Losing a dog can be a very horrible and terrifying experience for both the owner and the dog.  No one ever wants their dog missing.  I miss Simba so much even if he’s somewhere safe like at a family members house.  How do you think I’d feel if I lost him and I knew he was out in the blazing sun or the freezing cold roaming the streets wondering where I’m at?

I freak out if I lose simple things.  WAIT, OMG WHERE’S MY FREAKIN LIP GLOSS!  See? So I know I would go bonkers if I lost my little Mini Schnauzer Simba!  Just look at that face!  I hope you never have to go through losing your dog.  So let’s prevent it from happening!

Below are some tips to keep you from losing your dog!

1. MAKE SURE YOUR DOG IS WEARING A COLLAR AND A DOG TAG

It is very important that your dog is wearing his collar that also has a dog tag on it.  The dog tag should have his name and also any details about you like where you can be contacted if your dog does end up missing.  Don’t forget to get your dog a new dog tag if you move or change your phone number.  Hopefully if someone finds your dog they will be nice to give you a call or return him.  You definitely have a better chance with your dog wearing a dog tag rather than him not having one at all.

2. KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR DOG

Your dog should never ever be out of your sight…not even for a minute.  A lot of things can happen in a minute like your dog wandering off or someone taking your dog.  Always be aware of what’s going on.  You should always know where your dog is at especially if you are outside or in an unfamiliar place.  Watch your dog!

3.KEEP YOUR DOG ON A LEASH

Going for a walk outside?  Keep your dog on a leash!  Walking somewhere new?  Keep your dog on a leash!  Going to a big event?  Keep your dog on a leash!  I can’t repeat it enough.  Don’t assume that your dog is going to stay by your side if he’s off the leash.  What if you go somewhere that is pretty noisy and your dog can’t hear you when you call him to come back to you?  He can get lost in a crowd.  He can wander off because he seen a cool squirrel to chase.  Anything can happen, but if you have your dog on a leash I bet he’d be more safe.

4. TRAIN YOUR DOG

A command like “come here” or “stay” are pretty handy and simple commands that every dog should know.  If you tell your dog to “stay” where he’s at and he’s learned that command then he will stay put no matter what.  If your dog tries to run off on his own or zip out the door that someone just opened, you can tell him to “come here” and he’ll come right back to where you are.  If you don’t train your dog these commands you may just lose your dog right before your eyes because he won’t listen to you.  Don’t let that be you.

5. MAKE SURE YOUR DOOR/GATE IS CLOSED

Always make sure you close your door or gate securely.  You don’t want to let your dog outside in your big backyard and the gate is wide open and she goes prancing around town.  Once, when we were carrying in groceries, we didn’t close the door all the way as we had a million things in our hands.  Simba went right out the door, but the little one saw him and told us he went out the door.  He was heading down the steps, but we were able to call him and tell him to get his little furry butt back up those steps right now!  He listened. He’s trained.  Whew!  Make sure that your door/gate is always closed. Double check. Triple check. Trust me.

6. BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU TAKE YOUR DOG

Be very careful if you are taking your dog somewhere new.  Your dog might be scared because he’s not familiar with his surroundings and runs off somewhere.  Especially if you aren’t following any of the tips above!  If you take your dog to a big event he may not like it.  He may not like to be around a big crowd of people and all of the commotion.  It might stress him out and he just has to get away.

Did you know that on the 4th of July and 4th of July weekend, dogs end up missing the most?  Scary right?  Some people think their dog will love to see the fireworks because fireworks can be really pretty and all…WRONG.

Your dog does not give one flying bark about fireworks.  Fireworks are scary!  They are extremely loud and your dog has no idea when it’s going to go off.  Don’t you think that would really frighten a dog?  BINGO! He will run for his ever barking life!  Keep your dog at home during the 4th of July festivities PLEASE!  Pets go missing the most during the 4th of July!  Please don’t add your dog to the list of missing pets.

I hope these tips help you to keep your dog safe and you both happy!  I couldn’t even imagine losing my dog so I do everything in my power to make sure he’s safe at all times.  I hope you will do the same.

What are some other ways to prevent a dog from getting lost?  Have you ever lost your dog?  If yes, what did you do?  Share in the comments below.  We’d love to hear from you!
Images courtesy of gratisography & unsplash & Come Wag Along