Why do dogs wander all of a sudden? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

dtf · #1 04-12-2004, 11:25 AM

My Collie, 6 years old, spayed, has never left the yard. We live in a very wooded area and for 6 years we just open the door and let the dog out and she stays on the property. In the last 2 months she has been brought home by 3 different people in their cars saying they found her walking down a side street near my house. With the little info I've shared - what makes a female dog all of a sudden want to wander? She is well cared for and is from a loving, attentive home.

G-Benz · #2 04-12-2004, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by dtf
With the little info I've shared - what makes a female dog all of a sudden want to wander?

Check her for worn ball joints! :p

Seriously, I don't know...I have had several (female) dogs, and never had one that did. Now my cats...that's another story...

#3 04-12-2004, 11:55 AM

Do you still give her the same amount of attention, and the same amount of "toys" to play with? She may be bored, and looking for something to do. Collies are a working breed, and by nature require more attention to keep them entertained.

I would take every single precaution possible to end the wandering. I am a huge dog lover, and recently hit one that was wandering. Thanx to ABS brakes, I was able to get nearly stopped before hitting the dog, and didn't hurt it badly. It still screwed me up pretty badly though for a while. Despite the containment I have for my dogs, the incident still made me think about something like this happening to mine. I'd just hate to hear about your dog getting run over.

GermanStar · #4 04-12-2004, 12:50 PM

In general, female dogs are not as bound to their owners and owner's homes as male dogs tend to be. I doubt if there's anything more to this than a little boredom combined with some new-found courage. Now she's discovered a whole new and interesting world out there, and I'm sure she'll continue to roam. Don't take it personally -- I did the same thing as a small child, but it didn't mean I didn't love my parents. You might want to consider a fence...

crash9 · #5 04-12-2004, 01:24 PM

The closest calls I’ve had driving were to avoid hitting an animal – generally just a little squirrel. How I managed driving too jobs at high speed for six years in “The Sportsman’s Paradise” amazes me. LA must be the all time road kill capital of the world.

mplafleur · #6 04-12-2004, 02:01 PM

Quote:

The closest calls I’ve had driving were to avoid hitting an animal – generally just a little squirrel.

Lucky! I've hit 4 deer and my wife has hit 3!

rickg · #7 04-12-2004, 02:30 PM

Can't answer your question, but yes, please build a fence. Don't trust any dog to always stay in the yard. That's a pipe dream. I nailed one awhile ago. The owner ran over appologizing all over the place. " I don't understand. He's never done that before!"

Do your dog(s) and other car drivers a favor, as well as your neighbors.
Ever see the scene in "Me, Myself, and Irene" where Jim Carey gets even with the neighbor who's dog comes into his yard everyday to take a dump? Can't tell you how tempted I am to copy that with some of my neighbors

thebern · #8 04-12-2004, 06:17 PM

and long walks should help. How far from home does she get? Be sure she always has a collar with a return address tag, which she apparently does. Good luck.

thebern

Botnst · #9 04-12-2004, 08:09 PM

To get to the other side?

B

Frank X. Morris · #10 04-12-2004, 09:07 PM

Howdy dtf,
The fence is the first thing I would do. Second is get another dog a little bit younger. If getting a second dog isn't an option think about getting into some organized activities. Collies need both physical and mental exercise.

dtf · #11 04-12-2004, 09:40 PM

Here's the continuation of the story: We tried another dog, a Yellow Lab (male) who did nothing but terrorize the Collie. Not only that but the Lab was all Alpha and wanted nothing to do with anybody but me. Stalked me I'm tellin' ya. Followed me like a shadow - never letting me breath for almost 2 years. I found him a nice home with 2 teenage boys who recently put down an older large dog 10 months before. I gave the other dog away last November so it has been almost 5 months now. I play ball with the Collie whenever I can but I think more exercise could be the key.

Frank X. Morris · #12 04-12-2004, 10:01 PM

Howdy dtf,
The reason I say younger dog is so that dog knows that your dog is #1. When I got a second dog to play with my girl I found a male that was younger and insecure and they are buds now. They are both fixed. The additional excercise should help. Try something that is mentally stimulating. Maybe some obediance. Or try an obsticle course. So many ways to go it can be overwhelming. Time is the main problem.

Cap'n Carageous · #13 04-13-2004, 02:08 PM

I had a girlfriend do the exact same thing once. But she wasn't spayed.

rickg · #14 04-13-2004, 02:11 PM

ya should have used one of those "invisible fence" collars on the girl friend.
Leave the house with credit cards in purse and ZAP!!!