Preventing Lost Dogs

Stressed dogs have a high flight risk. Dogs you don’t know may startle or bolt to triggers you are unaware of. Be vigilant in how you handle them to prevent escapes. Until you know him better, always use a leash or long line even when in a securely fenced area, as frightened or over-aroused dogs can be creative escape artists.

Always have identification tag(s) on the dog. Use a breakaway collar if you are concerned about entanglement during play or tags getting caught.

• All Golden Bond Retriever Rescue dogs are microchipped before adoption.
• Adopters: Be sure to notify the microchip company of any change in phone number or address.
• Fosters: Foster dogs must always wear a collar with an ID tag with your phone number and Golden Bond ID tag, even inside the home.

Prevent escape from collars and harnesses. Dogs can slip out of collars and harnesses. For added security, use a double attachment – have a leash clipped to the collar and a separate one to the harness.

• Martingale collars are more secure than quick release buckle style collars, and some come with a buckle, making them easier with shy, aroused or wiggly dogs.
• A slip lead plus a leash attached to collar or harness is an alternative.
• Carry treats when walking your dog in case he escapes or you accidentally drop the leash. A quick treat scatter can stop a dog in his tracks.

Prevent door-dashing. Using a secondary barrier provides additional security, e.g., a baby gate to block access to an outside door or an x-pen set back from the doorway.

• Until you know that your dog won’t bolt out the front door when you’re exiting, it is a good idea to back out of the door so that you can keep an eye on the dog and prevent him from slipping past you.
• Take extra precautions when friends, relatives and workers are visiting. Keep your dog on leash or in a secure area if there is a lot of activity in which people are coming and going and the dog cannot be supervised.
• Teach the dog to wait at doors, gates, and when exiting vehicles. Teach “Wait At a Door” (Best Friends Animal Society)

Keep the yard secure. Make sure gate(s) are latched at all times. Always check fence gates and doors to outside exits before letting your dog outside.

• Check fence perimeters regularly for holes or weak areas and repair immediately. Remember that other animals could dig in too!
• Teach all household members and visitors to close doors and gates behind them.
• Use a chain with a snap bolt to secure gates whenever possible. This extra step assures that you have securely closed off the enclosure.
• Remember that young children often forget to close gates when busy playing and their friends may not know the rules. Whenever possible, padlock gates that are not regularly used and could lead to escape.