How to Prevent your Dog Getting Lost
Being a dog owner is similar to being a parent. It is your duty to protect your dog and keep them safe and secure. Nobody intends it to happen but dogs can get lost, commonly because of preventable oversights from well-meaning dog owners. A missing dog can be an upsetting experience, but you can reduce the chances of your dog getting lost by keeping them safe at home and on walks.
Here are 4 easy ways to keep your dog safe and prevent them from getting lost.
Is your Dog Microchipped?
The most important thing you can do as a dog owner is to get your dog microchipped. Under the microchipping law that came into effect on 6 April 2016, all dogs and puppies must be microchipped and registered by the age of eight weeks. Once your dog is microchipped, it is important that the microchip is registered and your information is kept up to date. Microchips are the only permeant way to reunite lost dogs with their owners. Dog collars and ID tags can fall off. If you move house or change your telephone number, make sure you let your vet know so they can update your dog’s microchip details.
If your dog is not currently microchipped, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your local vet for microchipping as soon as possible.
Bright Dog Collar with ID tag
In addition to a microchip, it’s a good idea to get an ID tag for your dog’s collar. Dog tags are usually inexpensive and come in all shapes, colours and sizes. Make sure you include your name and your contact details on the ID tag, so if someone finds your dog, they can get in contact with you.
Train your dog
Recall training is a really important to keep your dog safe when out and about. Most dogs love walkies and running free but if your dog goes out of sight, they could get lost or sadly stolen. Good recall and training can help to prevent your dog getting lost, so train your dog from a puppy to prevent them running away.
Top Tips for Dog Recall Training:
– Make sure your dog knows their name, you can teach them their name by saying the name and giving a treat at the same time.
– Practice recall training in your garden before venturing to the park or woods.
– Choose one word to say when you want your dog to come back, for example ‘come’, ‘here’ or blow a whistle.
– Always praise your dog and give a treat when they come back to you.
– Give the dog a treat when you hold their collar so they associate this action with pleasure instead of being put back on the lead.
Secure your dog
Make sure your dog is always secure, safe and happy, whether they are at home, on a walk or travelling in the car. If your dog is home alone, ensure all the windows and doors are shut, so your dog cannot escape. When on a walk, keep your dog on a lead and only let them off the lead if they have been trained well and are in an enclosed area. If you are taking your dog on an exciting adventure in the car, safely secure them with a dog car harness or in a dog crate – which is now required by the law.
If unfortunately, you dog does escape from the house or run away at the park. Report your missing dog to your local dog warden at the earliest opportunity.
