Take care of your dog!!!!!Question: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… Answer: Ditto :(... ~Tucker Answer: 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. Answer: 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. Answer: 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. Answer: 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 :( [QUOTE] 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. Answer: 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! Answer: 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. Answer: 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 . Answer: 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. Answer: I know it is very sad and makes you mad!!!! :( :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!!! :) Answer: 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 :mad: 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 :mad: Answer: 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. Answer: 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). Answer: 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. Answer: 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. Answer: double post Answer: 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..... Answer: 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. Answer: 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… :mad: 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. ;) Answer: I've found atleast 10 dogs, all but one had tags on them, and the one that did not have tags was well known by the nieghborhood so I found out where he lived. So, I guess I don't feel quite as frustrated because my area is pretty dog responsible in general. You never see stray dogs roaming unattended in my town and the surrounding areas. IMO, I would feel very very horrible if my dogs had a chance of getting out and weren't wearing ID. Like, I would think about it non-stop. My dogs do not go outside unattended anyway and both have never attempted to run away... but I want to prevent it as much as possible. They're both microchipped and wear ID, a license, and a tag that signifies that they have a microchip on their collars. Of COURSE none of us are perfect dog owners, and accidents can happen, but there are certain easy, simple precautions that everyone can take to try to prevent these accidents. Answer: All my dogs are microchipped. Heaven forbid I loose one! I dont have my dogs wear collars very often. Answer: 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. It's not their responsibility to call. However, I know many people that would think, hey here's a dog with tags I'll give the owner a quick ring. if it didn't have a collar, I know many people that would never go through the trouble. I'm not saying that microchips are useless, they aren't. I think that ideally people should have both a microchip, and ID however, they should NOT be relied on and they should NOT be used instead of a collar. Perhaps it's just my vet, but I've never had a vet scan for a chip during a general checkup. 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 Accidents happen. However, when a dog not wearing a collar gets out, or if a dog left unattended runs away, or heck, even if it escapes through a open car window I don't consider those accidents. They COULD of been prevented very, very easily. Sh!t happens, my dogs could get out somehow however, definitly not as easily as some BECAUSE I am a responsible owner. And yes, I do check collars, train my dogs etc. etc. 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 do feel for your loss, I feel for your missing dog, I feel for the pain you must be going through. Just because I reconize that it perhaps could of been avoided DOES NOT mean I do not feel compassion towards your situation. Answer: 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. That happened to my dog(Cleo, Lab). She'd just been bathed, and didn't have her collar on(I was drying her off on the couch), and someone opened the door (a guy who was helping us add onto our garage) and she got loose.....:( I thought we'd never see her again, but the pound picked her up, and thankfully that was the 1st place we checked before putting up signs for her, and she was there. :) We were so glad to have her back, and after that we made sure the bathroom door was shut and we wouldn't let her out 'til her collar was back on. Answer: 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. I do this for my Yorkies, esspecially when they are in the crate. I NEVER leave their collar on when they're in the crate for fear they will choke. And I almost always have them in the crate if we're not home. Thankfully they never have attempted to escape the yard, and they few times that they have gotten out the door they've come right back, as I've made it a point to teach them 'heel.' Plus, we live out in the country w/ no traffic. The only think I worry about is predators. That's why I never let them out unattended like I did w/ my big dog. I'd let her out, and she'd go potty, and come scratch at the door, these guys are so small though, I'm afraid they'll be going potty, and get swooped up by an owl, or hawk! :yikes: The only reason I really have the collars anyway is for ID if they ever got loose, because I use a harness to walk them because of their delecate necks....(My breeder told me this was neccesary, although I never did it w/ my Silky....I suppose we were unaware of the 'new' precautions). I hope my girls never get out, but if they do, they'll have the whole town lookin for them, and we'll have contacted every Shelter, and vet in the county. lol! :D Answer: Just thought I'd repeat... 