Dog Gone It!

It does not matter how green your grass, the number of hot tubs, the array of ornaments and flowers you place in your yard, or even how many toys your precious companion has, a dog without a fence, kennel, or tie out will roam.  Some people seem to think dogs view boundaries of land as they do.   The opposite is true.  A dog is always trying to extend its home range, find friends, and look to breed.  Dogs are pack animals and if left to their own devices they will wander away from home.   For those farm folks out there, yes, I know, some dogs always make it back and maybe by the skin of their paws don't get hit by a vehicle, but the dangers of a loose dog are many.

For starters, most cities have leash laws and if your dog is in violation, off on his own, someone may pick him up and drop him off at the local pound.  Once that is done there is usually a seven day hold before being euthanized and to spring them a fine must be paid.  The spread of fleas, ticks, worms, and transferable diseases are a few other reasons to keep your pup home.   The options of allowing a dog outside, alone and restrained are basic; fenced yard, tie outs and kennels.

Top pick is a fenced yard.  It is important to note that even with the most secure fence, if you leave the gate open the dog can get out.   Sounds stupid but some people don't watch when coming and going, neighborhood children, and service men all can leave the gate open for just long enough for your four footed friend to sneak out.   If no one is home to call them back it could be hours, days, or never when they return.  For various personal reasons some people do not advocate micro chipping your pet.   For those people there are collars, tags, and tattooing.   It is important to always have something to identify the dog to others.

Kenneling a dog is another outdoor alternative.   Panels are available in various lengths and heights and can be put together to form a pen.  For me, this is not a substitute for allowing time out of the pen to sniff, walk, run, and play.   Depending upon the size of your pet, there are four foot and six foot tall panels.   It is best to get the tallest one can afford and put a top on it in case your animal turns out to be a climber.  Dog house, fresh, cool water, and shade should be available at all times.   Placing stones or paving bricks around the boarder will help with digging dogs.   These pens tend to allow the dog to destroy your grass in one area, turning the yard and dog into a muddy, smelly mess when it rains.  Placing bulk cedar chips down on the grass is a good choice as it is fairly flea resistant and the air space between the chips allows for faster drying of the dog and ground.

Finally, there are many devices to tie a dog outside and provide a dog house for him.   However, the dog has no protection from strays and can easily become tangled without a great deal of effort put into creating a snag free zone.   An overhead, or flat to the ground, "zip" type line with a lead running to the dog provides the least amount of problems.  The run can be moved if needed, and the dog gets a longer area to move in, often enough room to run a bit.  Chains are just not the "IN" fashion anymore.   Always use flat buckle collars when tying your dog outside.  The plastic snap ones are pretty but a yank on one and it can break off.  (Collars should be loose enough to allow three of your fingers between the dogs neck and the fabric, check often for sores, or out growing).

Even with all these precautions there can be a situation where your dog is gone, either by accident or theft.   Be prepared with current pictures of the dog, the local pound, humane society, and the vets phone numbers.   Start calling right away.  Most places are open 9-5 and may close before they get your information.  Start talking with your neighbors, and if your pet was stolen, the police.  Make up flyers and ask to post them at vets, groomers, grocery stores, laundry mats and any other place that allows it. (When your pet is found remember to be courteous and go take those flyers down)

 Call the paper and make an ad.  Lost pet ads are usually free and run seven days in most places.  Then start looking for your companion with friends.  Drive around calling out the dogs name, stop at places where dogs live outdoors, drive the route you take the dog walking, they can travel several miles before turning back home.  Keep looking.  If your pet was not spayed or neutered, and ran away to answer the call of nature, you could walk right by them and they may not come to you.  Additionally, use whatever social media you have to get the word out to everyone.  Pets have been rescued from states and even countries away when news of their disappearance was made public.

In any case, no matter the story's end, learn from the experience.  Even if your pet was stolen, there are safe guards one can take to prevent a repeat in the future.  Since we neglected to provide dogs with "comment boxes", make the housing for your animal the best you can offer by imagining yourself living in the same situation for however long they are left unattended.  You might change your mind about how your companion is housed and upgrade their accommodations.


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