[ad_1]
I am 9 years old. I love my dog. She is a chihuahua. She likes to run away from the house when she is outside. What does that mean? Sometimes, she comes back but sometimes we have to find her. How do we keep her from running away?
Maria
Dear Maria,
Your dog is not trying to run away; she is just excited about being outside. Once she gets started on her adventure, it can be hard to call her back. So, here are a few ways you can keep her safe.
First, ask your parents to get her a microchip (which is inserted under her skin) and an identification tag on her collar. Both the ID tag and the microchip include information about how to contact your family in case she gets lost, so she can be returned to you.
Second, be very careful when opening and closing the front door. You can’t leave the door open for even a second or your dog might escape. So, when going in and out of the house, be sure to close the door quickly.
Finally, you’re old enough to train her. Teach her how to sit, come when called and to recognize her name.
Start with her name. Get a tasty treat, stand next to her, and say her name. When she makes eye contact with you, say a reward word, like “bingo” and give her the treat.
For sit, stand over her with treat in hand and ask her to “sit.” She should automatically sit when she looks up at you. Say the reward word and give her the treat. Repeat these commands 10 times in a row twice a day.
Once she knows her name and how to sit, you can work on the “come” command. Stand a few feet from her and call her name. As soon as she moves toward you, say the reward word. Give her the treat when she reaches you. As she gets better at it, increase the distance between you so she learns to come to you no matter what. Then, if she happens to get out, you will be able to call her to you.
Microchip perks
Microchips are a form of ID that ensures lost pets get home again. But did you know your microchip may come with some perks? The perks may vary, depending on microchip company, but most will offer to send out lost pet alerts for you and guide you step-by-step in the process of finding your lost pet.
Some will offer an emergency medical hotline (for a fee) if you need after hours medical advice. And some will offer travel assistance to get your lost pet home.
Check with your microchip company to see what perks you have and may not be using.
Send your pet questions, tips, and stories to [email protected]. You can read the Animals Matter blog at http://blog.mysanantonio.com/animals and follow her at @cathymrosenthal.
[ad_2]
Source link
