Take care of your dog!!!!!

[RetrieverLove]

I am SO sick of irresponsible people losing their pets. Why is it that SO many dogs that get out never had a collar on! How hard is it to keep a collar on your dog? Yeah sure, it may be uncomfortable etc. etc. however, it’s for your dogs safety! 99% of the people that find dogs have NO clue about microchips and frankly, it’s not their job to drive your pet to the vet and get it scanned. I guess this is just a rant, but I’m reading on various forums about people missing their pets that are currently lost and it’s getting frustrating. For the dogs sake, be responsible! Don’t let your dog out unattended, don’t take your dogs collar off, don’t rely on a microchip, and most importantly, if you can’t do those things DON’T be surprised when you don’t get your dog back. Ugh…

 

[~Tucker&Me~]

Ditto ...

~Tucker

 

[juliefurry]

Good points. I hate when people let their dogs out without an identification. Although there still are many people out there that are responsible and there dogs do have identification and get lost and they are still never returned. So it's not just dogs without identification that are not getting returned.

 

[RetrieverLove]

Good points. I hate when people let their dogs out without an identification. Although there still are many people out there that are responsible and there dogs do have identification and get lost and they are still never returned. So it's not just dogs without identification that are not getting returned.

Yes, that is very true. Accidents happen. However, i've rescued three dogs before that stayed with me for weeks at a time when they could of been returned in a matter of an hour if owners kept ID on them. (These ones didn't even have a chip). Let me tell you, posting signs in all near by neighbourhoods is a very slow way to track down an owner.

 

[Toller_08]

I totally agree with everything you just said, however I do sometimes take Tango's collar off. Not often, but I do like to give her neck a bit of a break and I only ever do it at bed time and put it right back on in the morning before we leave my room. There are those times though where people who normally have their dog's collar on 24/7 take it off for whatever reason (brushing, swimming, bath, collar change, etc.) without thinking anything of it and the dog leaves unexpectedly...I do feel awful for those people because they are responsible owners who just happened to take their dog's collar off at the wrong time. I hate it when people use microchips as an exchange for collars...chips never, ever guarantee your dog is going to come home. Most people don't even know about them. Plus, a lot of times people will see a collarless dog and think it must be a stray whereas if that same dog had a collar on, they'd willingly take it home because they know it has a family out there somewhere. Then there are those who leave collars off for safety reasons (ex: multiple dog homes might have an issue with one grabbing the other's collar), I've never had a problem with that though (as pups my dogs learned that grabbing the other's collar was bad - it was something I would not tolerate). I'm not saying that Tango won't ever grab Morgan's collar but she hasn't tried grabbing any dog's collar since she was really young. All of that being said, I firmly believe that a dog should have it's collar on at all times unless you prefer to take it off at bed time when you now they have no chances of escaping. The collar thing is the one and only thing keeping me from ever having a show dog, because they apparently can't wear collars all the time since they'll develop a ring around the neck. I for one would rather have "collar fur" than have my dog not wear a collar. Safety is more important than appearance to me...and this doesn't just go for show dogs, but there are pet owners out there also who won't keep a collar on their dog because of this. This is all just my opinion of course.

 

[RetrieverLove]

Plus, a lot of times people will see a collarless dog and think it must be a stray whereas if that same dog had a collar on, they'd willingly take it home because they know it has a family out there somewhere QUOTE]


That's a good point. I'm sure many dogs get kept by whomever finds them because of that. Sad

Then there are those who leave collars off for safety reasons (ex: multiple dog homes might have an issue with one grabbing the other's collar), I've never had a problem with that though (as pups my dogs learned that grabbing the other's collar was bad - it was something I would not tolerate). I'm not saying that Tango won't ever grab Morgan's collar but she hasn't tried grabbing any dog's collar since she was really young.

That bothers me too. Training should be enforced so it is no longer as safety hazard with other dogs.

The collar thing is the one and only thing keeping me from ever having a show dog, because they apparently can't wear collars all the time since they'll develop a ring around the neck. I for one would rather have "collar fur" than have my dog not wear a collar. Safety is more important than appearance to me...and this doesn't just go for show dogs, but there are pet owners out there also who won't keep a collar on their dog because of this. This is all just my opinion of course.

That's really interesting. I never thought about that. Surely some collar wont leave marks. Maybe even a choker collar? Although I don't believe those should be left on all the time anway.

 

[moxiegrl]

I get paranoid when I take Katies collar off even to brush her/bathe her,etc. I get this feeling in the pit of my stomach like she "needs" her collar. It doesnt bother her in the least, and it has my address and phone # so IF something ever happened I'd better get her back!

 

[Southpaw]

I'll admit the only time Molly wears a collar is when I take her for a walk or we're at the vet. She's trained enough that she can be trusted outside, though.

