7 Useful Tips for New Parents to Avoid Losing Your Dog in 2023

This post will cover some precautions as a way to minimize the risk of losing your dog. Suitable for new parents to read.

1. Use a dog leash

It is recommended to keep your dog on a leash in non-enclosed spaces, especially in environments where there is a possibility of scaring your dog. This will prevent your dog from being startled by sudden loud noises, or from chasing other small animals or going too far.

2. Use a physical fence

Enclose your yard with a physical fence. Note that it is not a virtual fence. For many trackers that come with APP virtual fences, the degree of accuracy depends on the GPS signal, which is very unstable in some areas and easily affected by weather and environment. Some infinite fences with transmitter require multiple training sessions in advance. A physical barrier is one of the best ways to prevent your dog from escaping your property. Make sure the fence is high enough, secure, and doesn't have any gaps or holes that your dog can squeeze through.

3. Train your dog to come back

Train your dog to come when called. This is a useful skill that will help you get your dog back if he or she gets lost. Use treats as a reward and practice regularly in different situations.
Here are some steps you can follow to teach your dog to perform a reliable recall.

• Start with your dog on a leash or in a small, quiet room. You don't want any distractions.
• Show your dog a treat or a toy, then say their name and "come" in a cheerful tone. Encourage them to approach you by running backwards or making a noise.
• Once your dog comes up to you, praise them and give them a treat or toy. You can also say "gotcha" and gently grab them by the collar and reward them. This will let them know that coming to you is fun and rewarding and that you won't take them away from something they love.
• Repeat this exercise several times, gradually increasing the distance between you and your dog. You can also add distractions such as other people or toys, but make sure your dog remains focused on you.
• Once your dog comes to you every time you call, you can try the off-leash approach in a safe and enclosed area. You can also practice in a different place, like a park or a beach, but always keep your eye on your dog and use a long leash if necessary.
• Never punish your dog for not coming to you, or for coming too slowly. This will only make them afraid of you and less likely to listen. Instead, reward them for each successful recall and make it a positive experience for both of you.

4. Don't leave your dog alone in the car

Not leaving them in unattended cars. Not only is this dangerous to your dog's health, but it also increases the risk of them being stolen or escaping through a broken window. The risks are

• Heatstroke. This is the worst-case scenario. It occurs when an animal's internal body temperature rises above the normal range, leading to tissue damage and organ failure. Even on mild days, the temperature inside the car can rise quickly and become too hot for your dog to handle.
• Theft. Many dogs are stolen from unattended cars every year. If thieves see a valuable or cute dog in your car, they may take your dog along with the other items in your car. Your dog may end up being sold, abused or abandoned by the thief.
• Injury. Your dog could be injured by trying to escape the car, getting tangled in the leash or seat belt, chewing on something harmful, or being struck by an airbag or other object in the event of an accident.
• Stress. Your dog may be stressed from being left alone in an unfamiliar place, hearing loud noises outside, seeing other people or animals pass by, or feeling hot or cold in the car. Stress can have a negative impact on your dog's health and behavior.

5. Microchip your dog

Have your dog microchipped and registered. A microchip is a small device that is implanted under your dog's skin and contains a unique identification number. If your dog gets lost and is scanned by a shelter or veterinarian, link your contact information to your dog's microchip number. Your need to consider:

• Types and sizes of microchips. There are different types of microchips, such as ISO-compliant, non-ISO-compliant, encrypted and unencrypted. ISO-compliant microchips are the international standard and can be read by most scanners worldwide. Non-ISO compliant microchips may not be compatible with some scanners and may require a special reader. Encrypted microchips have an additional layer of security that prevents unauthorized access to the data. Unencrypted microchips can be read by anyone with a scanner. The size of the microchip may also vary, from a standard 12 mm to a mini 8 mm.2 The smaller size may be more comfortable for smaller dogs.
• Registry reliability and accessibility. The registry is the database that stores your contact information and your dog's microchip number. You should choose a microchip company that has a reliable and accessible registry that can be easily updated and searched by anyone who finds your dog. You should also check if the registry is connected to any national or international pet retrieval networks. These networks can better help you find your dog's microchip company and contact information.
• Reputation and reviews of microchip companies. You can ask your veterinarian, your local shelter, or your friends and family for their advice on choosing a microchip company with a good reputation and positive reviews from other pet owners and professionals.

6. Wear dog tags with your contact information

Use a dog collar with an ID tag. This is another way to help identify your dog if they get lost. the ID tag should have your name, phone number and any other pertinent information such as medical conditions or allergies.

7. Use a reliable dog GPS tracker

You can also use a GPS tracker on the collar to track your dog's location in real time. However, if you are taking your dog outdoors in the suburbs or in places where cell phone reception is unstable, then care must be taken to.

Tractive and Whistle trackers do have some advantages though, such as global coverage, activity monitoring and health alerts. However, they both rely on cellular networks, which may not work well in rural areas or places with poor signal.

Petfon tracker does not require cellular network, but it has some disadvantages such as poor customer reviews, no updates to the product except for the exterior color, short battery life, and poor waterproof performance to meet the requirements of outdoor activities. It also has limited accuracy compared to other trackers. If you're looking for a more reliable and durable tracker for your dog, you may want to look for other options.

The Aorkuler tracker has some impressive features such as no subscription fees, no reliance on phone calls, real-time tracking, audible and light alarms, and water resistance. It also has a built in screen that shows you the distance and direction of your dog. If you want a simple and effective way to find your dog in the countryside or suburbs, this tracker may be a good choice for you.