Top Tips to Prevent Your Dog from Getting Lost
A missing dog can be a heart-wrenching experience for both the pet and the owner. No one ever wants to be separated from their dog. While some “dog gone missing” stories have a happy ending, others don’t, with the lost dog ending up in a pound or shelter. Also, lost dogs are at risk of getting hit by a car or being pounced upon by wildlife.
Though it’s impossible to prevent every pet-lost scenario, you can improve the odds of preventing your dog from going missing with these common-sense tips:
- Consider GPS Tracking Device
With a GPS tracking device, you can get real-time feedback on the location of your dog. The tool is really handy for dog owners who have breeds that run fast and jump high. Advanced models like garmin alpha 100 combo are capable of tracking multiple dogs at one time. Such options are useful for those who either take their dogs on hunting trips or hunt with others. Some options even feature camera control, which enables the dog owner to see what their pet sees. Hence, the right GPS tracking device can go a long way in ensuring your dog is never lost. Also, it’s more convenient than microchipping a pet, especially if there are no shelters with microchip scanners in your vicinity. As a dog owner, it is important to make sure that pets know you so that hunting them won’t be difficult. Just like how to use a duck call, it’s a guide for them to hear the owner’s voice as their way to go home from getting lost
- Being Fence-Savvy is Key
Fences offer security for dogs to pop outside and carry on with their business by themselves. However, they don’t always keep pets in. For instance, the dog might start digging underneath, escape through an open door, get out through a gap or jump over a short-height fence. For those with a fenced-in yard, it’s crucial to conduct regular maintenance checks. Walk along the wall, identify signs of rotting boards, problems with the door and holes in progress, and start repairing right away. A good idea is to install a chicken wire at the bottom and sink it underground. The trick works well to deter diggers, both externally and internally. That said, it’s still important to keep your dog’s activity in check. Periodic glances should get the job done.
- Give the Right Training
Dogs who’ve gone through obedience training sessions are less likely to end up in shelters, and not only because they have the right behavior. Training programs also offer pet owners safety and care information that minimizes the careless mistakes that result in lost dogs, and a formally obedience-trained is going to stop on command, walk smoothly on a leash, and come back when his/her name is called instead of running off. Obedience training is also an excellent way for the dog and the owner to bond, so the pet is less likely to face boredom and wander off looking for some exciting things to do. Even though some pets who’ve been obedience-trained still follow sights of critter, they connect better with their owners, and that can make a big difference between a dog who stays safe and a missing dog who is never found again.
These measures and investments will help reduce the chances of your pet going missing. If your dog does go out, and you’ve taken these steps, the chances of you seeing him/her again are much higher than if neglected.
