Tip of the Month: You're cute but...who are you?
It may seem simple but it's so important to have a good collar and weatherproof identification on your dog. No matter what, anytime your dog is outside of the house, on or off leash, your dog should be wearing a reliable collar (that does not slip off over their head). Attached to that collar should a secure tag with readily legible name of your pet with your current phone number listed. Be sure the tag you have on your dog is securely fastened, kept up to date and isn't worn beyond being legible!
"Life" happens with any number of possible events such as; something suddenly, unexpectedly happening to you, a vehicle accident, fire, thunder, lightning, torrential rain or hail, flash flood, mudslide or even that unwelcome neighbourhood 'fireworks celebration'.
And...when life catches you and your pet off guard, your dog may escape in desperation, get loose, run away, bolt blindly in fear only to find themselves abandoned or lost on a road, in the tall thick grasses, endless forest or unfamiliar mountain terrain.
Once a dog is confirmed lost 'it takes a village' more often than not to locate them, if even possible. Many lost dogs will hide and den themselves away not coming out to anyone but their owner's voice. The stress and sleepless nights worried sick as you, your friends, family and neighbours search high and low, dawn to dusk is daunting beyond words.
Yes, microchips are great for ID - once an animal is taken to a vet who has the appropriate time and scanner to check but, not everyone that comes across a lost dog has the ability, time, motivation or inspiration to take an anonymous stressed dog to an already very busy vet (or two),to find out where that dog belongs IF they have a microchip. Please... set your dog up for maximum success to be found, easily identified and returned home to you as quickly and seamlessly as possible with simple identification and phone number found on a collar tag so that your pet will be back into your loving arms, sooner than later.
Heaven forbid anything happen to you or your dog but if it does, you will be so relieved and grateful that your dog could be identified by someone and by taking just a few minutes being able to let you know of their whereabouts. Your dog's quick and efficient return to you is an invaluable reward for having a simple ID tag!
For more dog training tips, visit my Ask The Trainer page. Ask me about dog-owner training today as well!