How do I teach my new dog not to run back to his old home?

Hello Lizzy, You can't expect him to forget his old family in only 4 days! No matter how hard was his life on that boat, he will always be loyal to his first owners. In time he will love you and your family as well but he will be always happy to go back to the place where he grew up. I don't know the history - how did he arrived into your family and why did his old family needed to give him for adoption but I'm sure he's still confused. He surely doesn't understand why he needs to live away from what he knows as his "home". Just be patient, love him and take care of him and he will start to love you as well. If you don't want accidents like this to happen, you should not give him the opportunity to run away. Walk him exclusively on a leash and make sure there is no hole in the fence to help him escape. As for the recall, don't expect him to come when called if you haven't taught him to. Take some time to teach him the recall, "come" is the most important command for a dog's life. If you don't know how to teach him to come, ask and I'll try to guide you.

I guess some living things, including dogs, find it difficult to adjust to change. There has to be a very good reason why he wants to stay there. I think you should let a professional dog trainer to handle this.

Unusual for a dog to do that as they tend to go where their 'pack' (e.g. you and your family) goes, whereas cats prefer places and will usually be more likely to try to return to an old home after the family has moved to another. Maybe your dog thinks he's a cat?

i really don't know my friend, i think it is really up to the dog to make its decision... just find it how it goes and keep it more comfortable to stay at your home..