Samoyeds are a particularly active breed of dog which can be prone to running away if the conditions in their environment and lifestyle are not right for them. They are physically strong and coordinated, so they are often able to dig under fencing or force their way out. They may also be prone to getting excitable and running away during exercise at dog parks or other outdoor areas. There are some tricks to the Samoyed temperament that you need to know: with training and support, Samoyeds can become a great jogging or running partner for you, and can even be successfully trained to run off-leash safely.
Do Samoyeds Run Away? Samoyeds can run away if they are confined too long, bored by their surroundings, or not being given enough attention and affection. Like all dogs, they require good training from an early age to come back when you call them, particularly when you are in a high-stimulation environment.
In this article, I’ll discuss common situations that could be triggering your Samoyed to run away, and how to deal with them effectively. We’ll look at why Samoyeds love to run, and the high level of activity that most Samoyeds need for physical and mental wellbeing. I’ll also give you the information you need to confidently help your Samoyed to become your jogging or running partner, opening the door to lots of wonderful outdoor adventure time. I’ll also help you consider whether your Samoyed would be a good candidate to go off-leash and give you a plan to get started with off-leash training which keeps your dog safe and working within its capabilities.
Do Samoyeds Run Away?
Like many dogs, a Samoyed who is left at home alone can make a break for freedom. The Samoyed breed has some advantages as an escape artist, in that they can dig well (as they don’t have webbed feet), are very intelligent, enjoy problem-solving, and can use their paws adroitly. You might find that a fence or gate that you thought was secure has been conquered by your smart, persistent Samoyed.
An important factor in whether your Samoyed will run away is the amount of quality time you are spending with them. They need a lot of your time, attention, engagement in play and exercise, and love – several hours each day. If your Samoyed runs away, they may be communicating that they need more stimulation: more challenges, more fun, and more things to learn.
Samoyeds were originally working dogs, and their genetics has barely changed in the last 100 years when they were herding reindeer and pulling sleds for Siberian communities. They crave a job to do, lots of activity to keep them occupied, and people and other dogs to socialize with.
You should ensure that your Samoyed is neutered or spayed, as a high sexual function in intact Samoyeds can be a factor in their desire to get out of your property.
Another reason dogs run away is being scared by loud noises, such as thunderstorms, fireworks, or even loud parties or loud cars, and this can be a factor for Samoyeds, who are alert and aware of everything.
Sometimes you can predict these periods, such as the holiday season or times of bad weather, and plan to be home with your Samoyed to provide reassurance.
Can you train a Samoyed to be off-leash?
Samoyeds absolutely love to be off-leash. They are naturally agile, fast dogs who love to run, jump, swerve and be athletic. However, this brings us back to the question: do Samoyeds run away?
The risk with a Samoyed, a breed that loves to run and roam, is that they can quickly run too far and become separated from you.
Off-leash training is an advanced skill for any dog. A young or adolescent dog will need training as well as time to mature before they can be trusted off-leash. Do Samoyeds run away in this situation?
Make sure your Samoyed has a solid grounding by going to puppy school during their first year, and continuing to have a short period of training time every day of their life, varying the skills that you teach, and returning to key skills and behaviors.
Only start off-leash training when your Samoyed is doing well at a range of behavior-based commands. Start in a confined area such as a dog park, where there is no risk of losing the Samoyed.
They will also naturally pull hard at their leash. Why? Because of their sled-dog heritage. They love to pull against something, and a lead feels just right. One way to discourage this is to stop walking when they are pulling you hard.
Of course, by law, your Samoyed should be microchipped. Also, have a collar tag made with your contact details. This is a basic level of protection for you both if your Samoyed becomes separated from you during training.
Are Samoyeds really active?
With their working-dog genetics, their strong musculature, their running speed, and agility in jumping and turning, Samoyeds are built to be physically active.
Combine this with their exceptional intelligence and love of learning, and you can see why Samoyeds, particularly in the first half of their lives, are vibrant, busy outdoor dogs.
They love to “work”, to have a task to do, particularly if it involves running or agility.
Also, because of their desire to be part of a social group, they love family games such as frisbee or ball throwing.
Most Samoyeds, as long as they are well socialized, also love to play with other dogs.
Samoyeds need one or more walks every day. They are inquisitive and love seeing what’s going on around the neighborhood. They will quickly learn and remember where you go and who you see.
It’s also really good for your Samoyed to have a regular run. The bigger the area is, the better for them, though you must make their safety a priority. Fenced dog parks are a good place to start, providing your Samoyed has been well socialized.
But do Samoyeds run away? You should still incorporate training, calling your Samoyed back to you at times. This will help both of you to develop confidence in your dog’s ability to be obedient. This is important in a large dog park, or if you start off-leash training.
Do Samoyeds make good running partners?
A Samoyed loves nothing more than to have a good, exhilarating run with their owner! And jogging or running with a happy Samoyed dog who is loving life is a wonderfully uplifting experience.
If you feel your dog may have the temperament for it, it is well worth training them either to run beside you on a leash or to run with you off-leash.
Using a long leash in a dog park is a good start. At first, you can let the Samoyed choose where he wants to run, and follow beside them.
After a while, you might start to jog together along a path in a dog park, shortening the leash a little, so that your Samoyed starts to adapt to you running together as a team. With some practice and regular breaks for rewards, your Samoyed will understand that the two of you can run together.
Running off-leash with a joyous Samoyed is enjoyable for both of you. However, remember it is a long-term goal. For any dog, being off-leash and responding to commands (particularly to come back if they smell an interesting scent trail or spot some wildlife) is a difficult achievement.
You must check carefully which areas allow off-leash dogs, and your dog must have a record of good behavior, even when they are excited.
For Samoyeds with separation anxiety or destructive behaviors, learning to run together can be a boon for their behavior issues and their mental health.
You could find, however, that your dog chooses a more leisurely pace than you would like! Samoyeds will be intensely interested in where they are, checking out all sorts of sights and scents. They may want to stop and investigate, and you can let them do this.
Remember, too, that you will need to stop and pick up their waste if they stop for this reason.
Bear in mind that it’s not advisable to run with puppies, or to let them run on their own for long periods, because the growth plates at the end of their bones are still in a growing phase, and can be damaged by intense exercise.