Lucy on the other hand, NEEDS to wear a collar outside, because she's known to just randomly run after things. First of all if she does start running, it gives me something to try and grab. But if I were to for some reason not see her run, or I couldn't catch her...I'm 95% sure the people in my neighborhood would call us if they found her.

Having a collar on w/ tags really could be the factor that determines whether or not someone returns your dog to you...a few months ago we were outside and a golden retriever was walking around, it had a collar on though so we were able to call the owners. If that dog hadn't had a collar on though...we probably wouldn't have done anything.

 

[bubbatd]

My " visitor " a few months ago had a collar on but no tags . I had her for days then finally took her to be chip checked ...yup she had one . I doubt is 80% of people even know about chips ! My dogs always got " undressed " at night and " dressed" in the morning, Ollie's the first dog I've had that is crated at times when I go out .... off comes the collar . I boardered 2 Goldens years ago and they never had tags ... I put some old ones of mine them . One time I got a phone call asking if I was missing 2 dogs .......... I did my head count and all four were home. It was the " girls " ! They always went through windows when there were storms. Called the owner and he went and got them .

 

[SummerRiot]

Ahh yet another good post worth a read

I definately hate seeing loose dogs wondering around - ESPECIALLY when i'm walking Riot with me..

Riot isn't microchipped - i'm not sure if I'm going to get him chipped either. I have spoken with a few people tha thave their pets done and I need to speak with a few more "show people" about their dogs etc.

Riot is tattooed in his ear already - I know they can be altered though.

Riot knows the command "Go home" though. i have been training this to him on every walk we go on. When we are about a block from our house and no one is out I drop his leash and tell him to "go home" - he'll dart towards home - hes never out of my sight. When hes on a "command" he doesn't stop for much else. When he gets home he'll sit and wait on the front porch.

It also helps that he has been traing in S&R - he can "track" his way home as well from familiar smells.

 

[Lizmo]

I know it is very sad and makes you mad!!!!

That's really good Jenn!!!! That would be really cool to teach Lizzie that and see her do it!!!! I am teaching her "find it" and she is doing really good with it!!!

Lizzie is not microchipped and she is probably not going to be put she has a rabbies tag on her collar with the vet # on it, and one that has my name her name and my address and phone number on it. But right now she has no tags on b/c she some how "lost" them and I have to get her new ones!!!

 

[jess2416]

I am SO sick of irresponsible people losing their pets. Why is it that SO many dogs that get out never had a collar on! How hard is it to keep a collar on your dog? Yeah sure, it may be uncomfortable etc. etc. however, it’s for your dogs safety! 99% of the people that find dogs have NO clue about microchips and frankly, it’s not their job to drive your pet to the vet and get it scanned. I guess this is just a rant, but I’m reading on various forums about people missing their pets that are currently lost and it’s getting frustrating. For the dogs sake, be responsible! Don’t let your dog out unattended, don’t take your dogs collar off, don’t rely on a microchip, and most importantly, if you can’t do those things DON’T be surprised when you don’t get your dog back. Ugh…

How do you think it feels to be a person that has lost one dont you think they are beating theirselves up enough without have people tell them over and over "you should have did this and you should have did that"..."and your so irresponsible and blahh blahh blahh"...Especially the ones that try to be responsible, how do you think they feel

 

[sparks19]

I take Teddy's collar off at night time and when he is home alone. I am sorry but I will not come home to find that he has gotten caught on something and choked to death.

However, He can't get out of the house without us opening the door and if he does get out he doesn't go anywhere except the back yard to his pool. he doesn't want to be far away from us or from his house. He always has his collar on when outside. We don't have him chpped but we have his name and our phone number and address on a tag on his collar.

It is unfortunate that so many doggs get out but sometimes accidents happen. people who willingly let their dog offleash without some kind of identification and without proper training are the irresponsible ones.

 

[LabBreeder]

Tira and Gunner both have a Heart Guard Lost and Found tag, a rabies tag and a tag with their name, addy and phone number on it. I hope that with 3 different tags, all of which lead to (or already have) our info. on them, they could find their way home (if found by an honest person).

 

[Zoom]

I will take collars off if the dogs are inside, since they do wrestle most of the time they're awake and it's rather vigerous. But the first thing in the morning, the collars go right back on.

I'm probably going to get Sawyer chipped the next time the shelter has a clinic. When I was volunteering for a spay/neuter clinic, some people brought in random strays, and one of the first thing the staff did was scan for a chip.

But none of that helps, even the collars, if your dog was *taken* and didn't just wander off. And then there are some people who ignore collars anyway and just keep the pets they find regardless.

 

[RetrieverLove]

How do you think it feels to be a person that has lost one dont you think they are beating theirselves up enough without have people tell them over and over "you should have did this and you should have did that"..."and your so irresponsible and blahh blahh blahh"...Especially the ones that try to be responsible, how do you think they feel

I have to admit, I don't really know how you feel. I know you're upset, however I truly can't comprehend why your pup was not wearing a collar. I feel terrible for your loss, I really do. However, at the same time I'm upset that it happened. Wasn't he left alone in the yard as well? I'm sorry, it was not my intentions to bring up a touchy subject but these are my thoughts on your situation.

