Dog escapes can be inconvenient and frightening, both for you and your dog. Here's everything you need to know about this problem.
It's happened so many times before: you open the door or your backyard gate, and Fido darts out like a streak of lightning and is gone before you can even call him back. Even well-behaved dogs get the desire to see what's beyond their borders once in a while, and there are so many tempting smells and sounds that must be explored.
What To Do If The Dog Escapes
First of all, stay calm. Also, keep in mind these other helpful tips:
- Don't chase after him if your dog escapes. Most of the time he will think you're playing a game with him, and will only run farther away.
- Let your friends and neighbors help in the search.
- Have a specific description in mind that will help people know what to look for. Don't just say he's a brown terrier; let people know he has a white spot on his forehead, his tail is crooked, and he is wearing a black studded collar.
- Start local. Search your street and surrounding area, and then move wider with the help of others.
- If it's been a couple hours, begin to call animal shelters or humane societies.
- Make a flyer with a clear, recent picture of your dog. Statistics show that most pets are found within two miles of where they got lost, so be sure to cover that area with your flyers.
When you find your dog, one of the most important things to remember is not to yell at him or punish him. No matter how exasperated or angry you are, Fido won't connect the scolding to his running away, even if it was just minutes ago. He'll connect the punishment to your finding him, which may only provoke him to stay away longer the next time.
Preventing Dog Escapes
The best way to alleviate the stress of finding a lost dog is not letting him escape in the first place. Some dogs are born escape artists, but most dogs will only take the opportunity if it's presented to them by an open window, loose gate, busted screen, or broken fencepost. Make sure that children and service people keep gates closed at all times. Post a sign to remind them if necessary.
Boredom is another reason dogs escape; don't leave Fido alone in the house for long periods of time without making sure he has plenty of toys and activities, as well as food and water. Keep him happy in his space and dog escapes will be only a memory, because he won't have to long for those greener pastures.
