02/05/2024
With the amount of dogโs weโve seen lately that have been loose, or lost, some found, and some itโs been weeks since theyโve last been seen, we wanted to compile a few things you can do to prevent the loss of your family member.
Keeping your dog safe and preventing them from running off is crucial for their well-being. We know you love your dog, and you think it wouldnโt happen to you, but it unfortunately happens far too often, and is a scary experience for all involved. Here's a list of things you can do to avoid losing your dog or prevent them from running off and getting lost.
๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ถ๐ป๐ด: Ensure your yard has secure fencing that is tall enough to prevent your dog from jumping over or digging under. Regularly inspect the fencing for any gaps or weaknesses. Keep doors and gates closed securely at all times to prevent your dog from sneaking out accidentally.
๐ง๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ป๐ถ๐ป๐ด: Train your dog to come when called, and proof the behavior in an assortment of places, with many distractions, and all situations. Practice on a longline in all new areas and situations. You can also work with a trainer on e-collar if you are comfortable with that, itโs a great tool if used properly. You should also teach your dog not to bolt out of the car, doors, gates, ect. You should not have your dog off leash if they are not properly trained with recall, or in new environments, safety first always.
๐ฆ๐๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป: Always supervise your dog when they are outside, especially in unfenced areas or places where they could easily escape. Avoid leaving your dog unattended outside, especially for extended periods, as this increases the risk of them wandering off or being stolen.
๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ณ๐ถ๐๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฒ๐พ๐๐ถ๐ฝ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐: Keep your dog on a leash when you're out for walks or in public places where they could easily become startled and run off. Make sure their collar is well fitted, a flat buckle collar should be snug, fit 2 fingers underneath, and cannot be pulled over the dogโs head. Tools like, slip leads, martingale collars, ect, prevent the dog from being able to slip out of them if fitted properly. For my training dogs, all dogs have a safety, which connects from the leash to a secondary collar in case the first one fails.
๐๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ถ๐ณ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ง๐ฎ๐ด๐: Make sure your dog wears a collar with identification tags that include your contact information. Consider using a microchip for permanent identification.
๐ฆ๐ผ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป: Socialize your dog properly from a young age to help them feel more comfortable and less likely to run off when encountering new people, animals, or environments.
๐๐ป๐ผ๐ ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ๐ถ๐ฟ ๐๐ฒ๐ต๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ฟ: Understand your dog's behavior and triggers. If they are prone to certain behaviors that might lead to escaping, take preventive measures to address those behaviors.
By implementing these measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of losing your dog or them running off. Remember, prevention is key, but it's also important to have a plan in case an escape does occur, make sure you have good photos of your dog all around, any noticeable markings etc.