February 2009 Newsletter
How to Prevent Escapes...and What To Do If Your Dog Gets AwayDespite their love for their families, most dogs -- given the right opportunity -- can't wait to escape. Why not? There are all kinds of exciting things that induce a dog to bolt, if only for an adventure or the thought of a good chase of the deliveryman, the neighbor's cat or a passing squirrel. An open door is an invitation throughout the life of the dog.
The most common ways a dog can escape a home include:
- Through an improperly latched door that blew open with a gust of wind or didn't close properly (so be sure to close doors all the way and repair doors and locks as needed);
- Through an open window or flimsy door or window screen on any floor of the house;
- Through a fence gate left open by children, trash collector or meter reader; or
- Over or under a fence when the right stimulus presents itself (typically something to chase or a neighbor's dog or cat).
People presume that older dogs will not escape. In many respects, senior animals are just as much at risk, due to diminished senses. Older dogs have been known to wander off. Often they are so quiet that they are not missed right away.
Many people feel a dog will understand the homes or neighborhood. However, most dogs run with wild abandon, and will travel farther and more quickly than you'd imagine. Dogs do not differentiate between a dirt path, driveway and a multi-lane highway, and they have no concept of danger. We hear of fortunate few returned dogs who wandered miles within a few hours. Most likely, dogs that escape and have time to travel will not be found or returned. The longer the absence is not noted, the less likely the dog will be found.
It takes a second for your dog to escape. Keep in mind shelters have only a limited number of days to hold animals before they are euthanized to allow room for other strays.
Many dogs are lost each year when people let their dogs off-leash while hiking or at the beach. The dog does not know where he is and has less or no familiarity with the site. Don't fall for the concept that dogs seek freedom to explore. Sure, the dog may enjoy the freedom -- but he could get hurt, get in a fight with another animal, jump on or injure a passerby who may even decide to sue you. And you may never see your dog again.
What should you do when your dog escapes ? The best thing is to be prepared NOW. If your dog is lost, distribute it door-to-door and post flyers wherever possible. Also have the name of local animal control and humane society phone numbers handy.
Take these steps without delay:
- Check the immediate surroundings first, such as your yard and neighboring yards.
- Enlist others in the search.
- Contact DOTR immediately. We will help you search and provide needed assistance.
- If your dog likes car rides, drive around your neighborhood calling the dog's name, hoping that he will run from where he is and jump into the car. Just be sure that you don't call your clients' dog into incoming traffic.
- Tell everyone you see you are looking for a dog.
- Sometimes it's best to pursue the dog by foot because you can go between homes and take unpredictable routes... just as your dog is likely to have done. Again, alert people as you go.
- If you spot your clients dog, DO NOT CHASE HIM! If your dog is enjoying his adventure, he will think you are playing and will run from you. The best chance for you to safely get his attention is to stop running, drop to the ground and call your dog. If you and your dog took obedience classes and he responds to "sit/stay!", you have the added advantage of potentially stopping his escape because he remembers his training. If he is a playful guy, then call his name and run the other way. he will want to play.
