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Lost dog in Calgary

Susquatch

Ultra Member
Administrator
Moderator
Premium Member
Woohoo! I'm thrilled to bits! Especially for your daughter but also for Leon. The memory of my girl disappearing for so long is still very fresh in my memory.
 

Janger

(John)
Administrator
Vendor
He looks a bit sheepish or despondent here back in the car. Yes Leon you’re going back home. No more gallivanting all over. I think he’s had enough and will be glad to go back to regular meals. :)
 

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whydontu

I Tried, It Broke
Premium Member
Poor Leon. Glad he was found and is now safe. He looks like his un-escorted tour of Calgary didn’t work out to be as much fun as he had expected. He need his favorite toys, some liver treats, and a nap on the couch.
 

Janger

(John)
Administrator
Vendor
When he got home he sniffed the whole place up and down, drank some water, and ate a little. Then promptly collapsed in a corner and is sleeping like the dead. I guess he’s home.

The kids are having a pizza and getting their life back together. Very dramatic 2+ weeks. They are visibly relieved and worn out too.
 

Doggggboy

Ultra Member
Thanks Peter! Jessica already has one waiting to be added to the new harness!
Many dogs can get out of a harness as easily as a collar. For walks I would suggest a belt and suspenders approach by using a well fitting harness and a martingale collar that fits correctly. Use a split lead with 2 attachment points, one on the collar, one on the harness. An Air Tag won't help if the harness is still attached to the leash when the dog backs out of it and bolts. A martingale, when properly sized, will tighten enough to stay secure without the same risk of choking the dog by tightening too much that a choker chain presents.
 

Susquatch

Ultra Member
Administrator
Moderator
Premium Member
Hey @Janger, I endorse @Doggggboy's advice. We seem to share experiences somehow. I successfully trained and championed several working dogs in my life and am also licensed as an international field trial judge in several organizations. I fully endorse his advice both earlier and in his last post - it is rock solid.

I would only add that some professionally coached obedience training might also be useful not just during a potential escape but also for the overall well being of the dog's mentality. Just make sure the coach is informed of the dog's history.

Again, I'm thrilled for you guys. So glad he is home and happy!
 

Janger

(John)
Administrator
Vendor
Many dogs can get out of a harness as easily as a collar. For walks I would suggest a belt and suspenders approach by using a well fitting harness and a martingale collar that fits correctly. Use a split lead with 2 attachment points, one on the collar, one on the harness. An Air Tag won't help if the harness is still attached to the leash when the dog backs out of it and bolts. A martingale, when properly sized, will tighten enough to stay secure without the same risk of choking the dog by tightening too much that a choker chain presents.
Thanks we had no idea - I passed that on to the kids.
 

Hruul

Lee - metalworking novice
Glad this all worked out in the end. Was worried it might not when you said the birds were following him after some possible coyote attacks.
 

Doggggboy

Ultra Member
Hey @Janger, I endorse @Doggggboy's advice. We seem to share experiences somehow. I successfully trained and championed several working dogs in my life and am also licensed as an international field trial judge in several organizations. I fully endorse his advice both earlier and in his last post - it is rock solid.

I would only add that some professionally coached obedience training might also be useful not just during a potential escape but also for the overall well being of the dog's mentality. Just make sure the coach is informed of the dog's history.

Again, I'm thrilled for you guys. So glad he is home and happy!
Owning a commercial boarding kennel for the last 20 years gave me the opportunity learn a few things.
"Never kick a fresh turd on a hot day" ,credit to Harry Truman, was only one of them.
And , YES on the trainer. Try to find someone who has proper accreditation through an organization like the CCPDT ( Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers) or the IAABC (International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants).
Sadly there are almost no regulations regarding companion animal care or training which results in lots of people hanging out a shingle and calling themselves a certified trainer. Some of them are probably fine but if you find one who is willing to do anything to hurt your dog, run away. Spray bottles and shock collars or choke chains are not the answer. There are lots of good training techniques that involve building trust with your dog and allowing the dog to say "NO, I don't want to do that. It scares me." Cooperative Care is another good resource, available online. Sure, if you hit your dog with a stick enough times he will probably stop chasing the calves but there are much better ways to do it. You want your dog to trust that that you will not do anything to harm it, and breaking that trust will result in nothing good.
 
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