Paws & Ponder: How to Stay Found
Your dogs have questions! Our dogs have answers!
Your friendly neighborhood canine correspondent, Beaubien the Bully Mix (or Beau, for short), is back to dish out advice from one pup to another in our doggie advice column: advice from a dog to a dog! Whether your dog is a mischievous mutt, a pampered pooch, or a sophisticated schnauzer, this column is your dog’s go-to spot for all doggie dilemmas!
Dear Beau,
I’ve been hearing some scary stories about dogs getting lost and not finding their way back home. I definitely don’t want that to happen to me. I love my humans and my snuggly bed and my squeaky toys. What can I do to help make sure I stay safe and never get lost?
Yours in Kibble,
Woofster
Dear Woofster,
First of all, paws up for being such a good boy and thinking ahead! Let’s make sure you stay where you belong—right by your human’s side. Here are some tips to keep your tail wagging safely at home:
Always Wear Your ID: Think of your collar as your superhero cape! It’s your ticket back home if you wander off. Make sure it has your name and your human’s phone number. And if you’re into high-tech stuff, get microchipped. It’s like having a collar and tag, but cooler because it can never fall off.
Training and Commands: Knowing commands like "come," "stay," and "heel" is like having a cheat code for safety. Plus, humans love showing off a well-trained pup. Practice with them—it’s fun and comes with treats!
Leash Up: Even if you feel like the king of the world, a leash keeps you safe from fast cars and other dangers. Your human has opposable thumbs for a reason: to hold onto your leash and keep you safe!
Secure Your Yard: If you have a yard, make sure it’s like Fort Knox. Check for gaps in the fence, and remind your humans to lock the gate. If you’re into digging, channel that energy into something less Houdini-esque.
Stay Vigilant on Walks: Walks are like an all-you-can-sniff buffet, but always stay close to your human. If you see a squirrel, resist the urge to go full Speedy Gonzales. Squirrels are troublemakers and love leading dogs astray.
Travel Safely: If you’re going on a trip, make sure you’re buckled up in the car. Doggie seatbelts or crates keep you safe. And never leave home without your ID and a recent photo, just in case you need to charm your way back home.
Don’t Run Off: Even if you think you’re an explorer like Indiana Bones, stay close to home. Wandering can lead to getting lost or worse—ending up on a poster under "Lost Dog."
Human Contact Info: Make sure your humans keep your contact info up-to-date. If they move or get a new phone number, your ID tags and microchip info should be updated too. You don’t want to be calling an old number when you’re in a jam!
Stay Calm in Stressful Situations: Loud noises like fireworks or thunderstorms can be super scary. Find a cozy spot at home and chill out. If you’re really nervous, a snug shirt or a calming treat can do wonders. Zen mode: activated!
Get Neutered: I know, it doesn’t sound like fun, but getting neutered can help reduce your urge to roam. It’s like turning off the "must explore" switch in your brain. Plus, it’s good for your health and makes you a more relaxed, home-loving pup.
Remember, our humans love us and want us to be safe. Following these tips can help keep the wag in your tail and ensure many more happy days with your family.
Paws and Tail Wags,
Beau
P.S. If you have a doggie dilemma, bark it out to me at Paws & Reflect!