How to Prevent a Lost Dog: Expert Tips, Wireless Fences, and More
by Carol Bryant
Published on May 29, 2025
A lost dog is every pet parent’s worst nightmare. When you realize your dog is missing, immediate panic and dread set in. Although no one wants to think about their pet being lost, statistics show that one in three pets will go missing in their lifetime.
Fortunately, proper preventative measures could reduce your dog’s chances of becoming a statistic. As a dog mom who has helped 24 lost pups reunite with their frantic pet parents, I can attest to the power of preparation and quick action. The good news is that many lost dog situations are preventable.
In this article, we’ll explore why dogs go missing and how you can prevent it. I’ll also share real-world lessons to help you and your pup stay safe, together, and stress-free.
Whether you are a new pet parent or a long-time dog lover, here are the best ways to prevent a lost dog.
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Why Dogs Go Missing and How to Prevent It
Understanding why dogs go missing is the key to preventing it from happening. Some of the more common reasons include:
- Unsecured gates or doors
- Lack of a wireless dog fence with real-time tracking
- Collar malfunction or pulled on a walk
- Chasing prey like a bunny, squirrel, or bird
- Loud sounds cause the dog to panic and bolt
What often goes unmentioned are other lesser-known, but equally important causes contributing to the lost dog epidemic. Things like:
- Stolen dogs
- Non-neutered dogs who escape their homes, looking to mate
- Dogs who find their way back to their previous home after a move
- Untrained dogs who ignore recall commands or don’t come when called
If any of these risk factors sound familiar, now’s the time to strengthen prevention measures to keep your dog safe and sound.
Expert-Backed Tips to Keep Your Dog from Getting Lost
Is your home secure enough? When did you last check your dog’s leash, collar, or harness? If you have a wireless fence, is it equipped with GPS tracking? Here are tips you can implement right away to keep your dog safe all year long.
Home Setup
Wireless Dog Fence with GPS Technology
Older wireless dog fences often required buried wires and complicated installations that intimidated many pet parents. Fortunately, PetSafe offers its new PetSafe Guardian 2.0 Dog Fence + Tracking. The Guardian 2.0 collar has a lightweight design that is perfect for all dogs and is 50 percent smaller than others on the market. The collar is ideal for suburban and rural homes that have yards bigger than ½ acre, but it is also portable for trips and adventures.
The wireless GPS dog fence can be set up in under an hour by following the prompts on the MyPetSafe app. Create custom boundaries for your dog so you can monitor their location anywhere and anytime. The waterproof dog collar is rechargeable, with a battery life of up to 70 hours.
Gates and Traditional Fencing
If you use traditional fencing to secure your perimeter, regularly inspect it for potential escape routes, dug-up areas, or weak sections. Replace boards and check gate locks so dogs cannot easily get through.
Add door alarms that chime to alert you when an exterior door or gate opens. Consider adding fence extenders if your dog is a jumper or climber. I know of a Jack Russell Terrier who was lost for two weeks after scaling the traditional fence in his backyard. Latches and auto-close hinges on gates prevent them from accidentally opening.
Property Inspection
Indoor Security
In addition to outdoor security, indoor inspection is paramount. Many dogs go missing, especially in fear, to chase prey, or during fireworks, as they bolt through a screen, open window, or unsecured door. Examine screens for holes, loose edges, or bent frames.
Place gates near high-traffic areas, entry points, and garage steps. Limit your dog’s access to doors if you have company coming or during busy or stressful times. Create a safe space for your dog to retreat with their favorite toys, blanket, crate, or bed.
Dog Camera
Thanks to their affordability and functionality, many pet parents enjoy the convenience and peace of mind that an indoor dog camera offers. You can easily monitor what your pet is doing indoors through an app. Depending on the model, you may be able to communicate with video/audio, and even dispense treats.
Train Family Members
We all love our family, and dogs are an integral part of the pack. Remind everyone who lives in or visits your residence not to open doors without knowing where the dog is. Ensure doors are closed securely, and consider installing an outdoor surveillance system, such as a Ring camera, to monitor movements.
Walking/Training
Choose the Right Gear
When outside the confines of your property or the border of your wireless dog fence, a GPS-type collar is a worthy investment. As discussed, PetSafe’s Guardian 2.0 GPS provides real-time tracking, a paid subscription with a one-month trial, and a non-subscription GPS. The non-subscription version is ideal for pet parents who wish to use the fence only at home and not on the go. A strong leash, escape-proof dog harness, and identification (more in a moment) ensure your dog remains by your side when outside.
Dogs can slip out of a loose collar or harness, so check the fit periodically and adjust as needed. Consider an escape-proof harness for dogs prone to pulling.
Train Your Dog
All dogs, whether deaf, blind, young, or older, should know a solid recall command such as “come.” Practice this command indoors before trying it outside. Reward your dog like they just won “Best in Show” as they learn this potentially lifesaving word. This command literally saved my first Cocker Spaniel’s life while on vacation.
She followed me out the front door while retrieving a package. She was excited and ran in glee toward the delivery truck. Though I felt the gray hairs popping out in real time, I yelled, “Brandy, COME!” in a happy tone. And she turned around and ran to me!
