Three Safety Tips To Avoid A Runaway Puppy

Bringing home a new puppy means many changes around your home, but some of the most important ones are necessary to keep the young dog safe. Most puppies are naturally curious, which can lead to a lost dog if you aren't careful. The following tips can help you prevent this scary situation.

Tip #1: Check for "dig-out" spots

Walk the perimeter of your back fence to make sure your pup can dig beneath it if you allow the animal outside unsupervised. Anywhere there is loose dirt is a potential digging spot, as are areas where there is a noticeable gap beneath the fence and a soft surface such as grass. A puppy only needs to dig a shallow trench to successfully wiggle underneath a fence. Place rocks or bricks along the fence at these trouble spots. If you want a permanent fix, consider installing concrete curbing beneath the fence line so digging is impossible.

Tip #2: Begin leash training

Basic training for a puppy can occur as soon as the dog is weaned, which means your new puppy is ready. Leash training may be one of the more important aspects of behavioral training, simply because it prevents your dog from running off. Begin with a color or harness, leaving it on the dog for increasing periods of time. Then, add the leash and go on short walks while practicing basic commands, such as stop and come. If you need help, obedience school is a good option that will lead to a lifetime of benefits for both you and your dog. Here your dog can learn all of the important commands, including sit and drop it, that are necessary for the safety of your dog as well as others that your pup comes in contact with.

Tip #3: Get an up-to-date ID

If you got your dog from a breeder or the pound, they may already be equipped with a microchip. This small chip is inserted beneath the puppy's skin and holds information on whom to call in the event the dog is lost. You can have the information on the chip re-set to your information. Often, the pound or breeder will do this for you, or you may need to take the puppy to the vet. Although a microchip is important, it's also vital that you have up to date dog tags made for your dog. These should contain the puppy's name and your contact details. The problem with microchips is that the person that finds your pet needs a reader to get the info, and if they are unaware of microchips it may take longer to reunite with your pup. Dog tags, which you can order online, solve this problem.

With time, dedication, and training, you and your pup can enjoy a long and healthy life together.