Training a puppy not to run away: 10 essential steps

If you own an adult dog that tends to run off during walks and ignores calls to return, fixing this behaviour can be challenging. It’s best to prevent such issues by training your puppy properly from the start.

If your puppy runs off or ignores you when recalled, acting promptly is crucial to stop this behaviour becoming a permanent problem. This guide provides 10 essential steps to train your puppy not to run away, based on the latest UK training practices in 2025.

1. Start Indoors with Minimal Distractions

Begin recall and stay command training inside the home where distractions are minimal. Reward your puppy immediately with treats, praise, or play when they respond correctly. Positive reinforcement is fundamental to building reliable behaviour and a strong owner-puppy bond.

2. Use Short, Consistent Training Sessions

Keep training sessions brief – around 5 to 10 minutes – repeated 2 to 3 times a day. Puppies respond best to frequent, short sessions to maintain focus and avoid fatigue. Consistency in training is key to successful learning.

3. Gradually Increase Distraction Levels

Once your puppy consistently responds indoors, gradually practise commands in more distracting environments, such as a securely fenced garden, quiet parks, and eventually busier public spaces. This progressive challenge helps generalise recall in all situations, preventing running off.

4. Teach a Strong “Stay” Command

A solid stay command prevents your puppy from bolting. Start with asking your puppy to sit, then build up the time they must stay, using verbal commands and hand signals. Reward compliance with treats and praise. Slowly increase distance and distractions to cement control.

5. Combine Verbal Commands with Body Language

Dogs are highly responsive to visual cues. Pair commands like "come" and "stay" with clear hand signals to improve understanding and response rates, supporting better recall training results.

6. Reward Calm Behaviour

Alongside active recall, reinforce calm and relaxed behaviour so your puppy learns that staying close and calm is rewarding. This reduces impulse-driven running off and helps maintain safety.

7. Use Play and Positive Engagement

Incorporate play sessions like tug or fetch to make recall training enjoyable and to strengthen your relationship. Play helps teach boundaries in a positive, rewarding way.

8. Start Leash Training Early

Begin leash training by 10 weeks old, or earlier if possible. Teaching your puppy to walk attentively on leash lays the foundation for off-lead safety and helps prevent them running off.

9. Safety Preparations

• Always supervise your puppy when off-leash and keep them in sight.
• Make sure your puppy is microchipped to improve chances of safe return if they escape.
• Consider neutering or spaying, as this can reduce wandering tendencies in dogs.

10. Consistency and Patience

Training takes time and dedication, particularly for reliable recall and stay commands. Maintain patience and consistency, using positive reinforcement to build trust and dependable behaviour over time.

Responsible Puppy Ownership and Ethical Breeding

While training is vital, choosing a reputable breeder or adoption source also influences your puppy’s temperament and early socialisation. Always seek out reputable breeders who prioritise health, temperament, and early behaviour training to give your puppy the best start in life.

By combining careful selection with these training strategies, you can raise a confident, well-behaved puppy and prevent running away issues before they start.

Summary

Training a puppy not to run away requires starting indoors with minimal distractions and using positive reinforcement. Short sessions, increasing distraction levels gradually, and solid commands like "stay" and "come" are essential. Reward calm behaviour and use play to encourage engagement. Early leash training and safety measures such as microchipping are important. Ultimately, consistency and patience will yield a happy, safe, and responsive puppy throughout its life.