Pro Tip: As you practice training a dog, know which dog training mistakes to avoid.
Dog Parks
Off-leash dog parks can be an excellent place for your pooch to sniff, explore, and have fun with other pups. However, it only takes one person and an unsecured gate for tragedy to happen. Know where your dog is, keep a watchful eye, and implement “come” as needed.
Pro Tip: Say your dog’s name happily and positively when they look at you or come to you in a busy environment. Reward them immediately for doing so. This strengthens the attention-and-response loop in a distracting situation, which is when you need your dog to pay attention the most.
Identification
Tags and Microchips
Identification tags are your dog’s first line of safety if they go missing. Tags are visible, do not require a microchip scanner, and immediately tell someone who your dog is and where they belong. Replace worn or old tags, especially if you moved or changed cell numbers.
If your dog’s collar or tags slip off, a microchip is a lifesaver because it stays with your dog for life. A veterinarian, shelter, or anyone with a handheld microchip scanner can pull the information from the microchip to contact you. Be sure to register your chip, and like ID tags, keep contact information current with the tag manufacturer.
GPS Tracker and Fences
GPS collars or tags allow you to track your dog in real time via a smartphone app. They are ideal for dogs who spend time outside off-leash, such as in a backyard with a PetSafe dog fence. Safely containing your dog with PetSafe’s wireless fence while tracking in real time provides the ultimate peace of mind. Keep in mind that while trackers help track your dog, they will not contain your pup within a specific boundary, like the PetSafe Guardian 2.0 Dog Fence + Tracking.
Travel Preparation
Travel Crate or Dog-Friendly Seatbelt
Dogs should never be unsecured in a vehicle. Whether a dog-friendly seatbelt or a crash-tested crate, keep your precious cargo safe while en route. If your dog tends to bolt out of the car at rest stops or upon arrival, clip the leash to their harness before opening the vehicle doors.
Create a Temporary Travel ID Tag
Add a temporary tag to your dog’s collar with the name and address of your vacation hotel, Airbnb, etc. If your dog should go missing, your home address won’t be helpful.
Situations that Raise the Risk of Losing Your Dog
It’s worth discussing the lesser-known dangers that heighten your dog’s chances of becoming a statistic. Some situations put your dog in additional danger of becoming a lost pet. Knowledge is power, so be aware of these threats:
Fireworks and Thunderstorms: The fourth of July is the time of year when most dogs and cats go missing. They bolt in fear and run in fear to try and get away from the sounds.
Traveling/Vacationing: Dogs who bolt, flee, or go missing on vacation may become disoriented. They aren’t in a familiar environment and may not understand how to get “back” to you. A GPS collar, such as the one with the PetSafe system, and a temporary tag can help.
Moving to a New Location: Dogs sometimes try to return to their original location. Some get confused and may try to bolt, so ensure all doors and windows are secure. Never let your dog roam free in a new home, as they may flee.
New Pets or Guests Visiting: Kids or guests may leave a door ajar or not fully close an exit. Make sure all dog safety gates and doors are closed.
Deliveries: Many dogs bark at mail carriers or delivery services. Keep your dogs safe and secure if you expect packages, food, etc.
Off-Leash Dog Parks or Walks: Should someone leave a gate open, or if your dog is tall or agile enough, they may leap over an off-leash dog park fence. On walks, always keep your dog secure. Some dogs get scared or spooked on walks by bikers, motorcycles, or joggers, so be aware of your surroundings. Never text and walk your dog; anytime you are unaware of your surroundings, you or your dog could get hurt.
Dog Thieves Lurking: Dog theft is a growing problem, as purebred, small, and even larger dogs are subject to theft. Unattended pets, even in a parked car, are an easy target for dog thieves. Never leave your dog unattended or unsupervised, even for a short period of time.
Hormones: When female dogs are in heat, unneutered male dogs can sense this from miles away. Intact males are driven to roam as their hormones take over. If your dog is not spayed or neutered, keep them safely secured using a wireless fence from PetSafe with a GPS collar so you know where they are at all times.
What to Do if Your Dog Goes Missing
Have an action plan to find a lost dog if you ever need it. The sooner you begin searching for a lost dog, the better your chances of finding them.
- Have identification, images, current tags, and printable lost dog flyer ready to go, just in case.
- Travel with a backup leash, collar, treats, and a kennel in your vehicle. Not only will this help if your dog goes missing, but it can come in handy if you encounter a lost pet, too. .
- Keep a list of digital and local resources such as animal shelters, emergency vet clinics, rescues, etc.
- Practice a recall command so you can call out for your dog.
- Have a copy of your dog’s microchip number and registration information handy.
Read How to Find a Lost Dog with tips and resources for a happy ending.
Curb Escape Behavior: Fixing the Root Cause
Worrying about your dog going missing won’t prevent it from happening. The best way to avoid a tragedy is to be a dedicated, observant pet parent and follow the above tips.
If your dog is an escape artist, consider a wireless fence from PetSafe to secure your perimeter and ensure all family members and visitors keep doors and gates securely closed.
Bored dogs often seek the appeal of other sights, sounds, and critters. Play with your dog, take walks, follow our tips, and reward yourself for being an awesome pet parent.
