Lost Your Dog - Self Help Guidance and Suggestions

Getting real tired of seeing all these dogs, regardless of age and medical condition getting lost. Be it a puppy, an older dog, one who is deaf or blind. It doesn't matter. It is up to YOU to keep them safe. Numerous dogs are going missing DAILY. This seriously needs to stop, and just by simple changes, you can help bring these numbers down.

This is for all of you who own dogs, those who want to foster dogs, want to adopt dogs, want to dog sit dogs or even walk dogs. You are being entrusted with their safety and well-being. This pup could be your new family member. There are numerous ways to get guidance and suggestions about safety and how you can do your part to keep them safe. Most Lost Dog Services are run by Volunteers. They are being overwhelmed by all these lost dogs. The kicker is, over 95% are avoidable. That is not a typo. Think about it. Infact go do your own research on those lost pet pages. Ways dogs get lost vary, however, 95% can be prevented.

I don't understand how people are not accepting this advice, not following their suggestions, not taking the initiative to keep these pups safe. COMPLACENCY kills (can cause injuries too. As well as a stress you do not want to experience). There are booklets, there are power points, PDFs, emails that contain all these tips being shared all for your benefit to keep those pups safe. There are numerous Lost Dog web pages on social media the post constant information on prioritizing safety.

Simple things can be done to prevent them from getting lost. This will be lengthy. Your choice if you want to read it or not.

1. 40% Escaping a yard? How is this preventable you might ask. Several ways. Check your fences BEFORE letting them out. Go out with your dogs. Did anyone do work on your home or yard? Ensure gates are closed and secure as well. If you have an inside option, LOCK IT. Go outside with your dogs. You can react better if you watch them and learn their body language. Do NOT let them outside ALONE to go to the bathroom. Just because they do it 100 times before and everything was fine, doesn't mean the next time something can't happen. Especially in an unfenced area. Do NOT put them at risk.

2. 19% Door Dashing - Prevent direct access to the outside when a door is opened. Secure dog in a different room or a crate, while doors opened. Even a 2nd person holding a leash can assist too. Even in cars it can happen. Secure that leash to the seatbelt, then release once you have a solid grip on it.

3. 17% Slipped collar, dropped leash or dragging leash - Ensure collar and harness are snug and your dog cannot back out of it. Dropped leash can be caused by a fall, a sudden pull of your dog due to being spooked or an object to chase. Keep a firm grip on that leash. Otherwise, now they are dragging a leash and are risk of getting hung up on branches or other objects. Very dangerous, even though they can chew themselves free if need be and time allows. Get rid of that flexi leash, because that simply gives you a false sense of security. Very dangerous to both you and your dog. Plus, if dropped, guess what is chasing your dog as they run away?

These top 3 based on information from Missing Dogs Massachusetts between 2016 and 2020, it shows that just about 76% of lost dogs can be prevented if you, as the owner/foster etc. take the initiative to keep these pups safe. If you are not willing to, then why get the pup in the first place? I forgot how I did the graph, so I still need to update those stats at some point. Each of those years in between followed the trend and average.

4. 8% get lost while they are off leash, 6% go missing while with a dog sitter or walker (Most of them are super responsible and know their stuff. Do your research on who you want to take care of your pup. Check references etc), 5% get spooked from fireworks that can happen at any given moment, 3% from jumping out of a vehicle, and the rest are different reasons, which you can see with the graph.

Puppies and new adoptions/fosters should NOT be off leash. If they have an accident in the car, continue driving home. Release only when in enclosed area. Deal with the mess at that time. Too many dogs getting lost during transport to their new home. Time to step up your game plan. Read and follow that guidance to prevent your dog from getting lost in the first place. A search can end quickly or drag on for months/years. Most average between 11-21 days. Some being overachievers. Think about it, do you want to be stressed out, running on fumes, while being blamed on social media. Because those keyboard warriors will be all over you just like those who had their dogs get lost before you.

Dog walkers or Dog sitters, keep those dogs on leash. No dog parks for a dog you do not know. Personally, I stay away from them, but to each their own. Those fences are not high, and just about everything but those ankle biters can clear that fence before you can react.

I cringe every time I see a photo posted by a Rescue showing a newly arrived dog. Leashes are barely held, one quick pull and off they go. Some do not even have a leash on which doesn't make sense. If you do frequent transports, think about x-pens or some type of fencing if you must. Forget the photo opportunities. Safety first. (I get it, you want to share happy news, the world needs more of it now than ever) They are super dangerous. New dog, new area, too many triggers and unknowns. Same goes for new owners when you finally get them home. No doors opened until leashes secured. Get a firm grip on those leashes, and no show and tell around the neighborhood. Potty break and right back inside. They need to decompress. You need to build your bond before you venture out. They need to learn they are safe, and you are now their family.

Transporting a dog, leave the leash outside the crate, this allows you to secure the leash before letting them out. No crate for transport, use a leash looped through the seatbelt, you can secure the leash before releasing the seatbelt. Turn off the automatic windows. They can jump out the window during the ride.

I made a post similar to this a few years ago. This is long overdue. I figure if it prevents one dog from getting lost than it was worth the effort to put the post together. Please keep your Dog safe. They need you as much as you need them.

For Rescues, please share this information with your groups. Shared info is the best info. You prefer a PDF format, please send a PM with your email address and I will happily send it to you. Saves you from printing it out. Just stress to your groups that it is crucial information for their success with their new pup.