Today, while working at my computer, I noticed a grey truck come in and out of our parking lot and go up and down the street. It was quite odd since I didn’t have any appointments scheduled for that time. Shortly later, I saw a Boxer run down the street past my business.
Now it all made sense. The person was trying to locate their missing dog. As I stepped outside my business, the dog came running to me but it wouldn’t come up the last 20 feet to me before darting off behind a house across the street. Upon the owner’s next trip around the block, I pointed her in his last known direction. She parked her car and went behind the house looking for him while I went back inside to retrieve treats and a leash as she had neither.
While I was retrieving those items, Eddie a Pitt mix (who has received training at Michigan Dog Training LLC and is now a frequent boarder when his parents go on vacation) went to the front glass door and sat there peering out. When I came back to the door, Eddie had seemingly called the Boxer over to play with him. The Boxer was at the front door trying to sniff Eddie through the glass They were both enjoying their interaction and this allowed the owner to grab a hold of her dog’s collar. So Eddie was the hero of the day!
Afterwards, I gave Eddie a finder’s reward of tasty treats. And, then he did want any tired hero would do, take a much needed nap.
Here are some before and after tips in case your dog gets loose and goes missing:
1. Have your dog micro-chipped at your local veterinarian office
2. Have your name and phone number on your dog’s collar tag
3. Store an extra leash and food treats in a zip lock bag to keep in your vehicle. This way if you head out the door and jump in your vehicle to retrieve your dog, you won’t have to think about what to take with you
4. If possible and safe to do, elicit the help of a friendly dog to entice the roaming dog to come closer to play
5. Don’t chase after your dog, instead get your dog’s attention and run away from him/her to entice your dog to chase you
6. As your dog begins to chase you fall down to the ground and act as silly as you can so your dog will know you want to play
7. And, obviously take your dog to Michigan Dog Training LLC in Plymouth, Michigan for private dog training lessons or group dog training classes. Classes start soon, call 734-634-4152 to register.
