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How to prevent my unneutered dog from running away and roaming?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 1 year old | 78.8 lbs

Why does he always go missing? I had to chain him because he won't stay where I live he sleeps in a kennel outside and ever since he was about 9 months old he started roaming but not coming back so I had to resort to chaining him I take him for daily walks he gets about 3 hours of exercise per day and has plenty of chew toys and squeaky toys to play with how can I make him stay I hate chaining him it breaks my heart to here him howl as I walk away

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Jessica Keay, DVM

Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 10th, 2017

Hello, it is not uncommon for unneutered male dogs to roam. This is a natural behavior. Neutering him may decrease some of the desire to roam, but if he has been doing this for awhile, it may already be ingrained in his behavior. I would consider getting a fence, either a phsyical fence, or an electric fence, to try to contain your dog. Or you might consider making him an indoor dog and only having him go outside when supervised. Working at an obedience class may help you train him to return when you call, but I don't think it is going to stop him from wandering when you aren't outside with him.
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