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HOW TO PREVENT YOUR DOG
FROM BECOMING LOST
SPAY/NEUTER YOUR DOG – One of the big reasons that
dogs wander is to satisfy mating urges by seeking a mate.
PROPER IDENTIFICATION – Make sure your dog has secure
ID tags, along with a microchip or tattoo. This helps get you and
your dog reunited as quickly as possible.
SECURE CONTAINMENT – Check runs, tie-outs, and fences
regularly to ensure that they are in proper condition and do not
provide the dog the opportunity of “Escape”.
CONDITION OF COLLARS, LEASHES, HARNESSES, AND SEATBELTS – Make it a point to regularly check these to make sure
they’re in good working order. Check to make sure your dog’s collar
is not too loose so that they are not able to pull back and slip out of it.
Martingale type collars are excellent in preventing this.
PROVIDE YOUR DOG WITH ADEQUATE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL STIMULATION FOR IT’S BREED, SIZE, AND TEMPERAMENT – Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise through walks, running, biking, etc. Also, make sure your dog is getting enough mental stimulation by not spending too much time alone, by doing obedience training, and by providing interactive toys such as Kongs and Buddy Bones. A satisfied dog is much less likely to wander off.
TEACH YOUR DOG TO SIT AND WAIT AT DOORWAYS UNTIL THEY HEAR THE RELEASE WORD “OKAY” – Work on training your dog at every doorway of your house, gates to yards, and yes, even(especially) exiting your vehicle. (Safety harness and seat belts are excellent for preventing your dog from dashing out of an open car door).
DO BOUNDARY TRAINING – Work with your dog on boundary training around the perimeter of your yard.
BUILD A STRONG NAME RESPONSE FOR YOUR DOG – Half the battle of getting your dog to respond to a recall is getting your dog’s attention. Train your dog to respond quickly and consistently to it’s name every time you use it (helpful hint: try not to OVERUSE your dog’s name).
WORK YOUR DOG’S RECALL AS MUCH AND AS LONG AS IT TAKES TO BUILD A REALLY RELIABLE RESPONSE – Make sure not to let your dog off-leash until you are certain your dog will respond to a recall dependably, from a variety of distances, and with a variety of distractions.
TEACH YOUR DOG LOOSE-LEASH WALKING – Teach your dog to walk with a loose-leash, and to sit and look at you when there is a stimulating distraction rather than pulling. Pulling increases the chance that your dog will accidently get away and become lost.
MAKE SURE YOUR DOG IS WELL SOCIALIZED – Making sure your dog is well socialized will help prevent the dog from trying to flee because it is nervous or spooked in a given situation.