Preventing the Theft or Loss of Your dog

It is always best to be prepared. At the same time, you need to put in place measures to avoid the worst - the theft or loss of your dog. You can put in place several measures to ensure you are doing the best to prevent this event from ever occurring. Some of them are obvious while others are a little less so. In some instances, the suggestions seem to prey on the paranoia. You decide what is best to do for your dog.

1. Microchip your dog. This way your dog has a permanent ID. Your dog may also have a breed tattoo. Your dog should also wear a collar when outside with the ID. It should contain up-to-date information on address, phone number, cell phone number and contact information. If you are going on vacation, provide your dog with the cell number and the known address of your holiday home.

2. Compile duplicate information on your dog and place it together in a Lost Dog Kit. In addition to ID and license information, include a recent photo, blank paper on which to compose a poster and tape or other material to post flyers. You may also leave some contingent money to cover this cost in the kit.

3. Do not leave your dog alone in the car prey to dog thieves.

4. Do not tie your dog up outside a store or shop. If the animal is friendly, he or she may go off with a stranger.

5. If you have a dog run or backyard, make sure the gates, entrances and other viable exits and escape routes are secure. Escape proof your yard. In some instances, you may consider security alarms. Lights are always a good idea. Electronic and shock car combinations or systems are not always a good idea. Without going into the morally questionable use of electric charges, these systems do not always work. If the incentive is strong enough, the dog will break through the barrier. At the same time, the animal will be reluctant to return. Who wants to cross back into a shocking world?

6. Make sure dog will come back to you no matter what. Too many dogs become lost because they do not respond to the owner's call. They end up in pounds or taken in as strays. The danger to your dog intensifies if you let them loose in unfamiliar territory.

7. Train your dog not to immediately dash out of an open door. This is true whether it is the door of your home or the door of a car. Either action can place him or her in a dangerous situation.

8. Be careful whom you talk to about your dog. Always be suspicious of people who do not have a dog but seem to focus on your pet. If they talk about how wonderful it would be to have a dog exactly like yours or about whether he or she is able to breed, do be wary. Always, however, keep the meetings in context. Some people are truly interested in your dog. Others may simply be trying to make conversations. Other people may be lonely or trying to pick you up.

9. Do not allow small children to take the dog out alone.

10. Always keep a firm hand on your dog's leash. Wrap it around your hand or loop it so it cannot come off. If you walk loosely, be sure you tighten your grip in potentially dangerous situations.

11. Make sure the leash you grip and the collar, haltie or harness, you rely upon are in good condition. If they are not, your dog may be able to break free and cause harm to himself or vanish.

Article written by Mike Richards of ohmydogsupplies.com, where you can find a incredible assortment of car seat covers online.

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