Preventing your dog escaping

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Preventing your dog escaping

by Scotty Valadao - Canine Behaviourist - www.friendsofthedog.co.za

The majority of dog owners, like myself, are a bit neurotic when it comes to preventing our dogs getting out and going walkabout - however, accidents do happen, and it is a good idea to go through the preventative measures below and see what you could put in place as a safeguard, in the event of your dog actually getting lost.

All pets should be micro-chipped. This gives vets, shelters and similar organizations the opportunity of finding out immediately who the pet belongs to. This is a simple procedure and should be done as soon after getting your pet as possible and really is the number one thing that should be done.
Many people advocate that pets should wear collars giving your contact information. Due to the high instances of dogs that are strangled when their collars catch on the top of a gates and walls when trying to run away, not all owners are in favour of this method. There are special collars available that will snap if the pet gets caught on an object, but these are not fool (dog?)proof. Also, there is the possibility that the collar may come off, leaving the person who finds your pet with no contact information.
If you have not booked your pet into a kennel or cattery for the holidays, have a responsible person staying in the house to look after your pets who will not be going out on Christmas and New Years Eve, in the event your dog stresses when there are fireworks around. Kennels and catteries fill up very quickly and it is important to make your booking well in advance. Always visit the kennel before booking to ascertain that it is up to your standards.
One of the worst times of year for missing pets is the period between Christmas and New Year as well as Guy Fawkes, and Diwali. This appears to be due to the amount of animals that are fearful of the bangs and crackers and in desperation run, just to get away from the noise or are feeling insecure about being alone at home. Make arrangements that your pet is never left alone in the garden or house at this time - arrange for somebody to spend this time with your dog in your home or for your dog to stay with somebody. If your dog is outside, fit a Pet Door so that the dog can get into a sectioned off part of the home. As an additional preventative measure, contact a behaviourist who can help your pet get over its fear of storms/noises. Arrange with your vet for medication to help your pet cope.
If your dog has even the slightest degree of separation anxiety, this must be dealt with first, and the dog to be kept safely inside while the problem is being sorted out
If you are going to go on holiday and somebody will either be at home with your dog, or visiting a few times a day, let your vet know your away and leave them with your file with all your contact info and a picture of your dog.
Have a recent photo of your pet, which can be used by the house sitter or a friend or family member to help search for your pet during your absence if it does stray, as well as your file with what to do in the event your dog does get out.
If you have good relations with your neighbours ask them that if they ever see your dog in the street or surrounding area, to please contact you immediately, or follow your requests on what to do. Leave them with a picture and all contact information.
If you have a contract with a security company, arrange with them that if the dog goes missing, you can send them all the information on your pet and ask them to look out for it and follow your instructions.
To prevent your dog running out the gate when you open the front door for visitors and delivery people, consider putting in a dog gate so the dog cannot just dash out the door.
Have both your car and pedestrian gates operate on a control, so that accidental opening of same is more difficult.
Check your boundary walls or fence for holes and gaps and make sure that all gates open and close correctly. Ensure that there are no obstacles against, or close to your fence that your dog could use as a step to help it get over the fence. Here are some ideas below to make your fencing more secure

Simple measures such as the above can safe a huge amount of heartbreak and stress, and if your dog does get out, you will have everything in place to start the search immediately. There is an article below on what to do if your dog does get lost.