Lost Dogs: A Trainer’s Guide to Keeping Your Best Friend Safe

Every week, I see posts online: 'Lost dog! Please help us find Fido!' Thankfully, our community often pulls together for quick reunions, but not every story ends well. As a dog trainer, I know how preventable most of these situations are with a little training and smart management.

Of course, some dogs are particularly skilled at escaping (I’m looking at you, Huskies), but the truth is that most dogs don’t just disappear out of nowhere. There’s a lot we can do to prevent it from happening.

Why “Invisible Fences” Aren’t the Answer

If you’ve considered using an “invisible fence,” then buyer beware. These systems are marketed as safe, effective, and as giving dogs “freedom”, but in reality, they’re deeply flawed.

• Dogs can (and do) run right through the shock zone, especially when chasing a squirrel, reacting to a loud noise, or seeing another dog.

• Once outside, many dogs are too scared to return, anticipating another shock.

• We routinely see dogs in shelters still wearing their invisible fence collars. These systems fail more often than their marketing admits.

Don’t be fooled by the language. 'Stim', 'Static correction', and 'E-collar' all mean the same thing: electric shock. If it’s strong enough to stop a dog, it’s strong enough to hurt. And when dogs get shocked while approaching a bike, another dog, or a person, they can develop fear or aggression toward those things.  A significant portion of my case load are reactive dogs who’ve associated well-intentioned aversive measures with seeing other dogs.

Bottom line: The best “fence” is a real, physical fence.

Yard Time Isn’t Always the Dream

A fenced yard is a fantastic resource but most dogs don’t self-exercise. Once they’ve sniffed the perimeter they’re often bored, and bored dogs may start digging, climbing, or chewing patio furniture. Supervision and engagement are key.

Don’t Let the Door Be a Danger Zone

“Door dashing” is one of the most common ways dogs get loose. The good news? It’s easy to prevent:

• Train a “wait” cue at the door (I can help with that!)

• Use a baby gate or an exercise pen to create an “airlock” around the door.  Especially useful when you're preparing for a walk or collecting a package.

The Power of a Rock-Solid Recall

One of the most valuable skills you can teach your dog is a reliable recall. A cue that means “come to me,” no matter what distractions are around.

Training this takes time, consistency, and some truly exciting rewards, but once you’ve got it, it can be life-saving. Knowing your dog wants to come back to you is a great feeling.

Enrichment Matters

A well-exercised, mentally enriched dog is far less likely to go looking for their own fun.

Some simple enrichment ideas:

• Doggy playdates (for dogs that enjoy it)

• Fetch games

• Short training sessions and food puzzle toys

• ‘Sniffari’ walks

If you're not sure how to keep your dog busy, we can create a custom enrichment plan.

Need Help? I’ve Got You.

If your dog:

• Bolts out the door at every opportunity

• Doesn’t come when called

• Escapes the yard or seems constantly bored

…then let’s fix that before it becomes a lost dog post. I offer dog training packages to help you teach essential cues like wait and recall, provide personalized enrichment strategies, and set up safe, practical management systems for your home and yard.

Let’s keep more dogs home safe, where they belong.

Tails Dog Training www.tailsdogtraining.com