Garden access<\/strong>. Is your garden secure? Did you lock the gate? It\u2019s always worth checking. And as before, keep an eye on your dog when they\u2019re outside.
Don\u2019t leave your dog outside shops<\/strong>. Our dogs are so precious and can be taken in a heartbeat. You wouldn\u2019t leave your wallet or handbag unattended, so don\u2019t leave your dog alone.
\u00a0Tinted car windows<\/strong>. A relatively cheap way to keep what\u2019s in your car less visible to prying eyes.
\u00a0Keep your dog \u2018building side\u2019<\/strong>. Where possible, try to keep your dog away from the side of the road when you\u2019re out on a walk. Doing so will make it far more difficult for someone to open a car door, take your dog and drive off.
\u00a0Poor recall\u00a0<\/strong>If your dog has poor recall, \u2018social walks\u2019, on the lead around your local area is fine. Give your dog plenty of opportunities to engage with what\u2019s important to them \u2013 sniffing, looking around etc. – and they\u2019ll feel the benefit. You can further add to their enrichment quota by spending time playing some brain games with them at home.
Safer spaces<\/strong>. Scope out some safer, free-run locations where you\u2019ve got clear sight of your dog. Avoid wooded areas and keep to smaller open spaces where you can see all around you and your dog. You could also research private free run fields where you can book a slot and safely run your dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/alfiedog.me.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/DogsForGood-472-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/a>Assistance dog in training – puppy with lady. Dogs for Good.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"http:\/\/alfiedog.me.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/DogsForGood-582-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/a>Assistance dog with child. Dogs for Good.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Food treats<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
High-value food rewards<\/strong>. Small pieces of chicken, cheese or whatever your dog finds utterly delicious are a good way to ensure that your dog is motivated to come back to you.
Extendable leads<\/strong>. Used correctly, extendable leads are a good halfway house between a lead walk and a free run. Make sure you give your dog ten minutes or so at the start of the walk to interact with their environment by opening up the lead so they can shake off the cobwebs and explore safely. If you do this at the beginning of the walk, they\u2019ll be happier to walk on a shorter lead for the rest of the walk.
Be less predictable<\/strong>. Try altering your route and, where practical, the time you walk your dog.
Walk with someone else<\/strong>. Even with the current restrictions, you can still take a walk with someone else as long as you keep a safe distance apart.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSmile for the camera<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Photos<\/strong>. Make sure you\u2019ve got plenty of recent photos of your dog clearly showing identifiable markings etc.
Microchips<\/strong>. Make sure your dog has been chipped and that you keep any changes to your details updated with the database. Also, because chips can move, it\u2019s a good idea to ask your vet to scan your dog annually to check where the chip is.\u00a0
If the unthinkable happens and your dog is taken, remember, you are not alone. There are plenty of online groups and pages offering help, guidance and support. DogLost is an excellent charity which provides a lost and found service which is free of charge. You should also notify police, dog wardens, vets and local rescue centres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/alfiedog.me.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/DogsForGood-472-scaled.jpg\")
<\/a>