My friend Greg found a stray dog a few weeks ago.
Greg explains, “I saw him walking in the street as I was leaving my house to get in the car and go to a movie.” He motioned for traffic to stop and trailed the dog onto a neighbor’s porch, where he was able to win the dog’s trust through gentle words and patience.
There’s probably a family out there for this stray dog. “Around 810,000 animals” come into the shelter system as misplaced family pets, according to the ASPCA.
Though we sincerely hope it never happens to you, many dogs escape from even the most caring and concerned owners every year. To prevent this concerning situation, prevention is essential. Continue reading to find out the most frequent causes of dog escapes and how to keep your own cherished companion secure.
- Simple Dog Escape Plans
Although not all dogs are runners, our four-legged friends are meant to roam due to their genetic makeup. “As a species, the majority of dogs are curious and want to be active and explore and discover,” says veterinarian Sharon Crowell-Davis of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. “A too-low fence, broken gate, or open window makes it especially easy for a curious dog to set off exploring.”
Of course, it’s nice to throw open the doors and windows and let in the cross-breeze on a beautiful spring day. Just make sure the windows have safety bars or pet-proof screens installed, and to prevent your dog from running out the door, install a door barrier or baby gate.
In addition, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your dog when they’re outside and to routinely inspect the fence for weak points or holes.
- In the Chase
Radar, my dog, has an amazing prey drive. He would chase a squirrel straight up a tree or run as far as his short legs could carry him in search of a stray cat if I didn’t keep him wearing a double collar and harness at all times.
Certain dogs don’t give a damn about chasing after possible food, but if your dog enjoys chasing, you should take extra care to keep him safe. A prey drive is hardwired, regardless of how careful we are as owners, so prevention and the right tools can help keep your dog by your side (and safeguard smaller neighborhood mammals).
- The Call of Nature
A dog’s strong reproductive drive can be seen in intact males, who are particularly motivated to roam in search of a mate. Naturally, even the most rational, well-mannered dog can succumb to overwhelming urges. Your unneutered Tramp may get the urge to mate with the neighbor’s unspayed Lady if they both happen to be loitering on the sidewalk and she happens to smell something. They might even go through the fence and down the road together in search of marital bliss.
Obviously, safe fencing and supervision can stop a hound from running away. The simplest “fix” of all is to get your dog neutered or spayed as soon as possible! When your dog’s hormones settle, they’ll no longer roam around as much, as one study that examined neutered dogs found that “roaming was reduced in 90% of the dogs.”
There is some flexibility in the timing of having your dog fixed; while most veterinarians concur that a dog can be spayed or neutered as early as eight weeks, others advise delaying until the dog is six months or older to allow for proper development. You can read more about it here. If you decide not to get your puppy fixed right away, you should exercise extra caution when letting them go outside alone.
- Boredom
Dogs aren’t always drawn to the outdoors; sometimes, boredom drives them out of the yard. By providing “the three E’s,” you can help your dog’s exploratory instincts subside:
Work out. You can help your dog become calmer and more relaxed when you’re not home by taking them for at least one good walk during the day. Depending on your dog’s age and activity level, the length and intensity of a “good walk” will vary.
Improvement. Puzzle toys and games are great ways to challenge your dog’s mind.
amusement. A bored dog is more likely to look for greener pastures if it is left alone. Make sure your dog is socialized and kept active. For certain dogs, this might only entail investing in high-quality couches.
- Unsettling Images and Sounds
Fireworks are the primary source of all the frightening sights and noises that dogs, along with many other pets, can encounter.
Big crowds, bright lights, and loud noises can frighten even the most contented dog. It goes without saying that you should enjoy the holidays with your loved ones. However, you might want to think about keeping your dog safely inside your house while the festivities go on somewhere else.
Not just on holidays can you find scary sights and sounds. Car crashes, gunfire, and thunder can all make a dog run. There are a few easy steps you can take to keep your dog safe all year round if they spook easily:
- Unsettling Sounds and Pictures
All of the terrifying sights and sounds that dogs and many other pets may experience are mostly caused by fireworks.
Even the most content dog can become scared of large crowds, bright lights, and loud noises. It should go without saying that spending the holidays with your loved ones is important. Though the celebrations may take place elsewhere, you may want to consider securely housing your dog inside your home.
There are spooky sights and sounds all year round. Thunder, gunfire, and car crashes can all make a dog run. If your dog spooks easily, there are a few simple things you can do to keep them safe all year round:
When your dog is outside, make sure they are properly restrained with a collar and leash (you can even use a backup collar or harness if you know you will be in an area where there may be fear triggers). You can use a secure carabiner to fasten the collar to the harness. Fearful dogs may pull out of loose collars, which accounts for the high number of stray dogs discovered in the naked state.
Every chance you get, work on your recall training! Even though a scared dog might not answer to her name, calling her back will be simpler the more you can train her to remember her response automatically.
Make your dog’s room or crate at home a “safe space” (a room with a closing door is ideal). During thunderstorms and boisterous parties, keep your dog inside, and make sure all of the windows and doors are locked and secured.
To help your dog relax during stressful moments, consider giving them a Thunder Shirt, another soothing treat, or pheromone spray.
Dogs are gregarious creatures that enjoy being by their owners’ sides, despite their curiosity. You can keep your dog safe at home with a little planning ahead and precaution.
Don’t panic if the unthinkable occurs and your dog does escape. More than 700,000 lost dogs are found and returned to their families every year, according to the ASPCA. Update the information on your dog’s ID tag and microchip, and think about purchasing new equipment to help you track down missing animals (click to find out more about some incredible resources for finding lost pets).
Try registering with the Next door Pet Directory, for example, to assist your neighbors in virtually “meeting” and getting to know your dog’s peculiarities.
You and your best friend with four legs can have a happy ending with a little preparation.