephie Guy Author

Do you dream of escaping to far away lands, of taking a vacation somewhere warm (or cold), of absorbing different sights, sounds, tastes?

Might your dog also dream of escape? Whether or not your dog actually tries to to escape, reflecting on why they might want to is a useful exercise for all of us.

It's an uncomfortable thought to think that our beloved dogs might feel like prisoners in their own homes, but reframing it can help.

🔎 By considering this, we can dig deeper into how well we’re meeting their needs.

I recently asked a question in The Shouty-Barky Dog Group: “Your dog just escaped—where did they go?” ...

• Some dogs were headed to the pub, the park, or to visit their best friend

• Some were off to chase the squirrels or visit the local fast food outlet
  

• Others were simply lounging in the front garden
  

Here's the thing. None of them had exotic wants or needs!

🤔 If you're intrigued and would like to see if your dog has any unmet wants or needs , try this:

• Even if your dog never tries to leave, imagine they did—where would they go?
  

• Ask yourself, if your dog is planning an adventure, are
  you part of that plan?
  

• Are you invited along?
  

Now that you've thought about where your dog might go, use this information to assess their needs.

⭐ Are they getting enough social interaction?

⭐ Mental stimulation?

⭐ Freedom to explore and make their own decisions?

Meeting those needs could reduce their urge to escape and improve their quality of life.

The more we understand our dogs' needs, the happier they’ll be—escape attempts or not.

Let’s make sure our dogs feel fulfilled, not confined.


🐾

Stephie