There’s nothing scarier than your dog getting out accidentally. Sometimes they slip out of the fenced-in yard, or you lose your grip on the leash, and they dart away. In most cases, dogs run because they’re scared and don’t know where to go. Other times, they get caught up in chasing a squirrel. If this ever happens to you and your dog, here are some tips for finding a lost dog.
Before Your Dog Gets the Chance to Escape
There are many reasons and ways a dog can slip out of your hands and run. In some cases, it’s unavoidable and happens by accident. However, there are plenty of things you can do to prevent your dog from wandering off.
Fence in Your Yard
When your dog is outside, you should always watch them. Especially if you have a small dog breed, you’ll want to make sure they’re safe.
However, if you have a medium or large doggo, they can be outside by themselves for a few moments.
If you plan on allowing your dog to be out by themselves, then make sure you have a sturdy fence all-around your own. Give your pup enough room for them to wander and explore the yard without leaving the property.
Also, make sure the fence is tall enough. Some dogs can jump high and will clear a fence easily.
In addition, you want to make sure that there are no gaps in the fence where your dog can easily slip through or dig a hole underneath.
Finding a Lost Dog – Properly Train Your Dog
One of the best things you can do, in addition to having a fence, is to train your dog. Your dog can easily learn not to cross the property line with proper training, even if they’re chasing a squirrel.
Also, if you have a fence, it’ll help them know not to try to get past the fence.
On the other hand, practice calling them back to you. If your dog does happen to wander, make sure they come back right away when you call their name so that they won’t get too far.
Tag Your Dog and Get Them Microchipped
Finally, this won’t necessarily prevent your dog from getting lost, but it’s a great way to ensure that you’ll be able to find them.
You can get them microchipped at the vet when you get your puppy. So, if they’re ever lost, and a shelter picks them up, they’ll be able to scan their number.
On the other hand, you can get them a collar with an ID tag with your name and number. Then, if someone finds your pup, they can call you and help reunite you with your doggo.
Tips for Finding a Lost Dog
On the chances that your dog gets lost and doesn’t have a tag or is microchipped, there are plenty of other things you can do to find your furry friend.
Leave a Familiar Scent Outside
Whether you stay home or go out searching for your dog, bring something familiar with you and leave a familiar scent outside.
You can put your dog’s bed or their favorite blanket outside. Then, when you search, carry their favorite toy and bring along some of their favorite treats.
The scent will be strong, and if your pup is nearby, they’ll smell it and come running.
Call Your Neighbors, Nearby Vet Offices, and Shelters
One of the first things you’ll want to do is call everyone. Whether you go out searching or not, contact your neighbors to see if they spotted your dog in their yard within the hour.
Also, call any vet offices and animal shelters near you. If someone picked up your dog, they most likely would have brought them to a vet or someplace.
Whether your pup has an ID tag or a microchip, you can explain to the workers that it’s most likely yours if someone brings in a lost dog.
In addition, this will allow your neighbors to keep an eye out for you. They might even join in on the search.
Finding a Lost Dog – Search for Your Pup in Familiar Places
If you have just noticed that your dog is no longer in the backyard, but it hasn’t been too long yet, they haven’t had a chance to get too far.
So, you can search around your neighbor and go to nearby places that you and your dog frequent together. For example, if you go to a nearby dog park, your pup might be headed there.
Stay Home
This option may sound backward. However, if you don’t know where your dog has gone, you’re going to want to go out and search for them.
However, in some cases, it’s best to stay home. Leave the back door open and wait.
In most cases, the dog won’t go too far before deciding to go back home. They’ll smell their home and find their way back on their own.
If you search for them, you leave your scent in many places, making it more difficult for your dog to find you.
Finally, Don’t Panic
Yes, that’s easier said than done. Anything can happen to your pup if they get loose. However, as long as you enlist the help and stay calm, you’ll be able to find your dog and bring them back home.
