Animal welfare dogs do not know most things that are normal for us or other dogs and must first get used to all new environmental stimuli. For example, the many new noises and smells. For the dogs, they initially mean an unfamiliar overload of stimuli. This can lead to stressful situations and fear reactions in the dog.

 

In the beginning, you can never judge exactly which situation can throw a dog off the hook and how strong his reaction will be. Even a falling object can unexpectedly cause a sudden panic reaction in even the kindest and most inquisitive dog. A person with a motorcycle helmet or heavy shopping bags, a cyclist, an unexpected ringing, shouting, squeaking, a plastic bag blowing past ...

 

The dog can slip out of its harness or collar far too quickly. In a matter of seconds, like an escape artist, he can free himself and start running.

Even if you quickly establish a trusting bond with the dog and the dog is apparently very much oriented towards you, looking for protection or already responding to calls. One cannot trust that the dog can and will call this up in a situation that is extreme for him! In the first few weeks, when so much is still new for the dog, we humans cannot foresee exactly which situation can be extreme and individual for the dog at one time.

In order to avoid the resulting danger, it is so important to secure the dog twice in the open air. For at least the first 4 weeks after arrival in the new home! Of course, it depends on the dog's behavior whether you use the double safety device for a longer period of time in order to offer the dog security.

double backup?

 

1. Safety harness. Compared to normal harnesses, this has three straps. The first strap is placed around the neck, the second around the chest and the third closes behind the chest. From such harnesses it is much more difficult for the dog to, for example, twist backwards and escape. The leash over which the dog is led is attached to the safety harness.

 

 

2. Retriever leash or a well-fitting, wide collar with an additional leash. The retriever leash is particularly recommended for securing in the beginning and as protection in the event of unexpected panic reactions. It has an integrated collar that can be precisely adapted to the dog's neck size. As soon as there is more tension on the line, it can continue to pull like a noose. This offers the greatest possible protection before the dog escapes in a panic reaction.

 

No go flexi leash

 

A flexi leash can be very useful in some cases. In the case of a dog from animal welfare, however, it is absolutely not appropriate. It is not a sufficient form of security and is unsuitable for both leash training and dog encounters. There is a loud noise when the handpiece falls out of the hand of the adoptant, the dog then runs away or jumps to the side, then the handpiece rattles after the dog, which causes even more panic.

 

With very fearful dogs it happens that they want to flee from a noise, but they are constantly pursued by it and almost driven, because they cannot get rid of the leash and the rattling handpiece on their flight. It is not uncommon for dogs to run completely panicked and headless towards the streets or tracks at such moments and not notice anything around them. The danger of a falling flexi leash in such moments is by no means exaggerated, but must be taken absolutely seriously!

 

 

Does not exist

 

No matter how well behaved, every dog can find himself in a situation in which he goes his own way out of fear or because of his instincts. The chip number helps of course for this, but the animal must first be found. Fortunately, there are now very good GPS tackers that you can put on the dogs. In the event of a runaway, these offer the opportunity to find the dog again as quickly as possible via the app, where otherwise there would be no chance to guess where the dog has gone and where it can be secured again. Especially in the beginning or when the first attempts are made without a leash, they offer very good additional protection.

Not a bad invention when you consider that 100,000 animals are lost in Germany every year.

 

 

Should it actually happen that your dog - however - runs away, please inform immediately

 

Tasso

Police / public order office / fire brigade

Shelters / animal rescue

ranger

Local social media groups

Local radio stations

& US !