GTPD Provides Tips On Keeping Your Dog From Running Away

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — Gloucester Township police began posting about missing dogs on social media in 2016. Since then, they have found numerous missing animals.

“Some were returned to their owners, and many were taken to the shelter and claimed,” police said. “There were several others who Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center found new homes for.”

They reminded residents that when a dog runs away, they could get hit by a car, attacked by a wild animal, or placed in a shelter. Here are some of the reasons dogs run away and how you can prevent it:

1. Something Scares Your Dog- such as fireworks or thunderstorms.
Tip: Leave Television or radio on along with distracting your dog with a chew toy or a game of fetch

2. Your Dog is Lonely or Bored-
Tip: Set aside time for daily walks, and make sure to provide him/her with plenty of attention

3. Something Excites Your Dog- Such as a squirrel or a rabbit
Tip: You need to work with your pup until they learn that it’s not okay to run after something just because they can. If you know that something specific incites excitement in your dog, you can use that object in your training.

4. It’s Easy to Escape
Tip: Take a look at your property and fix any known issues that provide your pooch with an easy escape route. Fence easy to dig under? Line the edges with paving stones or bury chicken wire that he can’t dig through. Have a dog that bolts out the front door? Put him on a leash or close him in another room before you open it.