What You Can Do Now to Make a Search for a Missing Dog Easier
Losing a dog is a difficult, frustrating, and emotional time. There are, however, several things you can do before a pet goes missing, that will make searching, and ultimately finding, your lost pet easier and more efficient.
Be sure to keep a collar on your dog with a current rabies tag, pet license tag, and your most current phone number. Having an up-to-date collar will greatly increase your chances of being reunited with your dog.
Be sure to take photos that show your dog's entire body, not just his face, so he will be unmistakable on a flier.
Because collars and ID tags can be pulled off or come loose when your dog is missing, it is important to use some sort of permanent identification. Microchip implants provide a permanent and reliable means of identifying lost pets. Most shelters and rescue societies scan pets as soon as they find them to check for any I.D. implants.
Spiteful behavior in dogs
As with beauty, "undesirable behavior" is in the eye of the beholder. To the dog, it is perfectly wonderful to dig, bark, chase after other dogs, etc. While it is possible to control these behaviors, you must also understand the dog isn't doing them spitefully. The dog hasn't a clue it's not to do these things-your job is to train them.
When dogs take part in unacceptable (to humans) behavior, it is best to try to understand the source of this behavior. Often, it stems from the frustration of being left alone. Dogs are very social animals. One positive solution is to make sure the dog is properly exercised. Exercise is a wonderful cure to many behavioral. Check with a vet for the proper amount of exercise for both the age and breed of any dog.