 

[jess2416]

double post

 

[jess2416]

I have to admit, I don't really know how you feel. I know you're upset, however I truly can't comprehend why your pup was not wearing a collar. I feel terrible for your loss, I really do. However, at the same time I'm upset that it happened. Wasn't he left alone in the yard as well? I'm sorry, it was not my intentions to bring up a touchy subject but these are my thoughts on your situation.

Actually he was wearing a collar......and yes he was in the yard with my other dog Chloe....and yes that was my fault *I* am a big enough person to say that it was my fault , so there is no need for you to feel sorry for my loss, when obviously that is not how you feel...

I am SO sick of irresponsible people losing their pets. Why is it that SO many dogs that get out never had a collar on! How hard is it to keep a collar on your dog? Yeah sure, it may be uncomfortable etc. etc. however, it’s for your dogs safety! 99% of the people that find dogs have NO clue about microchips and frankly, it’s not their job to drive your pet to the vet and get it scanned. I guess this is just a rant, but I’m reading on various forums about people missing their pets that are currently lost and it’s getting frustrating. For the dogs sake, be responsible! Don’t let your dog out unattended, don’t take your dogs collar off, don’t rely on a microchip, and most importantly, if you can’t do those things DON’T be surprised when you don’t get your dog back. Ugh…

I'm done.....

 

[Babyblue5290]

I am SO sick of irresponsible people losing their pets. Why is it that SO many dogs that get out never had a collar on! How hard is it to keep a collar on your dog? Yeah sure, it may be uncomfortable etc. etc. however, it’s for your dogs safety! 99% of the people that find dogs have NO clue about microchips and frankly, it’s not their job to drive your pet to the vet and get it scanned. I guess this is just a rant, but I’m reading on various forums about people missing their pets that are currently lost and it’s getting frustrating. For the dogs sake, be responsible! Don’t let your dog out unattended, don’t take your dogs collar off, don’t rely on a microchip, and most importantly, if you can’t do those things DON’T be surprised when you don’t get your dog back. Ugh…

Both Lucas and Sargent where wearing a collar when they got out (they only got out due to a roomate leaving the window open) but Lucas came back without his collar and Sargent hasn't come back at all. I take Lucas' collar off when I'm home with him inside and at night. I'm not going to take the chance he get's it caught on something and chokes to death.

As for people who find dog's not having the responsability to take the dog to the vet to be scanned well....it isn't their responsability. But it's the same as saying "If they find your dog wearing a collar with your number on a tag it's not their responsability to call you informing you they had found your dog." It may not be their responsability but it sure would be nice if they called you before just keeping it wouldn't it? Plus with the microchip if they are going to keep it they have to take it to the vet's some time, hopefully! At least then they couldn't just take the tag off and say "he's mine" and you not ever find out. The microchip at least gives you a slight chance if the vet scans and calls. A collar can EASILY be take off and you need more work to take out a microchip.

 

[Buddy'sParents]

I am SO sick of irresponsible people losing their pets. Why is it that SO many dogs that get out never had a collar on! How hard is it to keep a collar on your dog? Yeah sure, it may be uncomfortable etc. etc. however, it’s for your dogs safety! 99% of the people that find dogs have NO clue about microchips and frankly, it’s not their job to drive your pet to the vet and get it scanned. I guess this is just a rant, but I’m reading on various forums about people missing their pets that are currently lost and it’s getting frustrating. For the dogs sake, be responsible! Don’t let your dog out unattended, don’t take your dogs collar off, don’t rely on a microchip, and most importantly, if you can’t do those things DON’T be surprised when you don’t get your dog back. Ugh…

If you* do have the unfortunate experience, I sure hope that a kind, sympathetic, compassionate soul is the one to find your dog and give you a call or take your dog to the vet/shelter to be scanned because the world is full of sick, twisted, angry people today who steal, torture, kill animals for the hell of it these days.

But, I forget... something like that wouldn't happen to you. Because you a responsible owner. You keep your dogs collars on at all times, you've made sure that the collars are in perfect condition, no tears, weaknesses. You also make sure that the tags are in perfect condition and your dog is so perfectly trained; no running off, perfect recall and certainly no walking up to strangers for a pet or two.

My point is?... you find yourself asking. Even the MOST responsible owners have bad things happen to their pets. You take all the precautions and do all that is necessary to ensure your pets safety, but in the end, it is NOT guaranteed. Why? Because there are sick, twisted and angry people in this world today and nobody is safe from them, not even your beloved pets!


* general terms, not aimed at anyone in specific, just taking a point and running with it.