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. Answer: Just thought I'd repeat... No one has disputed that! Answer: My dogs wear collars all the time. That doesn't mean that they can't get lost, that people who find them won't disregard the collars, that the collars won't break or slip off. The great thing about a collar is that if a dog is found with a collar and tag, MOST good people will call the number on the tag. Some jerks will ignore it and decide to keep the dog anyway - I know people who have found dogs on the street wearing collars and made no effort at all to find the dog's owner - but most will realize that the dog belongs to somebody and make an effort to reunite the dog with his owner. Answer: The collar and tags is the only thing that got Lilly home after she escaped the house. We were able to get her back quickly, rather then having the search animal control, praying that she hadn't been hurt or stolen. Neither of my dogs are microchipped and we don't plan on doing it, so it is collars and tags for us. I've never had a problem with them grabbing eachothers collars when playing. Lilly is much more likely to get Radar by a leg. Answer: I take Andy's collar off unless he is outside or somewhere public. He has a lot of fur, and the collar really irritates his neck. He only goes without it while he is inside. Answer: I think that if you find a loose dog, it is your responsibility to call any number on the dog's tags, and to take the dog to the local pound, where they can scan for an ID and so the owner can find the dog if they're looking for it. I find it silly to say "oh, well, it's not your responsibility." Is it your responsibility to call the police if you find a new car with the key inside in your driveway, or do you just keep it? Is it your responsibility to call the cops if you find a lost kid in a grocery store, or do you just take Suzy home with you? The only reason people are able to co-exist in close proximity is that we've accepted a degree of responsibility for others. It's called being members of a community. Yeah, people need to be responsible. But when they're not, other people do have a moral responsibility to help even if it means going out of their way Answer: Maya does not wear a collar in the house. She has a tendency to crawl under things (beds, etc) and I do not want her to get caught on something and get hurt. If we are not home she is crated, so she cannot wear the collar in there. When Chris or I have to go outside, Maya is made to sit and stay about 10 feet from the door. She has never moved a muscle when told to do that. However if I know someone else is coming over, or if there is a knock on the door, the collar goes on right away so I can hold on to her. She goes to my parents house and Chris' parents house to run in the backyards. She is always supervised and has her collar on when she does this. The backyards are fenced in, but there is always the possibility she could get out or someone could try to take her. Outside of our home, she always has a collar on. This collar has her rabies tag, a tag with our address, telephone number and the vets number, her homeagain microchip ID tag, and her license tag for the county we live in. LOL if she does get lost with her collar on there should be plenty of options. Although I did just realize that the tag with our address is wrong. We just moved and haven't updated it, so guess what we will be doing today. Chris and I found a dog once in my parents neighborhood. He had a collar on, but no tags. We got a leash from my parents house and walked him through the neighborhood until we found his home. While a collar helps, I think a lot depends on who finds the dog. Someone else might not have bothered to do what Chris and I did. Maya was a little upset with us though, she walked with us and thought she was getting a new playmate to take home LOL. Answer: Well said, Casablanca, well said. Answer: I ONLY put Bodhi's collar on when we go out for a walk. FAR FAR FAR too many cases of dogs getting caught and strangling to death. And I do NOT want that to happen :) Answer: Yup, Tosca has the "collar ring" but I agree it's better to be safe. She's young and on a whim could bolt outside or dig her way out of the yard in her quest to get to China or something. That "go home" command is a good idea. I somehow can't imagine my 6 month puppy "going home" before stopping off to kiss every kid and every other dog she encounters along the way, so I imagine that's a skill you only teach to an adult. She does have a chip, but she came to me with it. Right now, she has so many things on her collar, she sounds like a Christmas elf. Rabies shot, license, VIP insurance tag, Chip tag and "Hi, I'm Tosca . Yikes, I'm lost" tag.They don't seem to bother her though. But I do notice that her neck fur is defnitely indented. Answer: My neighbors beagle dog runs loose all the time with no collar and no tags (are you kidding, like they would actually invest in that). She's a really sweet little dog, but I have been trying to work with Sadie on the leash and it's impossible because they're dog comes over and Sadie gets all excited and won't listen to me. Their dog gets lost all the time, and they don't care. Eventually someone recognizes her and they get her back. She's already had 1 litter and has not been spayed, so I'm sure another litter won't be long in coming. They don't mistreat her, but they are so irresponsible, they shouldn't have any pets. They're cats have moved to my house, literally. They won't go home. So we feed them and I'll worry about winter when it gets here. The humane society does nothing. They are very small and if the dog isn't being mistreated then they don't care. It's a no win situation and unfortunately, the dog is going to be the one to pay the price. She'll end up being hit by a car since we live right off of a major road. Answer: I think that if you find a loose dog, it is your responsibility to call any number on the dog's tags, and to take the dog to the local pound, where they can scan for an ID and so the owner can find the dog if they're looking for it. I find it silly to say "oh, well, it's not your responsibility." Is it your responsibility to call the police if you find a new car with the key inside in your driveway, or do you just keep it? Is it your responsibility to call the cops if you find a lost kid in a grocery store, or do you just take Suzy home with you? Yes, perhaps as a member of the community you have a responsibility to do so. However, does this mean that people will do it? Maybe some, not others. It's a responsibility, not a law. |
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