How to Prevent a Lost Dog (and What We Would Do If It Happened)

We’ve all seen the heartbreaking social media posts and flyers: beloved dogs lost. Slipped a collar or harness, darted out the front door, jumped out of the car, or got spooked on a walk...

And, suddenly, they’re gone. And every minute until you find them feels like an eternity. 

While not every scenario can be predicted, there are things we can do to reduce the chances of losing our dogs and increase the odds of getting them home safely if the unthinkable happens.

Here’s what we do with our own dogs: 

Teach a Rock-Solid Recall

Your dog knowing their name is one thing. Coming flying back to you when there’s a squirrel, another dog, or open freedom ahead? That’s the level of recall for which we strive. 

Practice in low-distraction areas. Use high-value treats. They don’t need to be food for people, just a dog treat your dog loves. 

With every successful recall, celebrate like your dog just won an Olympic gold medal. Make recall the happiest game in the world. 

Be the Most Interesting Thing to Your Dog

Your dogs are far less likely to bolt after that albeit fascinating squirrel if they’re engaged with you and know you mean treats, fun and leadership on which they can count. Challenge them along your walks with commands and rewards. 

Teach Eye Contact Command 

People use many words to teach their dogs eye contact. We’ve personally heard “look at me” and “focus.” But no matter the words you use, this command can be life-saving. It can prevent your dogs from ever zeroing in on something of interest and darting off after it. Make it a game, make it fun, and make it part of your regular command training. We find it’s important to reward dogs quickly when they succeed with this one, as they often seem very surprised this simple command is treat-worthy. 

Use a Non-Retractable Leash

We know, retractables have their list of pros. But they’re also unpredictable, hard to control quickly, more likely to break or slip from your hand, and more like to injure people and dogs. . 

Instead, we opt for a 6-foot leash that keeps our dog close and gives us more control quickly when we need it. 

Don’t Force Your Dog Into Stressful Situations

Fight or flight. A usual instinctual mental battle dogs face when they confront stressors. 

We have found that with time and training many dogs can overcome some fears, but putting a dog into an optional, stressful situation with no training or preparation, such as fireworks or a engaging with an energetic group of children, can lead to a dog choosing flight.  

Teach Door Etiquette  

Teach your dog “place,” and have them go to their place when someone arrives at your home. Why? Because it prevents them from rushing the door and potentially slipping outside.

Most of the time, your dog will just greet your guests and follow them in. But for those moments when your dog might use the open door as an invitation to bolt, whether out of excitement, prey drive, fear, or nervousness, teaching door manners can make all the difference.

If you’re not quite ready to test your door manners training in a real-life scenario, or you aren’t planning on teaching it, crate training, and crating your dog when someone arrives can be another bolt prevention solution. 

Carry High Value Treats 

Always have something irresistible on hand. It doesn’t need to be good for people; it just needs to be something they love and that ideallt has a strong smell to help redirect or regain attention quickly. Dog treats with fish or bacon in them tend to have attention-getting smells for dogs. 

The Right Fit 

A well-fitted collar and/or harness can make all the difference. Collars should be snug but not tight (We make sure we can fit two fingers under the collar). Dogs can slip out of loose collars or collars and harnesses not suited to their body types. 

For dogs with body types that can slip out of collars and harnesses easily, such as Corgis and Whippets, we double up and use a collar and harness with a two-point leash or clips. 

How to Boost the Odds of a Safe Return:

1. Collar and Tags When People Are Coming Over and When Out of the House 

Even if your dog is microchipped, ID tags make it easier for someone to help return your dog to you. Be sure not to keep a collar on your dog in a kennel, if you can avoid doing so, as this can be a choking hazard. 

2. Keep Microchip Info Up to Date

Update your info with the microchip company. Don’t have your dog chipped? Put this on your to do list. A great time to get this done is when your dog is already going in for a medical procedure, which as being altered or teeth cleaning. 

3. Join Your Local Facebook Groups

Many areas have local lost and found pets groups, news and happenings groups, and buy/sell groups. Join them now, so you’re ready if you need to post quickly. When a dog is lost, you’re not going to want to wait a day for your membership to be approved to post about your dog. 

Our dog once got lost, and a neighbor decided to keep him and not try to find his pawrents. A family member of the neighbor saw a post about our lost dog, and let us know where he was. 

4. Let Neighbors Know

Go door to door, if needed. If your dog was last seen around your home, they may not have gone very far, and well-meaning neighbors may not realize they have your dog. 

5. Contact Local Rescues, Veterinary Offices, and Humane Societies

Call and email. Send photos. Ask if you can post a flyer. They’re often the first place someone will bring a found dog.

6. Keep Up-to-Date Photos

Make sure you have recent photos of your dogs available. Dogs’ colors and sizes can change year to year, and having a recent photo can increase the chance that someone will identify a found dog as yours. 

🐾  A Final Thought

Losing a dog is every pet parent’s nightmare, but with preparation, training, and a bit of community, you can lower the risk and increase the chance of a happy reunion.

You love your dog like family. Keeping them safe isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being prepared and minimizing risk.