PLEASE CHECK THAT YOUR DOG’S COLLAR IS TIGHT AND YOUR CONTACT INFO ON TAGS IS UP TO DATE!

Many believe collars are better than harnesses for many reasons, including keeping your dog safe.  If you use a cloth collar or harness, check often for tears and make sure it is tight (two fingers should fit through only). You may want to use a properly sized non-choke chain collar which is threaded through and tightens as your dog pulls.  For dogs with trachea issues you will want to ensure a properly fitting harness.

Hold that leash if your dog is a puller especially, and you may want to get some leash training for your dog as well.  Wrap the leash around your hand once, assuming you are strong enough to hold your dog.  Consider a leash with a second loop for a second hand to enable you to hold your strong dog even more firmly.  You may want to actually double-leash a skittish dog.  Use a strong braided leash always and check the clasp and the leash is in good working order before each trip outside. Avoid letting your dog offleash unless he is properly trained and in a very safe area and you know he or she won’t run after squirrels or other diversions.  

Collars can come off or break off so microchip your dog at a free clinic or with the help of your veterinarian.  Most rescue organizations will microchip your dog before adoption, but you may need to register your information.  Ensure you keep your records and contact information up to date with your microchip company regularly, and check with them regularly (when we turn the clocks back and ahead, or more often is a good reminder.) Further, due to recent news, check that your microchip company is still in business, or has turned over their information to another company if they are no longer serving in this capacity. Have your vet scan your dog at each physical exam to ensure the microchip is working and will be effective.  

Ensure your address and phone numbers are up to date on any tags and that your dog has his or her collar on at all times when outside or when at risk. ( We don’t recommend collars at certain times, and please be mindful that tags can get stuck in heat vents, and on crates,  as well as in other dogs mouth’s when they play.)  Collars can have your phone number printed right on the cloth, making it easy for your neighbors to call you when they find your dog.  Keep rabies tags and other metal tags up to date with your contact information - phone number and address. Also, make sure your veterinarian has your contact info (phone numbers and address) updated in their files, as your rabies tags will bring your dog back to their records. Use multiple phone numbers  so someone can be reached should your dog be found especially with injuries that might require immediate attention.  

Your dog should come when called, even when there are distractions.  Enlist the help of a trainer and practice recall often.  It could save your dog’s life. 

Check your physical fences and gates before letting your dog out, especially after a storm or strong winds.  Contractors and pool service companies and your landscaper could easily mistakenly leave the gate open, so always check.  Test your electric fence often and ensure your dog has his or her collar on, even if you think they know the drill without it. You would be surprised.  Also, should your dog get out with his electric fence collar on, turn off the system so he can find his way back in without being shocked or to get away from predators.  Also keep in mind, when it comes to physical fences, some dogs are strong jumpers with great agility.  And also the amount of snow you get might make a fence much shorter to him or her!  Some dogs have been known to climb rungs of fences.  So make sure you are aware of how high is high enough for your own dog And whether an electric fence might be a better option for you (or both.)

You will want a clear, high-resolution, up to date photo of your dog for posting on social media and signs should your dog get lost.  Both full body and full face photos should be retained.  Limit these photos’ subject matter to your dog only and not any of the members of the family.  

Whether a pet sitter, dog trainer, dog boarding company, or a cleaning person, or contractor - all must know to keep your dog safe.  Check references when hiring sitters, ask good questions and avoid just hiring the kid next door at a cheaper price rather than hiring a professional ( unless he or she is experienced and very reliable.) Crate your dog when work is being done at the house, or board your dog somewhere ultra safe.  

New dogs can be skittish so be extra careful, especially on your first days until a routine is formed.  Dogs should always be leashed in cars, and restrained In crates or via harnesses attached to your car interior in an ultra-safe way.  Be mindful of the front door and consider confinement or crate while in your home to decompress.  All dogs can be spooked with loud noises, be especially careful in and around fireworks as many dogs will take off running - best to stay indoors, and hold the leash tight when outside.  

Dog gates and proper equipment can be life-saving.  So can a fence around your front property (if gates are properly engaged.) Keep your dog away from the door when company arrives, ideally in a separate room until the doors to the outside are closed. Inform guests not to open doors without your involvement, and put up signs if needed to alert houseguests that dogs are not allowed outside off leash.    

Consider using  a pet GPS or other tracker device/tag. Your pet’s location will be easily found on  an accompanying app. Many different devices are available and we hope to list some of our favorites in the shop area of this website.  

Not for a moment should you leave your dog unattended in a car, at a park, or even in your yard.  Sadly, many thieves are looking for pets to steal, and additionally there are wildlife predators all around us.  You might also choose to use a video monitoring device at your home when you have to leave your dog home alone.